Author Archives: Jeffrey Lentz

Update on Mask Requirements at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Face masks musts still be worn while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard all Mid-Continent Railway Museum trains.

Background:

On March 31, 2021 the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the Wisconsin Governor’s executive order requiring the statewide use of masks to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This ruling does NOT overturn the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) order which requires mask usage on airplanes, trains, buses and while at transportation hubs throughout the United States. Under the CDC order, Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s entire property is considered a transportation hub and Mid-Continent’s trains are classified as a public conveyance and are subject to the CDC order.

Refusal to wear a mask while visiting Mid-Continent will result in denied entry. Failure to comply with requests to wear a mask may result in civil fines in accordance with Transportation Security Administration Security Directive 1582/84-21-01. Help make your visit enjoyable for everyone by arriving prepared and with a face mask.

No Minor Detail

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

When it comes to the proper operation of a steam locomotive there is no minor detail.  Every piece must perform properly.  That extends all the way to the clips or “dogs” that hold the door shut on the front of the smokebox.  You may ask why and I hope to explain. 

C&NW #1385 at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Enlarged detail of door dogs.

First and foremost to work efficiently a locomotive must generate steam well and in great quantity. One of the factors that figure heavily is how much air is drawn through the fire to ensure plenty of oxygen to support the combustion of the fuel.  That air is drawn by the creation of a partial vacuum in the smokebox of the engine.  That partial vacuum is created by directing the exhaust steam from the cylinders up through the exhaust nozzle and into the petticoat pipe at the base of the smokestack.  The exhaust is moving at a very high speed and because there is an open space between the nozzle and petticoat and due to the shape of both devices it will pull some of the gases in the smokebox along with it up and out the stack. 

simplified illustration of steam locomotive smokebox and placement of door dogs
Simplified illustration of a traditional steam locomotive smokebox, showing creating of draft and placement of door dogs.

Mother Nature is always following the path of least resistance so if there is a vacuum leak around the smokebox door air will be drawn in from there first rather than the more difficult path of up through the fire bed and down the tubes & flues to the smokebox.  If there is a leak at the door the engine will not steam well and efficiency suffers.  This is why the door dogs are important in that they must clamp the door down evenly on the gasket all the way around the edge in order to get a good vacuum seal.  Having the dogs a uniform size & shape makes it easier to judge when each has been properly tightened down.

The door dogs removed from C&NW #1385 were a mix of original castings, castings salvaged from other locomotives, and simple angle irons used in the place of missing castings.
  • Source material for a new door dog.
  • Partially completed door dog.
  • Partially completed door dog.
  • Completed door dog.
  • Completed door dog.
Newly created door dog next to versions removed from the C&NW #1385.

2021 COVID-19 Impacts

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Mid-Continent Railway Museum is presently closed as part of its normal seasonal closure. After having remained closed for the entirety of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Continent is currently planning to reopen its doors to the public starting on May 8, 2021. Here are some important notices about the planned 2021 season.

Schedule Changes

In response to anticipated decreases in the number of visitors and greater operating challenges during a pandemic, Mid-Continent has reduced its museum and train ride schedule to Saturdays and Sundays only in 2021. Typically Mid-Continent would be open 7-days-a-week during the summer. Please see the Train Ride Info page for full schedule information.

Groups of 20 or people may still be able to be charter a train ride on weekdays between May and October. Please contact our office with any group inquiries.

Increased Likelihood of Cancellations

Due to the evolving pandemic situation, Mid-Continent Railway Museum reserves the right to cancel or alter schedules from those advertised. Please refer to www.midcontinent.org for the most up-to-date schedule information. 

In the event train departures are canceled, reservation-holders will be notified as soon as possible and will be offered a full cash-back refund or the ability to transfer the ticket value to a future departure or a gift card.

Book with Confidence

During the pandemic, we understand that last-minute changes of plans may become necessary due to the need to follow self-isolation protocols, quarantines, or if experiencing the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. For this reason, we have adjusted our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related concerns, please contact us as soon as possible to be offered the greatest flexibility on refunds or rebooking.

