Refusing to Abdicate
In 1955, the late TRAINS Magazine editor, David P. Morgan, wrote what would become one of the greatest pieces of railroad literature in history - an article titled "The Mohawk That Refused to Abdicate." While relatively short, it covered the story of a worn out New York Central Mohawk locomotive on one of its last runs during the final days of steam.
Twenty years later, it and several other articles were compiled to create a book of the same name. This book and the initial article were the inspiration for me to pick up photography and writing.
Today (October 9, 2024), it was announced that another Mohawk is refusing to abdicate. The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has acquired this locomotive, No. 3001, which is one of only two surviving Mohawks. Currently displayed in Elkhart, Indiana, it will soon be moved to FWRHS' shop in New Haven for a full restoration to operating condition (as funding allows).
Since my career more or less started from a picture and article about a Mohawk still going strong in the age of diesels, news that this will continue with No. 3001 is very exciting for me, and I know I'm not the only one who can't wait to see it run again. It is no doubt that David P. Morgan would also be very pleased.
Pictured here is No. 3001 as it appeared in early 2024.
You can donate to support No. 3001's restoration here: www.americanloco.org/
(c) Thomas Dyrek
Refusing to Abdicate
In 1955, the late TRAINS Magazine editor, David P. Morgan, wrote what would become one of the greatest pieces of railroad literature in history - an article titled "The Mohawk That Refused to Abdicate." While relatively short, it covered the story of a worn out New York Central Mohawk locomotive on one of its last runs during the final days of steam.
Twenty years later, it and several other articles were compiled to create a book of the same name. This book and the initial article were the inspiration for me to pick up photography and writing.
Today (October 9, 2024), it was announced that another Mohawk is refusing to abdicate. The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has acquired this locomotive, No. 3001, which is one of only two surviving Mohawks. Currently displayed in Elkhart, Indiana, it will soon be moved to FWRHS' shop in New Haven for a full restoration to operating condition (as funding allows).
Since my career more or less started from a picture and article about a Mohawk still going strong in the age of diesels, news that this will continue with No. 3001 is very exciting for me, and I know I'm not the only one who can't wait to see it run again. It is no doubt that David P. Morgan would also be very pleased.
Pictured here is No. 3001 as it appeared in early 2024.
You can donate to support No. 3001's restoration here: www.americanloco.org/
(c) Thomas Dyrek