Following a few short years in this role, the railroad officially retired the locomotive in 1963 and offered it to the city of Fort Wayne, IN as a static monument.
[2] In 1973, the new group worked out a deal with the city of Fort Wayne to acquire the locomotive in Lawton Park under a 25-year lease.
Source:[12] Railroads commonly relied on drag freights with engines that could pull heavy tonnage, but at low speeds.
The Berkshire class of locomotives was not the heaviest, fastest, or most powerful, but was a popular all-around type intended for fast freight service.
The restoration site lacked conventional shop facilities and protection from the elements, but on September 1, 1979 the 765 made its first move under its own power.
In spring of 1980, 765 underwent a series of break-in runs followed by its first public excursion, making 765 the first mainline steam locomotive to be restored and operated by an all volunteer non-profit organization.
Typical passenger trains carry anywhere from 600-1,000 people at a time with tickets for many trips selling out in 24 hours.
Press reports indicate the continuous presence of large crowds of "locals and out of towners"[25] and on 765's ability to boost tourism in the towns that it travels through.
The shop is open to the public and houses a variety of other railroad equipment including vintage steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, and more.
From 2012 to 2015, the FWRHS worked alongside the Norfolk Southern Railroad as a part of the 21st Century Steam Program.
In this program, the 765, along with other historic steam locomotives in the Eastern United States, operated excursion trains for tourists and company employees & VIP's over the railroad's trackage.
The project, originally known as Headwaters Junction, was in the planning phase, but if approved could have boosted the popularity and recognition of the FWRHS by making it a prominent attraction in the city.
[30] The Society shifted their focus to moving their original Headwaters Junction project to north east Indiana.