Eastern Railroad Discussion > NKP 358 in Hillsdale, MI

Saturday May 2nd, 2026
Hillsdale, MI
Temp around 57 degress and cool-perfect weather.

I had decided to chase the NKP 358 yesterday in Hillsdale, MI.  I wanted a change of pace from the usual Holly sub happenings (although I dont get tired of the IC SD70s). 

This one I have a few fond memories of it going back over 20 years ago when I was in my 20s. I had for a time lived in Sandusky, Ohio, and once worked for a security firm that handled security at the coal docks. Now this one Ex NS 57 I would see quite often working the docks pulling loaded and empty coal hoppers in and out with realitive ease. I was a bit dismayed that NS retired these locomotives, but shocked that two are preserved (Mad River got the other one).  Some of you know that the NKP 765 has a very special place (being the first ever steam locomotive I had ever saw as a very young railfan) but this one-seeing it brought back memories from that time in Sandusky, Ohio. I figured I chase it to Hillsdale, making a day of the run. Hillsdale I have never been to before until yesterday having explored a little bit and getting breakfast at a place calle dthe Local Eatery. Absolutly good food and cannot rave enough on their cinnimon roll and home made icing. 

So yes I was a little star struck, but also those memories from Sandusky and this one working the docks, well now she looks even better than it did in NS black.  I cannot thank the Fort Wayne group enough for restoring this locomotive into its as delivered scheme, nor their executive director Kelly Lynch (yes hes on here) for everything they have done for railroad preservation, which goes along with the restoration of NYC 3001 (yes im really excited to see that one restored and running again) having never seen a mohawk actually steamed up. If you want more information on whats coming up-head over to https://fortwaynerailroad.org/ for upcoming excursions and if you can volunteer to continue preserving history. 

Michael Fair
Royal Oak, MI

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Great photo and back story - Thanks for sharing this.
Bob

That is a very nice photo and I too enjoyed your story.
John in White Marsh, Maryland

Great photo, congrats on the IOTD

Congrats on the IOTD !!