It is the largest modern NYC steam locomotive still in existence and is one of two surviving New York Central Mohawks; the other, No.

In October 2024, it was announced that the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) had acquired No.

Between 1916 and 1930, the New York Central Railroad (NYC) ordered 4-8-2 L-1 and L-2 steam locomotives, replacing the 4-6-2 Pacifics for use on fast mainline freight trains.

[4][5] By the late 1930s, the Mohawks were limited to run at 60 mph (97 km/h) due to their instability at higher speeds.

2995 and 2998 with lightweight side rods, cast engine beds, and improved counterbalancing to run smoothly at 80 mph (129 km/h).

[4][9] By the early 1940s, Keifer designed 50 L-3 Mohawks, which were NYC's first modern dual-service steam locomotives.

3000-3024, were built by American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York, between October and December 1940.

[1][2] Both locomotive classes produced 60,100 lbf (267.34 kN) of tractive effort and a maximum drawbar of 4,120 hp (3,070 kW), while running at 58 mph (93 km/h).

[2] The L-3a locomotives were equipped with a cast-steel pilot, two air pump shields, and a vertically retractable coupler, giving them a close resemblance to the NYC J class 4-6-4 Hudsons.

[2][10][a] The L-3b and L-3c locomotives had a front footboard-style pilot and were destined to pull freight trains.

[2][14] After the war ended, the locomotive and the other L-3s ran on the mountainous Boston & Albany (B&A) subsidiary, replacing the B&A J-2 Hudsons on pulling the Lake Shore Limited,[15] New England States,[16] and New England Wolverine[17] passenger trains between Boston, Massachusetts and Albany, New York.

3001 and the L-3s were reassigned to the Big Four region, where they hauled both passenger and freight trains to and from Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; and St. Louis, Missouri.

909, to the local Southwest Historical Society, who put it on display at their Age of Steam Railroad Museum.

[35][36] Sometime during its display period in Dallas, the locomotive was borrowed by a power plant for use as a stationary steam generator.

In 1976, Robert G. Spaugh, founding member of the Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation, discovered the disposition of No.

3001 locomotive was left on display at the National New York Central Railroad Museum, but it was considered as a restoration candidate for years.

[42] However, then Conrail CEO Richard Sanborn who spearheaded the proposed program passed away in 1989 and the plans did not proceed.

During late August 2023, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) secretly entered negotiations with the City of Elkhart government to potentially purchase No.

[31][49] FMW Solutions was tasked to inspect the locomotive for restoration eligibility with financial support from former Norfolk Southern (NS) CEO Wick Moorman.