Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
We had an A-mazing session working on the #9 this last weekend. The locomotive looks very, very different, as we removed the grab irons, sand dome, base of the steam dome, and her bell for restoration of those parts, but also to increase exposure of the boiler for future cleaning and painting. It wasn’t all stripping of parts this weekend, as we did reinstall the smokestack. So she still does look a little like a locomotive. Thanks to Ed Ripp for his excellent operator work on the Lull. And thanks again to our regular crew of Steve, Frank, Mike, Jay, and of course Fletcher, for making it an enjoyable and safe job. The next volunteer session is set for July 24-25, so come down and lend a hand, bring some young members family, or friends.
Update provided by Jason Reiman
Getting ready to remove items from the boiler.
Prepping the repaired smokestack for installation.
The Lull forklift begins lifting the repaired smokestack for installation onto D&R #9.
Volunteers place the smokestack on #9.
Volunteers attach lifting straps to the #9’s sand dome cap.
Removing the #9’s bell.
Partially disassembled sand dome.
Continuing to take apart the #9’s sand dome.
Removing components from the #9 for cleaning and repainting.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Last month Dardanelle & Russellville #9 was finally moved to the end of the track to allow our team easier access with heavy equipment. Our team had a productive volunteer session the last weekend in June where we were able to separate the tender from the locomotive. This will facilitate easier access for washing, painting, and other restoration projects in those hard-to-reach places. Steve Pahl met with different vendors to discuss power washing and painting, and we have #9 scheduled for a wash at the end of July. We also removed all old running boards and set up temporary boards. The old stack has been repaired and delivered. Thanks to all that came out to help. A good time had by all.
We have 2 volunteer sessions scheduled for July: 10-11, and 24-25. We hope you can make it.
Update provided by Jason Reiman
Volunteers use manual car movers (large levers) to move D&R #9’s tender away from the locomotive.
The #9’s youngest volunteer, Fletcher, shows the size of the locomotive’s recently repaired smokestack.
The D&R #9’s tender after separation from the locomotive.
D&R #9 volunteers pause for a picture during the June 26, 2021 work session.
D&R #9 progress overview photo. July 8, 2021.
A working platform and steps have been added to allow easier access into the cab for further restoration work.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Your help is needed to keep the DULUTH sleeping car project moving ahead as part of the multi-year restoration plan. To keep the project on schedule, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is announcing a matching fund drive with a goal of raising $30,000 for the project by the end of 2021.
Click on image to view the Fund Drive Flyer
What This Fund Drive is For
The purpose of this fund drive is to raise needed funds for several key areas of the car’s restoration, including:
restoring the sleeping compartment woodwork and components
restoring the interior ceilings and headliners
restoring/recreating the stained glass windows
purchase new poplar siding and trim for the exterior
purchase green plush fabric for the seats
Double Your Gift!
A select group of individuals has generously pledged to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 to help us reach our goal of $30,000! Now we need your help to take full advantage of the matching offer and to have the necessary funding for restoration work through 2022.
To offer more flexibility and options for donors to take advantage of this matching offer, payment can be deferred until June of 2022 provided a pledge is made by the end of 2021.
How to Donate
Making your donation to the DULUTH project and getting it matched is easy and takes only a few minutes.
Donate by Check
Donations by check can be made out to Mid-Continent Railway Museum and mailed to:
Mid-Continent Railway Museum P.O. Box 358 North Freedom, WI 53951
Be sure to write “DULUTH Matching Fund Drive” on the check memo line so we can properly process your donation.
Donate by Charge Card or PayPal
You can donate instantly using any major credit or debit card or by PayPal.
We need your help to reach $15,000 in donations for the DULUTH so that we can collect the match and raise the full $30,000 for the project. This page will be updated on a regular basis to show our progress toward that goal.
Current Progress
Donations & Pledges Received
$13,703
as of Oct. 1, 2021 at 9:45 AM
Total Impact
Total Impact So Far
$27,406
as of Oct. 1, 2021 at 9:45 PM
Additional Donations & Pledges Needed to Reach Goal
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
We had a successful and safe volunteer session on the D&R #9 this last weekend, along with very cooperative weather. Only a light rain on Saturday morning. On both Saturday and Sunday, we had anywhere between 3 and 8 volunteers at any one time, and I want to give a huge thank you to those volunteers.
Fletcher works on removing the #9’s class lamps.
Steve Pahl Sr. works atop the boiler to remove appliances while Fletcher looks on from the cab.
Lowering the hefty rear headlight which was removed from the tender.
Rear headlight assembly being removed to permit restoration work.
With their help, we tackled “low hanging fruit,” and removed the rear light on the tender, the class lamps on the boiler, and most of the remaining loose parts and pieces that were in the locomotive. All those items are now stored and ready for individual restoration. We also removed the old rotting running boards from the flanks of the boiler, as they were only being held up by termites, so an obvious safety issue. We attempted to replace them with temporary running boards, but the old rusty original bolts prevented us from doing that for now. The only thing we were unsuccessful at was removing the #9’s bell. With the weight, and the height that it would have to be lowered using only manpower, we decided to play it safe and wait. We hope to get the #9 moved to a nearby location in the near future in hopes we can make access for equipment to be able to help us remove the bell and cradle.
As of now, we do not have a volunteer session planned for June but will send out that info when dates are determined. Again, thanks for everyone’s help this last weekend.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays through October 17th. Mid-Continent is dedicated to keeping our visitors safe above all else. This post contains important information regarding visiting Mid-Continent Railway Museum during our 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.
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. All Onboard Dining Trains scheduled for 2021 have been canceled due to the added challenges associated with offering food service during a pandemic. At this point, all Coach Trains (i.e. non-food-service trains) are operating as scheduled, but additional cancellations are possible. Our website contains the most up-to-date schedule information and can be viewed on our Plan Your Visit page.
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.
Passengers are implored to cancel their visit if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, believe they may be infected, or recently had close contact with someone who is infected.
Health Safety Precautions
Mid-Continent is taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission aboard our trains and around the museum property.
Face Mask Usage
Although the State of Wisconsin has eliminated its mask mandate and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has relaxed its mask recommendation for vaccinated individuals, the CDC still requires mask usage aboard public transportation, including all airplanes, trains, buses, and while inside transportation facilities. This includes Mid-Continent Railway Museum. This is a federal regulation and is not up to Mid-Continent. Suitable face masks must be worn at all times aboard Mid-Continent trains and while inside Mid-Continent’s depot building. Masks are provided free-of-charge and can be obtained from the ticket agent or conductor.
Federal-level regulations still require facemasks to be worn aboard all passenger trains and at transportation facilities, including Mid-Continent.
Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry.
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 as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). This exemption does not apply to individuals for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult. For additional information and examples of what constitutes an eligible exemption, refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
Individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have recovered from COVID-19 are not exempted from mask requirements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ORDER
Other Precautions
Hand sanitizer stations have been made available at numerous locations around Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard our trains.
Contacting Mid-Continent
To facilitate social distancing/telecommuting of our administrative employees, staffed office hours of the museum’s Administrative Office Building have been reduced. Mail, voicemails, and emails will continue to be checked frequently. Please allow up to 1-2 business days for a response. Any in-person meetings with office staff should be arranged ahead of time to guarantee availability.