Health Safety Precautions

Mid-Continent is still finalizing its health and sanitation guidelines for our trains and museum property. These rules and precautions may change.

Face Mask Usage

Suitable face masks must be worn at all times while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard Mid-Continent Railway trains. Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry. Failure to comply with mask rules while riding trains may result in the person being subject to Federal penalties under Transportation Security Administration regulations.

With the exception of individuals with Special Circumstances listed below, all individuals must wear a mask that:
a. Completely covers their nose and mouth
b. Is secured to their head with ties or ear loops.

A face shield and/or goggles are not an acceptable substitute for the use of a mask,
but may be used in addition to one.

Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures. Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirement.

Special Circumstances

The following individuals may be permitted to proceed without a mask:

  • Individuals under the age of two (2) years old
  • An individual with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability, for example, individuals who do not know how to remove their masks, cannot remove them on their own, or cannot communicate promptly to ask someone else to remove their mask. This exemption does not apply to individuals for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult.

Social Distancing

Where possible, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is reducing the capacity of its trains to permit social distancing. Please follow instructions from signage and provided by museum staff and remain a minimum of six (6) feet away from persons not in your own party.

Because of reduced capacity aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s train rides due to social distancing, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended.

Volunteers and Member Activities

As part of pandemic safety and cost-reduction measures, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum property remains closed to all non-essential personnel through April 3, 2021. No on-site volunteering sessions will occur before that date. Additionally, the member meeting and banquet originally scheduled for April 3, 2021 has been canceled. Upon the return of volunteering sessions, previously adopted social distancing and safety protocols will remain applicable.

Contacting Mid-Continent

To assist with minimizing risk to office staff, our administrative office hours during the winter and early spring are expected to remain very limited. Phone messages, emails, and postal mail are typically read and responded to within two business days.

2021 Restoration Work Session Schedule Announced

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

In preparation for resuming volunteer work at Mid-Continent, I’m pleased to rollout the 2021 Restoration Department Volunteer Work Session Schedule. The volunteer work sessions kick off with the first session on April 5th – 7th and runs through December with one or more session each month. In addition, based on the availability of volunteers, we will add a number of non-scheduled sessions during the season so be sure to be on the outlook for these notices.

About a week prior to each session a reminder and call for help will be posted to the Member’s Discussion Board [Mid-Continent membership required to access] and a notice will be sent out via email to the volunteers on the Restoration Department’s email distribution list. To help with the work session planning we’re asking all volunteers interested in joining a work session to contact Bill Buhrmaster in advance of the work session. This helps make sure that we make the best use of our volunteers and we can have productive sessions. [If you don’t already have Bill’s contact info, reach out to the MCRM office at inquiries@midcontinent.org].

We have a solid core of volunteers that help with the restoration work and we’re very interested in expanding the group that actively participates in the Car Shop. Our doors are open to anyone willing to give us a hand and help us with the restoration work. Give us a hand for a day or several days throughout the summer. Every bit of help make a difference and is appreciated. We have a wide range of needs (i.e. painting, cleaning, stripping, wood work, roofing, refinishing, upholstery, metal work and more) and everyone can be a help. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please feel free to drop into the Car Shop during a work session or contact me.

For everyone’s safety and health we will be following the Covid regulations including those for social distancing and for wearing masks. We will have and maintain the appropriate cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer on hand in the Car Shop. The regulations and requirements may change over time but we want to do our part to make sure everyone returns home healthy.

In the event that you’re not comfortable working at the museum during the pandemic or you’d like to like to do some volunteering from home we can use your help with our “at home” projects. We maintain a good size list of “at home” projects that may be of interest. This is work that can be picked up at the museum, worked on at home and returned to the museum at a later date. The “at home” projects are typically parts and pieces that need to be cleaned up and repainted or new parts that require painting and varnishing. Please contact me if you’re interested in assisting with any of the “at-home” projects.

