A local landmark that has stood silent for decades is preparing to move.
The National New York Central Railroad Museum and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society have announced a farewell celebration for September 4-5, 2026, honoring New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001. Known to generations as “the Mohawk,” the engine is the sole survivor of its kind and is scheduled to be relocated to Fort Wayne for a massive $4.3 million restoration.
The two-day event will offer the public a final opportunity to view and photograph the locomotive in Elkhart before it begins its transition from a static display piece to an operating historical attraction. Once restored, No. 3001 will be the only operating New York Central steam locomotive in the world.
“The coming relocation is a critical phase that will allow the locomotive to be safeguarded, thoroughly disassembled, inspected, and repaired,” representatives said in a statement.
The restoration is expected to be a multiyear effort involving extensive work on the engine’s boiler, firebox, and mechanical systems. The project is being supported by Norfolk Southern and volunteers from the Fort Wayne Railroad. Once completed, the Mohawk is intended to lead the “Indiana Rail Experience,” pulling vintage passenger cars over former New York Central tracks.
Moving a 1940s-era locomotive that has sat outdoors for 70 years presents significant logistical challenges. Crews have already begun preparing the engine for the trip, inspecting axle roller bearings and polishing crank pins to ensure the 4-8-2 “Mohawk” can safely roll on modern tracks.
During the preparation process, workers discovered a piece of history: bearing brasses stamped Jan. 2, 1957. The components were installed just one month before the locomotive was retired from service.
Built by the American Locomotive Company, No. 3001 is one of only two surviving mainline New York Central steam engines. During the mid-20th century, the New York Central was Indiana’s largest railroad system, operating more than 1,600 miles of track that connected Hoosier towns to New York City and Chicago.
While the departure of the Mohawk marks the end of an era for the Elkhart museum, city officials see it as a catalyst for future growth.
The relocation coincides with the “Freight Street Initiative,” a redevelopment project aimed at transforming the historic Benham neighborhood. Supported by a $1.5 million state grant, the initiative plans to bring 100 new housing units, streetscape improvements, and new public gathering spaces to the area surrounding the museum.
The museum and the Fort Wayne Railroad are currently collaborating on a long-term strategy to improve the care of the museum’s remaining outdoor collection, shifting the site from a static display into a more engaging tourism destination.
The farewell celebration kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 4 at the National New York Central Railroad Museum with brief remarks from local officials and preservationists. Commemorative souvenir items will be available, and the public is invited to document the engine before an exact departure date is finalized.
Supporters interested in the restoration project can find more information or make donations at americanloco.org.
