By Jamie S. Johnson
Stretched out along a rolling hill just outside Ithaca, Michigan, the line quietly formed as dozens of us stood shoulder to shoulder, cameras in hand, waiting in hushed anticipation. We were gathered for a run-by of the PNLX 57, specially chartered for the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) Conference, a moment many had traveled far to witness.
I was attending the 2025 NRHS Convention hosted in Lansing, Michigan, and on this particular day, we journeyed north to Clare, where we boarded the excursion train. While the day included several photo opportunities, the stop in Ithaca was planned specifically for this dramatic run-by.
Built by EMD in 1966, this locomotive boasts an impressive lineage. It once hauled freight as Penn Central and Conrail No. 3138, later served as Kansas City Southern No. 766, and was ultimately rebuilt in 1993 by Morrison Knudsen for the Maryland Area Commuter Rail. For longtime railfans, it is a rolling piece of history, combining eras, stories, and power in a single machine.
As the air grew still, someone bellowed out a commanding “PHOTO LINE” and, like well-trained soldiers, we all snapped into position. The atmosphere shifted, quiet and reverent, as if the earth itself paused to listen. Then, the low rumble began.
The roar of the engine and the thunderous call of its horn broke the silence, echoing across the hillside. The view was unobstructed and perfect. This wasn’t just a locomotive. It was art in motion. The combination of sound, movement, and history created a moment of awe that was nothing short of exhilarating.
What made this experience even more special was being able to join the photo line firsthand as part of the NRHS convention. Standing among fellow enthusiasts, sharing in that collective anticipation, reminded me why preserving and celebrating railroad history is so important.
For anyone who has ever stood in a photo line, you know the thrill. And for those who haven’t, you just might want to. The NRHS is not just for historians and preservationists—it is open to anyone with a love for trains. Membership provides access to excursions, conventions, and opportunities like this one, where you can meet others who share your passion.
