The historic Nickel Plate Road locomotive No. 426 hopes to get a new life with the launch of a campaign by the Nickel Plate Express to restore the iconic locomotive.
The fundraising campaign, dubbed Full Throttle, aims to bring the 1953 diesel locomotive back to service in time to support the nonprofit’s Reindeer Ride Express. The popular Reindeer Ride departs from Noblesville’s Forest Park this holiday season.
The 66-year-old diesel locomotive originally served the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad in Frankfort before eventually arriving in Noblesville in 2001 after retiring from freight service. The locomotive boasts its original Nickel Plate Road number and paint scheme.
Noblesville business Noble Coffee and Tea Company is at the forefront of fundraising efforts. The popular coffee shop will roast and sell a special Full Throttle coffee blend to celebrate and support the locomotive’s return. A medium roast with notes of caramel, peanut and chocolate, Full Throttle is available for purchase at Noble Coffee and Tea on the Noblesville square. The company will donate 25 percent of Full Throttle coffee sales to the 426 restoration campaign.
Noble Coffee and Tea co-owner Robyn Littler is particularly excited about this collaboration, as some of her favorite childhood memories involve Nickel Plate train rides with her grandparents, Billy and Lois Poff.
“As supporters of a number of community-minded causes, Noble Coffee & Tea is thrilled to be roasting and retailing the Nickel Plate Full Throttle blend,” said Littler. Cafes or restaurants interested in brewing Full Throttle should contact Littler at robyn@noblecoffeeandtea.com.
The 426 is owned by the City of Noblesville and will be leased to Nickel Plate Express after restoration is complete. The locomotive requires approximately $12,000 worth of new parts and maintenance to return to service on the former Nickel Plate Railroad that runs from Noblesville to Atlanta.
“The City of Noblesville is excited to be part of the effort to help restore the 426 locomotive to its ‘full throttle’ glory,” said Mayor John Ditslear. “We look forward to this new campaign by the Nickel Plate Express in partnership with Noble Coffee so citizens can once again hear the historic 426 rumbling through Forest Park.”
“Having an operable and original Nickel Plate Road locomotive will be an incredible asset for Hamilton County to have once again,” said Dagny Zupin, director of Nickel Plate Express. “We’re thankful to Noble Coffee and Tea for their commitment to leading the way in this preservation effort. The restoration marks an important milestone in the City of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks Department’s efforts to give historic rail equipment a second chance.”
To support the 426 restoration fund with a tax-deductible contribution, visit NickelPlateExpress.com/426 or purchase Full Throttle coffee at Noble Coffee and Tea. Donors at all levels will receive a certificate of contribution to the project, with other donors receiving an NPX T-shirt and certificate – a great Christmas gift for the passionate train fan.
For more information on the project, or to join the restoration movement, email info@nickelplateexpress.net.
About Nickel Plate Express
Nickel Plate Express is managed by nonprofit Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Inc. The organization provides themed, year-round train excursions in northern Hamilton County. Nickel Plate Express seeks to educate and entertain all ages through moving historical experiences.
Perhaps the city of Noblesville should not have allowed the engine to freeze last winter, which is why it now requires work. Why should we citizens have to foot the bill for the towns incompetence?