Steam in Indiana?

[johnthefireman]

I'm going to be in South Bend, Indiana, for three months in spring 2013, February through April. Anybody got any advice on steam opportunities in the area - railway museums, operating steam locos, etc? I've been looking on the internet, but I usually find that advice from someone who knows the area is more valuable than random googling.

Thanks!
John

[edbear]

Find the TRAINS MAGAZINE from 3-4 years ago which had a state by state listing of steam, tourist and museums. Maybe you could start from there. If you like autos, remember South Bend was the home of Studebaker and you aren't too far from Auburn as in Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg cars and there's a museum to them there.
South Bend also was served by the New Jersey, Indiana & Illinois short line.

[virtualchuck]

I can suggest a visit to: http://fortwaynerailroad.org/ & http://hesston.org/ It's a couple hour drive but I also suggest: http://www.irm.org/

Chuck

[CarterB]

I ditto and highly recommend a trip from South Bend over to the Illinois Railroad Museum in Union, IL, well worth it!!\
Nothing steam operating, but close to South Bend is http://www.elkhartindiana.org/department/?fDD=54-0

[virtualchuck]

Here is a site showing the location of almost every steam engine in the state, in case you are looking for something specific?

http://steamlocomotive.com/lists/search ... A&state=IN

Chuck

[johnthefireman]

Thanks, everybody, for all these recommendations which I will definitely follow up.

[mrconductor55]

The Hesston Museum is neat! Its really close to you as well. Its all narrow guage, but they have a big 3ft guage shay