Rich Melvin's Last Run on NKP 765 

I miss seeing you behind the throttle, Rich! Thanks for all the great memories.

Seeing you have your grandkids help you blow that whistle one last time made me cry. You gave them a lasting memory that they'll brag about to their friends at school for years.

This brought tears to my eyes. Rich Melvin is the reason I wanna become an locomotive engineer. He is a huge inspiration. Happy retirement, you were a true inspiration of mine. -Matt Dotson

It's videos like this that make me right happy to be a railfan and a person in general. Here's to a lifetime of memories and friends. Happy retirement Rich. Sincerely: A western NC hillbilly.

Very touching video, Rich. Thank you for all the wonderful things you brought to the FWRHS and keeping the 765 alive and running to this day. Without dedicated railroaders, no one could experience true living and breathing history that built this great country. It was very inspirational hearing about all the things you did and I hope the younger generation of railfans and railroaders like myself can carry this tradition on for many more years to come. -Mark

Hey Rich. This is Max. We met in Binghamton, New York on Monday August 3, 2015 when 765 was deadheading from Buffalo, New to Binghamton, New York. You, Bob Saxtan and Frank Collins are my railroader idols and one of the main reasons why I became a railroader. Thank you for making me who I want to be. I also want to thank you for all of the hard work you have done. I hope we get to see each other soon. Take care and happy retirement.

This exemplifies the enchantment of running live steam. These old engines have personalty like no modern machinery has. When I grew up I went into Air Force jets, but have always had a soft spot for these ancient wonders. Thanks for a wonderful video. Every child should have the opportunity to see it, and better yet, to have a similar experience! Thank you, Rich.

Rich, congrats on your retirement. I’ve always been intrigued on videos with you running the 765. It’s a beautiful locomotive. I’ve worked between two railroads now for 24 yrs, prior engineer and RFE myself. Now I’m in a ops mgt position. Years ago I missed an opportunity to run Southern 4501 with the assistance from my father at TVRM. Unfortunately my work got in the way as to ran a train to Nashville from Birmingham. I’ve operated all sorts of locomotives over the years and hope one day get behind the throttle of a steam locomotive. God bless and thanks for the many years of inspiration. Jason O.

I can't express how much I love this.

a year before your final run, I met you the day after my birthday. I still remember it. It was an awesome late birthday gift.

Happy retirement Rich, your skill and showmanship will be preserved forever. You could sure get 765 to put on a show for anyone who was lucky enough to see her in action. I could watch Runnin' that New River train a 1000 times just to see the crew in action.

Rich was one of the reasons I got interested in trains. I grew up watching him in steaming up the new river gorge behind the throttle of the 765, back when it was the c&o 2765 for the excursion. I even mimic his style of quilling in train sims, particularly in derail valley where the whistle is quillable. You sir are a legend Rich Melvin!

Mr rich is one of those engineers that inspire me, as I’m currently an engineer at the Georgia museum of agriculture on they’re Vulcan steam locomotive, I’ve been on that locomotive since I was seven Years old helping my grandfather run it. And last year I turned 18 and I got legal to drive it and it is such a surreal experience to drive a steam locomotive especially for a person as young as myself.

Awesome, My great grandfather was an engineer in Durango Mexico. My mom had a photo of him with the locomotive behind him and on the left and right side of him were men holding rifles. She said he was killed when bandits damaged the tracks and tried to rob the train. He was shot when the train was stopped and he stood back up to do something. The Army in the back of the train fought off the bandits according to my mom.

I WANT this on dvd and not just you tube!! God Speed Sir! It's been a pleasure and thanks for the awesome memories!!

Engineer Rich Melvin, Goodbye, Ol' Friend. We Will Never Forget You, Rich Melvin. We Love You, Rich Melvin. You've Been Awesome, Rich Melvin. 🚂🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋

Congratulations Rich and happy retirement.

We Will Miss You For All Eternity, Rich Melvin. You've Givin' Us The Best "Steam Locomotive" Adventures We've Ever Had. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

Just came across this video. Congratulations on your retirement Rich. Thank you for your dedication to the FWRHS and NKP 765. I had an opportunity to meet you one year at Steam In The Valley and ask a few questions and you were very kind and very gracious. Very knowledgeable and a true gentleman. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video

Congratulations Rich! Hope retirement is everything you expect it to be! Thanks for keeping steam engines alive during your career, because we sure do love them!

I know it had to be a dream to operate 765 for so many years. Was hoping to get to met you if I had the chance to see the 765. But most of my time has been down here in the South mostly Louisiana and Texas. I am a member of Louisiana Steam Train Association with SP 745. I can remember doing a cab ride with the crew of 745. But 765 is one on my list to see up close.

