765, A Twenty-First Century Survivor: A little history and some great stories from Rich Melvin, the 765's engineer.

765, A Twenty-First Century Survivor: A little history and some great stories from Rich Melvin, the 765's engineer.

Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 is one of the most active steam locomotives running today. Capable of speeds up to 80 mph and developing 4,500 horsepower, this 404-ton monster is an impressive machine! Owned by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, the 765 has pulled special excursion trains all over the eastern United States. Beginning back in 1980, she has today provided over 300,000 people with the unique experience of riding behind a steam-powered passenger train. The 765 pulled the famous "New River Trains" through the New River Gorge for many years. At thirty-four cars, these were the longest and heaviest passenger trains ever pulled by a steam locomotive. The 765 has also run around the world-famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania. Rich Melvin tells the story of the first steam locomotive on the curve in thirty-five years, as he ran the locomotive up the grade and around the curve with the CEO of the railroad on board! This book tells about the 765's twenty-first century overhaul back to like-new specs, and also contains many stories from Rich's years on the 765's crew. There are over 200 photos in this book, many never before published. Author Rich Melvin served as the 765's Operations Manager and Engineer for thirty-four years. In this book Rich tells some great stories and shares a few personal thoughts from his long career as NKP 765's engineer. Received mine today, it is absolutely incredible. The last chapter with his grandsons brought tears to my eyes. This is exactly what I needed during these crazy times. Brad F. I received my copy just a few days ago, and the book is FANTASTIC! ... Additionally, the photos are wonderful, and I got a good chuckle at the chapter, "Step into my office, please." Patrick D A GREAT read. I highly recommend it...It was like Rich was sitting there telling me the stories in person. The photography alone is worth the price of the book. Tom D. You're a good story teller for sure and I'd highly recommend the book to anyone... Derek M. Very nicely done Rich! I thoroughly enjoyed each story from over the years... Mike M. The information, stories and photos are amazing. I love the book! Richard T. I ordered the hard back version and enjoyed every story in it! - D.F. Just received my copy today. Can hardly put it down. AMAZING! - T.T. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your book. It's a delightful piece of story telling and history. E. L. Rich Melvin began his railroading career in 1966, on the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad. He worked out of the P&LE's Gateway Yard in Struthers, Ohio for several years before being laid off due to a slow-down in business. In 1968 Rich enlisted in the Army. While in the Army, he worked in television studios at West Point and at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Rich was honorably discharged in 1972. In 1978 Rich formed Hopewell Productions, a video production company which produced many steam train videos in the 80s and 90s, including several about the 765. Rich joined the 765 crew during the winter of 1982-83. In 1985 Rich took over the Operations Manager's position with the 765 crew. In that position he worked with various host railroads to plan every move the 765 made between 1985 and 2016. In 1996 Rich went to work for the Ohio Central Railroad. He was assigned as an engineer on their Youngstown (Ohio) Division. In 2004 Rich was promoted to Superintendent of Operations of the Youngstown Division. He held that position through 2008 when he resigned from the railroad to pursue other interests. Rich was also a commercial pilot, flying aircraft for several different corporate clients over the years, including the Ohio Central Railroad. His last assignment was flying a King Air 350 for its owner until April 28, 2019, when he flew his last flight and retired from flying. Rich made his last run as engineer on the 765 on September 25, 2016. With 18 members of his family on board the train and his two grandsons in the 765's cab with him, Rich ran his final trip on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Cleveland, Ohio. Rich's grandsons Matthew and Nathaniel had their hands on the whistle along with Rich for a last, long whistle blast which marked the end of Rich's 50-year railroad career and his time on the 765 crew. Rich and his wife Linda will celebrate 52 years together in 2020. They live in Hilliard, Ohio and enjoy traveling the country in their motor home.