Despite the pandemic we managed to have a productive 2020 thanks to outstanding support from the volunteers that participated in the work sessions and helped us out from their homes. We’re hoping to do even better this year as we have a good project list and plenty of opportunities for volunteers to participate in a wide variety of projects. Please join us as we welcome everyone willing to help us preserve and restore Mid-Continent’s Collection pieces.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in the Car Shop! 

Bill Buhrmaster
MCRM Restoration Manager

Date(s)Session Type
April 5-6-7Restoration Dept. Work Session
April 9-10-11Restoration Dept. Work Session
April 30 & May 1-2Restoration Dept. Work Session
May 14-15-16Restoration Dept. Work Session
June 4-5-6Restoration Dept. Work Session
June 25-26-27Restoration Dept. Work Session
July 9-10-11Restoration Dept. Work Session
July 23-24-25Restoration Dept. Work Session
August 6-7-8Restoration Dept. Work Session
August 20-21-22Restoration Dept. Work Session
September 10-11-12Restoration Dept. Work Session
September 17-18-19Restoration Dept. Work Session
October 1-2-3Restoration Dept. Work Session
October 2-3Vintage Rail Car Tours Event
October 15-16-17Restoration Dept. Work Session
October 29-30-31Restoration Dept. Work Session
November 13-14Restoration Dept. Work Session
December 4-5Restoration Dept. Work Session

2021 New Trainman Class

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

The Operating Department will hold a class for new trainmen on April 10-11 and May 1-2. The class will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day with a one-hour break for lunch. Attendance at all four days is mandatory to complete the class. The class is held at Mid-Continent and is limited to 6 people, we will create a waiting list for anyone requesting to join the class after the 6th person signs up. The class consists of both classroom and hands-on sessions, with the first weekend being mainly held in the classroom. You must be a member in good standing to be eligible to attend the class, you must be able to lift 50 lbs, and you must be at least 18 years of age. Be aware that you will be required to work outside in all types of weather. The cost to attend the class is free, but you will need to equip yourself with the proper clothing/uniform and will need to buy a rule book. If, after completing your student trips, you qualify as a brakeman you will also have to provide a deposit for the keys you will be issued. All requirements for the class will be explained in the invitation email. Ongoing requirements of staying in the Operating Department will be explained during the class.

We try to hold a class for new trainmen once each year in the spring. If you are considering joining the operating department, you must attend this class to become a trainman. If you left the department without taking any kind of approved leave (leave applies only to a small number of people), you also must take this class if you wish to return and will start as a trainman. No credit will be given for previous service or positions held.

Due to the cancellation of last year’s class, applicants from 2020 have first choice this year, but if you would like more information on the program or would like to be added to a waitlist in the event a seat is available, please send an email or call the MCRM office at (608) 522-4261 or inquiries@midcontinent.org.

If you are selected to attend this year’s class: The first weekend will be entirely indoors at the North Freedom Town Hall. The second weekend in the yard will be mostly outside and require a few specific items (Steel-toe Boots, Gloves/Leather Mittens) and will be discussed in a follow-up email and at the first class. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks/face coverings will be required at all times indoors and on museum property. You will be required to obtain a Consolidated Code of Operating Rules, Edition of 1980, which you can purchase from the museum for $10. The museum has limited quantities and you are free to acquire your own copy of a Consolidated Code of Operating Rules, Edition of 1980 outside the museum (ebay or other sellers), but it is a REQUIRED item to have on your person while on duty. As well, once you qualify, you will need to pay $5 for a switch and “O” key. This is a one-time deposit fee and you will be given a receipt. You will be expected to return the keys should you no longer remain an active volunteer in operations, at which time your deposit fee will also be returned.

ALL details subject to change. We welcome any suggestions or other input. If you are still interested in the Trainman class, but not at this time, please let us know so we can keep you on a list for future classes. We also recommend following our Facebook page and reading the Steamer newsletters.

Thanks,

Christopher E Lorr
Assistant Training Officer
Mid-Continent Railway Museum