Hello Rich! I'm a long time fan of 765 and I loved watching you in VHS & DVD's I own and I Hope you good during these rough times, enjoy your retirement. Cheers- Max

Thank you for your service on The Big Berk! She's the Pride of my homeland, and I consider her the TRUE spirit of The Wabash Cannonball.

Thank you Sir for your years of service to this Grand Ole Girl. also for keeping her running and for her preservation. I know the Family was very proud and your Grandsons will never forget this. please enjoy your Retirement you have a lot of story's to tell. stay safe.

Fantastic video. What a treat for your grandsons to be with you on your last run. Thank you Rich for all you have done over the years!

Rich, this brought tears to my eyes and loved every moment. I remember riding the cab with you and Tom when I was around your grandsons age. I wish you the very best my friend! - Erik Landrum

Rich Ive always wanted todrive the 765 seen it 6 times it never gets old thank for your videos and hard work to keep me and everyone else proud to see steam on the rails

A heartwarming video Rich. It was an honor and a privilege to have served with you on the crew over the years, including piloting my father and I a few years ago during the Throttle Time event on the Cuyahoga Valley. You're a class act.

Truly an inspiration, Rich. Great to see someone like you live out they're job one last time with they're family, bless you and the rest of the crew.

Best video on u tube those grandsons will never forget it my granddaddy was engineer for 45 yrs most on a steamer now I know what it was like in the cab enjoy your retirement

Rich melvin should come do a special run !

The power of steam. This story illustrates it better than any story I ever heard.

A very well done 34 years, Rich, VERY WELL DONE!!!

Love that whistle! Thanks for the 'in the seat' look at that beautiful locomotive! I'd love to run her one day 😊

What a great send off. This reminds me of the Southern days in the 70's on Southern 4501. A great video and misty eyed at the end. Hope your retirement is going well.

I want to become an engineer too and the loco I'll be driving is NC&STL 576 once I get training and everything along with finishing up community collage.

Congratulations on your retirement, I live in PA i saw 765 on horseshoe curve and Harrisburg when they ran the ns excursions it was a great experience all the best.

Thank you for sharing this Rich! You and 765 crew have done so much to inspire me to start taking an active role in railroad preservation (and operation). The experiences I've had with the 765 definitely pushed me over the edge into being an avid volunteer. I'm still learning the ropes, but I would never have gotten started if it weren't for people like you.

Congratulations Rich and happy retirement to you. Your last run could not have gone any better and it made my heart happy seeing your grandsons in the cab and your family and crew to send you off with a bang. Fort Wayne will miss you and 765 I know she will miss you. But you and her will have a lasting legacy. I have loved 765 and the Nickel Plate Road since I was a child when i first learned about her in the 90s and when I first saw her at Trainfestival 2009 and i have books and dvds of her and her sisters and of the Nickel Plate Road and two MTH models 763 & 765. There is no other machine out there that man has created then the steam locomotive that can spark the imagination and cause hearts to soar and I will love steam locomotives as long as I live. I can her them breathing and talking every time I see one.

you are the best 765 crew member and you will always be remembered hopefully the 765 comes back in 2021 to steam in the valley

My grandpa was a steamer for 44 years. I see this boys as myself! Some tears in my eyes and memories come back with my rides and wistle blowing! Happy retiremenmt Sir!

Rich.....I really enjoyed this video. Wow...34 years running the #765 Berkshire. I am a retired police officer of 32 years. I have enjoyed trains my entire life. I am now 60 years old. My childhood dream was to be an engineer on a railroad in the days of steam. I saw your video of the Attica Hill. You said, “ Modern railroaders don’t understand the power of steam”. You clearly demonstrated it on the hill in Attica N.Y. What I would give to run a steam loco for just a few minutes. You got to enjoy it for 34 years. Happy Retirement Sir. What a life you have enjoyed!. Yours sincerely, Eric H. Hutchinson.

The moment I watched this Video I got obsessed with trains and found out how awesome they are...you know...I think after I am done with College I think I'm gonna be a Train Engineer and work for the NPk 765 team! I hope the years that you work for the NKP 765 team was really fun! I can't wait to be a Train Engineer!

Nice showing, a beautiful day for a last run. Congratulations on 34 years Rich. But you'll need to come ride and maaaaybe take the seat of a certain SD9 someday soon in the valley.

Know you’ve been an inspiration to all of us!

