The 765 pulled the famous "New River Trains" through the New River
Gorge for many years. At thirty-four cars, these were the longest and
heaviest passenger trains ever pulled by a steam locomotive. The 765 has
also run around the world-famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona,
Pennsylvania. Rich Melvin tells the story of the first steam locomotive
on the curve in thirty-five years, as he ran the locomotive up the grade
and around the curve with the CEO of the railroad on board!
This book tells about the 765's twenty-first century overhaul back to
like-new specs, and also contains many stories from Rich's years on the
765's crew. There are over 200 photos in this book, many never before
published.
Author Rich Melvin served as the 765's Operations Manager and
Engineer for thirty-four years. In this book Rich tells some great
stories and shares a few personal thoughts from his long career as NKP
765's engineer.