Nickel Plate Road No. 765 on the historic Letchworth State Park trestle over the Upper Falls on Saturday, August 1. As it entered the bridge after much anticipation, it released a huge puff of smoke as if to dismiss any doubts about it being a steam engine. Only the remaining time will show for sure but this may have been the 3rd last time ever for a steam locomotive on the bridge, followed by two crossings during its Sunday roundtrip between Buffalo, NY and Corning, NY. What a beautiful sight!

Historic steam locomotive No. 765 is a high-stepping, fourteen-wheeled, magnificent machine that stands 15 feet tall, weighs 404 tons, goes over 60 miles an hour and is restored to the way it looked and sounded when it was built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1944. It is owned by Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, the first non-profit corporation in the world to restore and operate a mainline steam locomotive.

The 765 is one of 2-8-4 Berkshire-type class of steam locomotives; one known for its super power technology and aesthetic charm. It was restored to operating condition in 1979. From 1993 to 2005, the 765 was completely rebuilt.

The Portageville Bridge is operated by Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern Railway Southern Tier Line). The original timber bridge across the Genesee River was built by the Erie Railroad and opened in 1852. It was about 800 feet long and stood 234 feet above the river below. It was in operation for 23 years until it burned down in May 1875, fire being set by embers from a passing train. In July of the same year, the iron made replacement was completed. Yes, just two months and some days after the fire! In 1903, the iron bridge underwent a superstructure rehabilitation. With regular maintenance it remained the same till today.

Portageville Bridge Project: “The purpose of the Project is to address the existing deficiencies at the Portageville Bridge on the Southern Tier rail freight route across the Genesee River by providing a modern rail crossing of the Genesee River at its current location that is capable of carrying current industry standard freight rail loads, to the greatest degree possible meeting Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Class 4 speeds, while …

Letchworth Upper Falls is one of the three major waterfalls right on the Genesee River as it flows through Letchworth State Park, and one of many waterfalls in the park. The waterfall is 71” high.

Letchworth State Park is about 35 miles south of Rochester, NY and 60 miles from Buffalo, NY. It is along the Genesee River and follows it for about 17 miles. The park is most known for its three major waterfalls - Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls. However, there are many additional waterfalls on the Genesee River tributaries that are well worth exploring, especially for those who have visited the major and most obvious points of interest.

References: Engine No. 765 on Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Nickel Plate No. 765 on Wikipedia, Portageville Bridge Project, The Design of the New Portageville Bridge, NS - Portage Bridge, Time to replace?