An Unexpected Discovery: Elkhart & Western Railroad in Elkhart, Indiana

On September 11, 2026, I traveled to Elkhart, Indiana, to visit the National New York Central Railroad Museum. Along the way, an unexpected stop led to an interesting railfanning discovery.

I originally asked Google Maps to locate the nearest Speedway gas station. When it couldn’t find one nearby, I searched for a 7-Eleven instead. Google directed me to a location on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart.

As I turned into the 7-Eleven parking lot, I noticed railroad equipment sitting in a nearby yard. After purchasing my drink, I decided to investigate.

What I discovered was the Elkhart & Western Railroad, a short-line railroad operating in northern Indiana.

Among the equipment I photographed was Elkhart & Western locomotive #911, wearing the railroad’s black-and-yellow paint scheme.

Another locomotive, Elkhart & Western #802, immediately caught my attention. Its blue paint scheme features an American flag, military service emblems, and the words “Honoring Our Veterans and Troops.”

Photographing this locomotive on September 11 made the discovery particularly memorable.

Also present was an older, heavily weathered caboose, providing another interesting subject for railroad photography.

Although my original destination was the New York Central museum, this unexpected discovery became another highlight of the trip.

That’s one of the things I enjoy about railfanning. Sometimes the most interesting discoveries happen when you aren’t looking for them.

For additional information about the railroad, visit the official Elkhart & Western Railroad website operated by Patriot Rail.

Photographed: September 11, 2026
Location: Elkhart & Western Railroad yard, near East Jackson Boulevard and Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana.