Power type Steam Serial number 9380 Configuration 2-8-4 | Builder Lima Locomotive Works Build date May 13, 1949 UIC class 1'D2'h | |
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Nickel Plate Road 779 is a 2-8-4 or "Berkshire" type steam locomotive built for the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad in May 1949, for use on fast freight trains. It was the last new steam locomotive to be delivered to the Nickel Plate Road, and it is the last steam locomotive ever manufactured by Lima Locomotive Works.
Contents
History
779 was delivered to the Nickel Plate in 1949 to pull fast freights. She logged 677,095 miles ran. 779 was retired in early 1958.
In May 1963, it was donated to the City of Lima, Ohio and placed on display in Lincoln Park, where it remains to date.
Fun Fact
No. 779 could've not been the final engine to be built for Lima. 779 was in the shops being finished alongside L&N #1991. 1991 was set to be the last locomotive built by Lima for the L&N. But as 779 was being put together by the assembly gang it was discovered that she was missing a main rod. L&N 1991 was finished and handed over to the L&N while 779 sat waiting for the rod be found. Eventually a bloom of alloy steel was found and the main rod was made from it. Finally she was built and delivered to the Nickel Plate.