Author Archives: Rebecca

Wishing The Montana Western #31 A Happy 100 Years!

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

🎉 We’re wishing our Montana Western #31 (AKA Great Northern #2313) a happy 100 year anniversary this year! 🎉

Its newly restored model 106A Winton engine has been returned to Mid-Continent and is now back inside the gas-electric motor car. This engine restoration could not have happened without all of your support!

In order to become fully operational, more work is needed on the radiator and roof of the motor car. If you would like to donate to help the MW #31 run again, please click the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QTV4WC3WB2Y8E

If you are interested in learning more about the Montana Western #31 and its historical and mechanical significance, please visit its roster page on our website: https://www.midcontinent.org/equipment-roster/dieselother-locomotives/montana-western-31/

Montana Western #31 – Winton Engine Restoration Has Been Successfully Completed

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

The mechanical and cosmetic restoration of our model 106A Winton engine has been successfully completed and will be shipped back to Mid-Continent! Watch the engine start up below.

This is a huge step in preserving the Montana Western #31 for future generations to learn about and enjoy. We would like to thank you all for your support in completing this restoration!

For more information on the motor car this engine belongs to, please press the button below.

Montana Western #31

“Last Spike” Ceremony

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Yesterday we celebrated the completion of our 3 million dollar rail relay and infrastructure overhaul with a “Last Spike” ceremony!

Donors and special guests were invited to ride the first train of the 2025 operating season, marking the start of a new chapter for our railway. At the end of the line, attendees gathered for a series of speeches from Mid-Continent President Andy S., Wisconsin State Assemblyman Tony Kurtz, our Roadmaster Dave B., and Superintendent of Engineering Nick V.

The event concluded with the ceremonial driving of a final golden spike, symbolizing the official completion of the project.

This massive overhaul would not have been possible without the incredible support of our generous donors and the dedication of our volunteers and members. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project a reality. We’re excited for future generations to enjoy this historic line for decades to come!

Engine House Track #2 Update

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Another rail related update from Mid-Continent! On the weekend of May 3rd and 4th, we replaced the wooden ties and pit timbers on track #2 inside our Engine House! The pit area is critical infrastructure to perform locomotive servicing and regular maintenance making its upkeep integral.

1385 Steam and Air Line Installation/Donation Update

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

We have had multiple teams working on various projects and great progress has been made. We are now working on the installation of the steam and air lines. As of right now, we are still looking for funding to bring the #1385 home. Thank you for your continued help and support on the full restoration of the #1385!

Sincerely,

Andy
MCRY President

Donations can be made online by clicking the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QWRDMKVLN9CHU

You can also make a donation by phone or mail. (If donating with a check, please write ‘Bring the #1385 Home Fund’ in the memo line.) For assistance, contact our office staff at 608-522-4261. For more information and weekly updated donation fund thermometer, please check out our Facebook or our website post titled, “Your Help is Needed to Bring the C&NW #1385 Home Again!”