Bock Lumber Company Number 1 Departs Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

After five seasons under steam, Bock Lumber Company Number 1 has completed its time at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.

Bock Lumber Company Number 1 came to us in 2021 under an operating agreement with museum member Fred Haberkamp, whose hard work and generosity made it possible for hundreds of visitors to see, hear, and ride behind a working steam locomotive. Operating a steam engine takes an enormous investment of time, money, and expertise, and we are grateful to Fred for sharing his locomotive and passion for railroading with us and with the public.

We also want to thank the volunteers who fired, oiled, wiped, and maintained No. 1 over the years. Keeping a steam locomotive in service is demanding work, and their dedication over five seasons is deeply appreciated.

Excursions will continue behind diesel power for the time being. Returning steam to Hoosier Valley remains a long-term goal of the museum.

We wish Fred and No. 1 the very best in the next chapter, and we hope to see the locomotive on our rails again someday.