Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation was established in 1998 as an all-volunteer non-profit charitable corporation for preserving, promoting, and educating railroad history in Northwest Ohio. NWORRP is unique among railroad groups in that we incorporate diverse interests – from model size to quarter-scale to full scale. We believe each aspect communicates the importance railroads were to our national and local history. Combining these interests allows a better understanding of railroads’ positive impact on our everyday lives. Our projects are made possible through the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of donors. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law and are appreciated by our members. EZ Findlay Pest Control
901 Restoration
As part of the museum’s many hands-on exhibits, we have a ¼-scale, fully operational steam locomotive, number 901. This locomotive is meant to give our visitors a close-up sensory experience, including an actual ride, watching the fire in the boiler, the steam exiting the tubes and the feeling of returning to a historically vital era in our country’s past.
The 901 locomotives were built by the Israelite House of David in Benton Harbor, Michigan, before World War II and were used to provide train rides at their colony park until the park closed in 1971. Engine #901 is one of the last railroad engines built and operated at the House of David. The train was purchased and moved to Findlay in 2000. It was fully restored and placed into service at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Museum, debuting in 2001.
Today, Steam Locomotive 901 needs repairs to keep it operational. We fear that without repairs, it will just become another traditionally significant locomotive setting stagnate. Steam locomotive 901 needs a new firebox and smoke box repairs, which are the major components of the engine’s steam boiler. The boiler’s steam tubes also need to be completely replaced.
Our volunteers have already done substantial work to prepare the engine’s boiler for transport to the repair shop. Next, State Certified technicians will complete the necessary repairs to ensure a safe, reliable working locomotive. The total cost for this project is estimated to be $15,000. NWORRP has raised over $9,000 toward this endeavor thus far, and we continue to solicit donations to complete this restoration effort.
It is the continued mission of the Northwest Findlay, Ohio Railroad Preservation to ensure young learners have access to our railroad heritage, and this locomotive is a vital learning tool. Locomotive 901 brings a whole sensory, hands-on learning experience, especially to our younger visitors. So many families have never seen a steam engine, let alone experienced a fully functional steam locomotive. Today, steam locomotive 901 allows our visitors to see one in action. This is a vital part of our mission to promote and preserve our Railroad Heritage and spark lifelong learning in young children.
Address: 12505 County Rd 99, Findlay, OH
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