Help Us Bring an Historic Locomotive Back to Life
This GP9 diesel locomotive — originally built for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) — isn’t sitting in a museum. It’s part of Northern Central Railway’s active fleet, pulling real passengers through York County today. Your donation helps us finish restoring it to the way it looked when it ran the rails decades ago.
In fall 2018, a generous loan from our Board Chairman, Michael J. Patrick, allowed Northern Central Railway to purchase this original Ex-PRR GP9. It took a full year to make the engine mechanically sound, officially inspected and certified (“blue carded”), and moved to its home in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.
Phrase I - Complete
With a $4,000 grant from the Delaplaine Foundation, a $5,000 donation from Stock & Leader, and $3,600 in private donations, NCR completed the first phase of cosmetic restoration: fabricating two equipment doors, removing rust, repairing dents, and priming the body — all done by NCR staff. Total cost: $12,600.l
Phrase II - In Progress
In 2024, a $1,000 grant from the Amherst Railway Society kicked off the final funding raising efforts for the project.
NCR staff are now completing the remaining body work —while the locomotive stays in active service, carrying passengers as part of our regular train rides. In the 2027 season, we’ll finish final fabrication and begin the four-week painting process that will bring this locomotive’s exterior to its historic finish.
In 2026, the NCR team experienced several mechanical issues with the locomotive. While the team trouble-shoots the mechanical issues, the cosmetic restoration project is on hold.
What We Still Need
We need $14,000 by spring 2028 to cover the final fabrication work and the paint and labor for the four-week painting process.
NCR staff will be working on the body repair components of the project, including fabrication of two equipment doors, rust removal, dent repair, and priming. During this time, the engine will be in use as part of NCR’s rolling stock. During the 2027 season, the final touches of fabrication will be completed, and the painting (a four-week process) will be undertaken.
Northern Central Railway is still fundraising for this the completion of this project. Every gift — large or small — moves this locomotive closer to running the rails in its full, restored colors
