Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Purchases Historic F9 Diesel Locomotive

4214 in its original Erie Mining paint scheme

Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad (NPHRR) announced today the purchase of Erie Mining Company F9 diesel locomotive number 4214. For the past five years, NPHRR has leased the locomotive from Indiana Boxcar Corporation. Now part of the railroad’s permanent collection, the iconic diesel engine will continue to haul Nickel Plate Express passenger trains, providing magical experiences for riders.

Built in 1956 by General Motors Electro-Motive Division, the F9 4214 is painted in Nickel Plate’s historic black, silver and yellow scheme. The locomotive has been meticulously maintained and restored to provide a vintage experience for passengers. “The 4214 is an important part of our history and vision,” said Emily Reynolds, Executive Director of NPHRR. “We are thrilled to officially add this locomotive to our fleet permanently so it can continue creating cherished memories for years to come.

The purchase of the 4214 reaffirms NPHRR’s commitment to preserving railroad history and offering visitors an authentic experience. In 2018, NPHRR began operating excursion rail service on a historic rail line, with the goal of educating people abou

Current photo of the iconic 4214

t the importance of railroads in Hamilton County’s history and growth. The rail line was originally built in 1882 as part of the Nickel Plate Road system.

“There is something magical about the sights, sounds and sensations of riding behind a historic

diesel locomotive like the 4214,” said Jake Garvey, Operations Manager for NPHRR. “We are dedicated to the preservation and operation of this iconic engine to share a glimpse into America’s railroading past with riders.

The 4214 will continue to be a cornerstone of the Nickel Plate Express experience, hauling various themed event trains throughout the year. To learn more or book your journey into history, visit nickelplateexpress.com