Historic Nickel Plate Road Steam Locomotive No. 587: Set for auction is the venerable Class H-6o 2-8-2 manufactured by Baldwin in 1918, the nickel plate road steam locomotive No. 587. This action is part of a court ruling meant to reclaim overdue storage charges. Announced a sealed-bid auction, the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation in charge of the locomotive’s present storage in Irvine, Kentucky, has For both steam aficionados and history fans, this is a turning point as the future of the locomotive hangs in doubt.
History of Nickel Plate No. 587
No. 587 started its trip in 1918 under the goods traffic on Nickel Plate Road. Retired in 1955, the locomotive came to life on exhibit in Broad Ripple Park, Indianapolis. It was leased by the Indiana Transportation Museum in 1983 and restored there. Between 1988 and 2003, the engine ran in excursion service; prior to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules demanding thorough inspections and maintenance, it ran under such conditions.
Listing on the National Register of Historic Places, No. 587 was identified in 1984 as historically significant. But in an unexpected turn of events, it was delisted in 2021, a reflection of difficulties upholding its preservation status.
Legal and financial difficulties
The path the locomotive takes to reach the auction block exposes continuous legal and financial challenges. Financial problems caused the restoration plans for No. 587 to fall apart after being relocated from the Indiana Transportation Museum to Kentucky Steam’s Irvine site in 2018. Working with the new owner of the locomotive, the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. had been developing a repair plan; unfortunately, unpaid storage costs finally resulted in this court ruling.
The auction calls for bidders to present a $5,000 check or letter of credit, therefore guaranteeing only serious contenders participate. Within sixty days, the successful bidder must to remove the locomotive; daily storage fees apply for delays.
Prospectual Restitution
Right now in a largely disassembled condition, the locomotive has great potential for repair. Fans and groups eager to protect historical relics will find No. 587 to be a worthwhile endeavor. Restoring such a locomotive can, however, be expensive in mechanical repairs, FRA compliance, and logistics.
Table: Key Details of the Nickel Plate No. 587 Auction
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Locomotive | Nickel Plate Road No. 587 (Class H-6o 2-8-2) |
| Year Built | 1918 |
| Manufacturer | Baldwin Locomotive Works |
| Auction Type | Sealed-bid |
| Bid Requirements | $5,000 check or letter of credit |
| Winning Notification | March 3, 2025 |
| Removal Deadline | Within 60 days of notification |
| Storage Fee for Delays | $100 per day |
| Current Location | Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp., Irvine, KY |
| Historic Status | Listed on National Register of Historic Places (1984-2021) |
The trip of Nickel Plate No. 587 from goods service to a treasured relic of railroading history exposes the difficulties in maintaining old locomotives. Enthusiasts and groups have a special chance to help to shape the future of this famous piece of American history as the sealed-bid auction gets ready. Apart from providing a legal answer, the sale offers an opportunity for repair and rebirth, therefore guaranteeing the inspiration of No. 587 for next generations.