That thing is absolutely beautiful!

Hat’s off to everyone involved.

Looks great!  Job well done! 

I can't believe that SD9 looks so good!

Stunning to see this paint scheme so well done.  For folks of my generation, Nickel Plate was a railroad that just naturally had our affection, both for its well-maintained steam and diesel power, as well as its reputation for getting out on the main track and running.

The 358 would look good pulling maybe 40 empty 40 foot boxcars in Run-8 at perhaps 30-40 MPH with that Mars oscillating headlight wig-wagging.  I worked with an ex-Nickel Plate Wheeling & Lake Erie District railroader who told me they'd send 2 SD9s out with 100 empties and no stretch braking through the sags.  The Engineer did not set the air brakes with the 6-BL brake valve, unless he intended to come to a full stop.

The 358 needs some minor electrical work done in order to be fully operational. The prime mover (the V-16, 9,072 cubic inch diesel engine) has been started and it runs well. There was very little smoke upon initial startup, which is a good sign that the internals are in good shape. The main and aux generators are also OK.

Most of the trains the FWRHS runs on the Indiana Northeastern are "Pull - Pull" trains, with a locomotive on each end. The plan is that by later this summer, NKP 765 will be on one end of the trains, and NKP 358 on the other. That will be a sight!