🚨 It’s C&NW #1385 Wednesday! 🚨

We’re extremely close to hearing Chicago and North Western #1385’s whistle reverberate through the Baraboo hills once again, but we need your help to cross the finish line!

▫ The Goal:
We’re pushing for steam operation in 2026, and we can’t get there without YOU. $300,000 is needed to complete the mechanical restoration of our 1907 built, #1385. This restoration has been over 13 years in the making, and we are beyond excited to bring steam back to North Freedom, Wisconsin!

▫ What the $300,000 will be used for:

Large items:
– Finish pistons, rings, and rod packing.
– New drawbar.
– Jacketing and insulation.

Medium and small items in no particular order:
– Machining, fitting and installation of crossheads.
– Finish fitting and installation of air and steam piping on engine and tender.
– Finish electrical wiring.
– Valve gear installation and timing.
– Numerous fit and finish items.
– Contract work for specialized jobs.

▫ Where To See Updates:
We’ll be posting a fundraiser update every Wednesday to our Facebook and Instagram. In addition, we’ll be updating a physical thermometer in our ticket depot and engine house for live updates! Please stay tuned!

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer. Donate today and help us spread the word by telling your friends and giving this post a share. Let’s steam into 2026, together! 🚂

Donations can be made online by clicking the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PG2UBGDPR4GNU

You can also make a donation by phone at 608-522-4261 or mail to: Mid-Continent Railway Museum P.O. Box 358 North Freedom, WI 53951 (If donating with a check, please write ‘#1385 Fund’ in the memo line.)