While the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) regularly hosts 90-minute and three-hour train rides through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, over the course of two weekends in late April and early May, the railroad hosted the 2025 Steam in the Valley events—an opportunity for riders to step back in time and experience the power, beauty, and thrill of a true American icon: the 1944 Nickel Plate Road Steam Locomotive No. 765. courtesy of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS).

The 1944 Nickel Plate Road Steam Locomotive No. 765 is showcased at the Brecksville Station.Known for its “superpower” technology and aesthetic charm, the 14-wheel steam locomotive can reach speeds of more than 70 miles an hour. Throughout the last weekend of April and first weekend in May, CVSR offered guests stylish rides in two former Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus cars, the California Zephyr Silver Lariat cars, or the open-air “Cigar Car,” where passengers could purchase and enjoy cigars and bourbon.

The excursions started at the Rockside Road Station in Independence, where a brass band welcomed visitors and passengers could check in for boarding, pick up pre-ordered bagged picnic meals, and purchase concessions and merchandise. The trips ended at the Indigo Lake Station in Peninsula.

During the train ride, CVSR volunteers gave oral histories of the CVNP, the CVSR, and the 1944 Nickel Plate Road Steam Locomotive No. 765. The volunteers also handed out crayons and coloring books to young passengers on the train and pointed out wildlife sightings of bald eagles, white trumpeter swans, herons, and beavers.

At the Brecksville Station, passengers were treated to an exciting spectacle of the 404-ton coal-fired no. 765 locomotive showcasing its power through run-through photo opportunities. Visitors to CVNP parked at the station and mingled with passengers in a roped off area where the train did two run-throughs.

On the train itself, passengers visited the café and merchandise cars for food and souvenirs and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus (Santa RJ and Nana Claus) were on board to surprise children.

A true timepiece
One of the most sophisticated types of steam locomotives ever built, Nickel Plate Berkshire #765 was built in September 1944 by Lima Locomotive Works in Ohio. The steam locomotive was immediately put to work hauling fast freight trains for the war effort.

At 100 feet long, the locomotive stands 15 feet tall and weighs over 800,000 pounds.

Once a very familiar sight in NE Ohio, #765 made its last run in revenue service in June 1958.

Several months later, it provided steam for a stranded passenger train, making it the final Nickel Plate Berkshire to operate for the railroad under steam.

The former Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus cage car converted into a first class car.After an interval as a static exhibit, #765 was restored to running condition. Years later, it fell out of active use, making a second restoration necessary. Today, it gives modern audiences a glimpse of steam power in its prime, hauling excursion trains across the Midwest.

Along with the 765 Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society brought two passenger cars to the Steam in the Valley Event. The cars were lovingly restored and named “the Cage” (car 5735) and "Centlivre Park.”

According to the FWRHS website, the “cars were originally built as baggage cars No. 5735 and No. 5762 for the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1950s and early 1960s.”

During the 1990s, these two cars were adapted by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as train cars for transporting elephants. In 2017 the circus train ended, and the cars were sold to several owners. The cars were then sold to FWRHS in 2023, and a local donor funded their restoration.

Signature decor

The silver paint scheme with red stripe, elephant motifs on the window grills, and the original elephant carriage bring the train cars back to their circus appearance days. Large black and white photographs line the interiors of both cars, showing close-up photography of elephant anatomical features and the elephants being loaded into the circus train.

The “Centlivre Park” car is furnished with jazz and art-deco style furnishings with table seating near a central bar. “The Cage” car features couches and parlor chairs for seating by a half-bar. Both cars have four large Dutch viewing doors allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking views of the CVNP.

The 1948 California Zephyr Silver Lariat and Silver Bronco dining/lounge cars brought timeless elegance to the Steam in the Valley events. Passengers were treated to panoramic views from the second-level Vista Dome in the Silver Lariat car and the Emerson Dome in the Silver Bronco Car.

Riders were also encouraged to dress in their best 1950s attire as “part of the living history experience.”

Train enthusiasts and professional photographers hiked, kayaked, or drove their cars in the park to catch a glimpse of the steam engine. During the train ride, passengers were treated to a spectacular display of locomotive power, stunning views of the flooded Cuyahoga River, and insightful historical narration by CVSR volunteers.