What A Great Grandpa! Awesome 😎👍💯% what an amazing career! One Most only dream of You've Lived, what a Legacy, definitely hard to Match. Thank You for involving the boys in You're last run! All in All, You're a Great Man! Enjoy You're Retirement spending it with You're loved ones so Precious! Be well Steam Locamotor Engineer! Love Stephen Santangelo

What a magnificent way to finish your career and to share the moment with his Grandsons, what a lovely gentleman. I remember, my last day working steam, and it was unfortunately a bit of an anticlimax as I didn't know it was going to be my last Steam Job for Queensland Rail Heritage. But I made sure I gave the firman a good work out and it was a good fast run from Ipswich Workshop into Mayne Depot in Brisbane. Congratulations for your service Sir.

Thank you for sending the link for this one to me, Rich. I'm glad your family and especially your grandsons got to ride with you in the cab for the last run. That will be something they'll remember their whole lives. Thank you for sharing the final run with us.

The ending made me cry, not gonna lie:

Wonderful video and a great way to round out a storied career on the 765. Happy retirement!

Some of Rich Melvin 's best memories was the New River Gorge Trips in the 1980s up to 1994. I got various NKP 765 DVDs from Pentrex and a couple from Gregg Scholl. I also got Steaming up New River Gorge from Skyfire

Enjoy your well earned retirement Mr. Melvin! Yours has truly been an incredible career as a railroad man. I'm planning on getting one of the lionel 765 berks with your voice in the crewtalk dialogue. Godspeed, Highball.

I'm crying

I Love This RU-vid Video So Much

It’s never goodbye we all still hear you in the whistle happy retirement

The end honestly did make me tear up a little, ending your career with your grandsons and you blowing the whistle. Maybe they’ll get to run the 765 again one day, who knows. This video brought back some memories for me too. I remember chasing that years trip through the valley. It was the same exact day that you had your final run, although I didn’t know it because I was younger. The first experience I ever had with 765 was your last. I’m glad your experience has been good with the 765, and I’m hoping you have enjoyed your retirement so far.

Thank you for making so many memories for so many people, as a fellow railfan and enthusiast i salute you sir, god bless, happy retierment and keep riding :D

My love for this engine started back when I saw you running her on the New River Trains back in the late 80’s early 90’s. My old man worked for CSX and I was exposed to 765 at a young age. Thank you for being a large reason to why I to this day still love this engine and the mission of the FWRHS. Happy Retirement Rich!

Such a great presentation. Loved the ending with you and the grandkids doing that long final pull together. As others said.... brought a tear to my eye, not gonna lie. Happy retirement Mr. Melvin.

Thank you rich Melvin for keeping railroad history alive and thank for what you have done for steam railroading fans a across the world

Meeting you in person was unforgettable when I was a kid. Your a legend and you won’t be forgotten! Enjoy retirement!

Rich Melvin IS the 765, and always will be.

As always, 765 runs great! And That ending was very heartwarming. Happy retirement! And best of wishes!

This brought back some great memories of working on 765 while you were on the crew.

Recently on Facebook someone shared a video documenting Bill Purdie's final run which coincidentally was on NKP 765. I find it ironic yet special that 765 was again the locomotive used for the final run of another great engineer who has not only done wonderful things for 765, but for the arena that is steam preservation.

Hey Rich, I saw your train in person when I was little! It came by the Toledo Refinery and it was awesome how much of a surprise it was to my dad, my grandparents, my uncle, and my cousin! That's an awesome job you had yourself! Enjoy your retirement! You've earned it!

Rich your a true American! This was beyond fantastic

I had the honor of riding behind your second to last run.

At age 77, I was lucky to see NKP steam running in Chicago.

This is a very informative, high quality and, yes, emotional video of the art of running a steam engine by a talented professional. Nice job Rich!

You are a true legend, Mr Melvin.

Very very meaningful video Rich. I have truly enjoyed all the videos you have been featured in with the 765 along with the videos you produced with Hopewell. It was an honor to see you in person later in your career running the 765 on the Delaware-Lackawanna mainline out of Scranton in 2015. Hope you are enjoying your retirement and still fulfill your steam fix from time to time. I truly hope your grandsons share your interest in steam/railroading as I did with my loving grandfather for 22 years. God bless you sir. Alex K. Ellicott City, MD.

Really cool video. I saw it posted on the Crossed Anchors discord.

Best RU-vid Video In The Universe

Oh wow I had no idea you retired Rich. I always wanted to meet you and pick your brain. I've only operated the small logging engines at Mt Rainier but you were a huge inspiration. Happy retirement Rich!

Congrats on a great career Rich!

Man, had only I had been there that year! My first time seeing 765 was in 2019 and though the weather was temperamental, I got some good shots. Assuming you and your family got off there, I can imagine the only way to finish the day was with a dinner in the trolley at Spaghetti Warehouse.

nothing better then a last roar on your last time working on 765.

