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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I can't express how much I love this.

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.

Thank you for your service rich. The FWRHS, and the 765 will miss you. Your contribution to the engine was phenomenal and I’m somewhat of a newbie to volunteering at FWRHS, but I look up to you a lot, so thank you.

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

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.

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

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

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.