#765 (#767) front end

fisch330 posted:

Question for Rich or other Ft Wayne member:  Did the #765 arrive on the NKP with the twin sealed beam headlights when it was new?

No. However, there are photos of NKP 700s with the twin sealed beam headlight bulbs, beginning in the early 1950s. Thus, now that 765/767 is "up-dated" to the early thru mid 1950s with the added Mars Light, the twin sealed beam headlight is CORRECT for that era.

 If so, it's imperative that the engine stays that way, but is it possible that it came with a single bulb and reflector headlight?  I think that the engine would look more "traditional" with the older style headlight but that's just me.  I love the old girl anyway!

In reality, what it all comes down to is,,,,,,,,BETTER VISIBILITY at night, for the cab crew! Thus, the twin sealed beam headlight will NOT be going away any time soon.

Next, when the "#767" gets returned to #765. will the Mars light stay on her?

According to information reportedly posted on their site, yes the Mars light will stay mounted.

 I've kind of grown used to seeing her that way.

Paul Fischer

I do not understand what is meant by, "When the 767 get returned to the 765." Please explain this.

Whoops! I found the answer all by myself:

On Friday, the railroad historical society also announced a major cosmetic change to the 765. In a move to honor its unique history and the reason for its preservation, the 1944-built locomotive will be temporarily renumbered “767” – the same number it wore while on display in Lawton Park from 1963 to 1974. “767” was chosen to reflect the locomotive originally used to open the railroad elevation at the conclusion of the Elevate the Nickel Plate Campaign. Prior to donation, the Nickel Plate Road discretely changed the number on the engine because the original 767 had fallen into significant disrepair.

 The real 767 was scrapped.

Bobby Ogage posted:

I do not understand what is meant by, "When the 767 get returned to the 765." Please explain this.

OK, reading and comprehension is VERY important here:

1) Currently the REAL 765 has been temporarily re-numbered to "767", and the Mars Signal light has been returned to her front smokebox (thus reflecting the NKP early through late 1950s appearances).

2) At the conclusion of the 2016 operating season, the temporary "767" numbers will be removed, and the REAL 765 numbering will be returned. The Mars Signal light will be retained. 

Bobby Ogage posted:

 The real 767 was scrapped.

And it went to scrap lettered as 765, which makes for a very surreal photo.