Hello Rich, I must say, like Matt's previous comment this video brought tears to my eyes as well. I'm not sure if you remember me, considering all the people you meet everywhere you've been while at the throttle of that beautiful Machine, but I shook your hand at Steamtown when 765 was visiting for the Phoebe Snow trips while Jason Sobczynski was buttoning up the smokebox after replacing a few boiler tubes. I grew up watching all of the Pentrex videos featuring the 765 as well as other Engines you've skillfully run over the miles and miles of steel ribbon across this great country, the 261, the 614, the 2716, among others and it was always you in the right hand seat. I've always aspired to one day be an Engineer, but not just an Engineer, one that you and the other greats would approve of, and one that will learn the trade diligently much like you have dedicated so many years of your life and career to doing. You've been a tremendous inspiration to me, and I must say I will miss seeing you at the throttle whether in person or on video. I've also recently discovered your own excellent Hopewell rail documentaries, and I must say they are even better than Pentrex! You have done so much for the Steam Preservation world in so many ways and all of us that enjoy it owe you a debt of gratitude for your service. I've been given an opportunity to achieve my dream by another great man in the Steam World, Frank Vopasek (who worked closely with Ross Rowland on the 614, also at Steamtown for many years while it was still in Vermont, and also at the Morris County Central. Now he is an Engineer at the New Hope & Ivyland) taking me under his wing and getting me in with the New Hope & Ivyland as a Student Fireman, and hopefully with enough time, effort, and experience, I will eventually become an Engineer. It's definitely challenging with many things to learn about both the Engine and the Railroad, but I'm enjoying every minute of it. Jason is another great steam man that I'm honored to have met, he's also a wealth of knowledge and an excellent mechanic and machinist, and I'm very glad he was on your crew. He's also helped me tremendously and has answered very clearly any in-depth mechanical or technical questions I've ever had about steam. I was pleasantly surprised to hear he also worked with Frank at New Hope for quite a while. But, since I'm not always able to make the 2+ Hour Journey to New Hope from my home in Upstate NY to continue my tuition in the cab of the Engine, I also have a collection of Steam Models (both Stationary and Locomotive) that I've acquired in various states of disrepair and rehabilitated to operating condition that are great fun to run and help keep my passion for steam burning brightly like a well-made coal fire. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you once again for being such a role model and inspiration for not only myself but all the steam community as a whole! Your skill and experience as an expert Steam Locomotive Engineer is invaluable, and it is my goal to absorb as much as I can from the real steam men such as Yourself, Frank, Jason and others. It was a genuine honor and pleasure to shake your hand, sir. Even though you've passed the Throttle to the next generation, you will always be 765's real Engineer in my eyes. She's your Engine. May God bless you and your family, and may you always have Green Signals ahead, good Coal, softened Feedwater, and a Full Head of Steam! -Brandon Pena

Congratulations Rich🤟

*Salutes* You did good sir...maybe even great.

We love you..

Rich we are going to miss you our crew miss you. You can see the locomotive any time you want

I remember shaking his hand before he left.

Love 765

sorry about the error I learned something new im turning 12 tomorrow on my dads account but yeah thats my dream to run the 765

Rich Melvin's final run.

Hope you’re having a good retirement!

Godspeed 🫡

Apparently I'm crying now

I can just remember watch old VHS’s of rich and the 765 back in the 80’s he is the g.o.a.t of the 765

I remember nkp no 765 came through Dawson Springs Ky on the old Illinois central railroad it’s now Paducah and Louisville nkp 765 came through Dawson Springs Ky in 1992

Hey Rich I was thinking have you heard about 576's restoration in Nashville and part of Nashville Steam.

That's a lot of whistle blowing right there

hi Rich its me devin

Rich I have one of the original nkp railroad spikes that was used in 1940

This looked like it was a fun day. I’ve seen 765’s cousin, Pere Marquette 1225, twice in Cadillac, Michigan. I’m a big fan of steam locomotives like the 765 and 1225. In your 34 years as the engineer of the 765, what was your all time favorite event to participate with the 765 in?

I would love to meet Mr Melvin on e day

Thank you Mr. Melvin. I found this video as I searched for your name, hoping to find out more about your run of the "2765" through the New River Gorge seen in a Pentrex video. I post clips from Pentrex (and other) shows on our (Railfan Depot) social media page (with permission) at one point early in the run, you shoved the throttle, looking quite startled, back to an idle position and then pulled it back toward you. Care to share what happened? edit: was that because of wheel slip? Anyhow, I hope retirement is being kind to you. Take care.

Hey Rich its Andrew Treece are we ever gonna see you up at the cuyahoga valley again. I thought I saw you on our roster.