President’s Message

2024 will mark 61 years at North Freedom Wisconsin for the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. I would like to thank you all for your help and support over this mild winter season. We have been busy at work both at the museum regarding management and maintenance/restoration. As you will read below the volunteers have been hard at work and we have made great positive progress. I would like to thank our volunteers and all our membership for their donations and time that has contributed to making Mid-Continent what it is today.

Buildings and Grounds

We have been cutting a lot of brush both by the Engine House, parking lot and by the turn table. We plan to have the whole area cleared between Coach Shed 2 and Storage Building #1. Then we will keep this area maintained in preparation for our turntable and future expansion.

The Fleet Shelter Building Commitee has been meeting regularly and we have had soil borings done in preparation of the foundation of the building. No, we are not building the building yet. We are in the discovery stage so we can bid on and permit the project.
We now have a plan to fix the post issue on the restoration building (Car Shop) and are working on getting bids from contractors on the project.

This summer we will be painting the outside of the restrooms and pavilion area so we will be looking for donations to cover the cost of the paint and volunteers to do the painting.

We will be changing the air conditioning out in the office building. It is 20 + years old and at the end of its life.
We will still be getting pricing for the Depot outside work, window repair, and Crossing Tower work.

We have ordered all brand-new wheels and axles for the Milwaukee Road #988. They should be in by the end of May. Also, we will be going to roller bearings. They have also been ordered and we have all the parts to make this conversion possible. The trucks are now waiting for these parts for final assembly.

The C&NW #1385 has its power reverse mounted and is getting ready for its hydro test that will be taking place in the next few months. Nearly all the holes have been drilled in the boiler for mounting appliances and preparation for final piping and transportation are being worked out now.

We will be doing handrail painting on the MCRY #7 and a wash and wax treatment to it to spruce it up this spring. If you want to get involved let me know. We will also be doing this on the 1256.

Spring Fling will be May 4th! Please come out and help get the museum ready for opening. Most department heads will be around and will be willing to talk about their departments and the work they do. You will then have the opportunity to work with them or move from department to department to experience what is done in that area. We also need your help with cleaning and preparation of opening day. Bob Anderson will be grilling lunch as he did last year. Please plan on being at the pavilion at 9:00 AM for introductions and announcements.

Help Needed

2017 Roof Work: We still need someone to head the repair and replacement of the Soo Line diner-lounge #2017 roof. This car is now living in Coach Shed #1 protected from the weather but is out of service. Not being able to offer dining experiences to the museum not only affects the income received by museum but also does not allow us to offer unique experiences to the public of dining on our railcars.

988 Project Manager: We need someone to head this project. The 988 is a unique Alco RSC-2 built for the Milwaukee Road in 1947.

Car Forman: We need someone to take charge of the rolling stock from light repair work to cleaning and brake repair.

If you can step up to any of these roles, please reach out to our office or me and we can talk more about the job description. Please consider a donation to one of the areas of the museum to continue positive progress. I look forward to seeing you at the museum in our 61st year. Thank you all for your help and support!

Update by Andy S.

Montana Western #31 Update

At the time of writing, the Winton engine has been disassembled to the point where cleaning and rebuilding has begun. While it has been determined that the engine needs an entire top end rebuild and two cylinders will require sleeves. It has also been decided that there will be no need to pull the crank or the camshaft as these have been tested and determined to be sound.

In addition, work has commenced on cleaning out water passages in the block as some were almost completely clogged with scale. Several parts, including three brand new cylinder heads, gaskets, rings, and other top end parts, have been pulled from our inventory by Ed R. They have been transferred to FMW employees in Middleton. Furthermore, we gave FMW the unusable water damaged cylinders sleeve that they say they can use as a pattern to make new ones. It has been decided that FMW will try to match the original engine paint as close as they can as no one has any information as to where Winton purchased its engine paint, or if the company is still in existence.

While the engine is out of the car body, several things need to be addressed: We would like to know the condition of the air compressor because if it has issues, now is the time to fix them. We know that the radiator has some problems, so we have to deal with that while the engine is not in the way. These are both big undertakings. Overall, a lot has been done, and much remains to be done if we are to meet our goal of restoration by its centennial in 2025.

Update by Rusty S.

Gift Shop Update

As of February 26, 2024, I have placed an order for 72 HO boxcar kits, expected to arrive in late March.

Our last custom car endeavor dates back to 2015. Unfortunately, following the release of that car, our supplier passed away, bringing an end to our custom car projects. Since then, we’ve reached out to various companies in pursuit of similar ventures. Recently, Track One has emerged as a viable option, offering to produce small quantities in multiple colors.

The HO car we’re currently working on will be produced in a batch of 72 pieces. We’re also exploring the possibility of producing a limited quantity of these cars in O scale as well!

Update by Jeff H.

Training Committee Update

By the time of this newsletter, the Steam/Diesel Training Committee will have submitted a Training Advancement Flowchart for Board approval.

It is our hope that the Board approves this visual that covers the necessary steps and minimum experience needed to advance from one craft to another. This is a huge step forward towards reactivating the vital component of advancement withing the Operating Department and also aims to attract new volunteers who can see the path to involvement at any level.

Our new conductor course starts the weekend of March 23rd/24th. Five students have met the qualifications and applied for advancement through the Training Officer. These students will be learning about delay reports, train registers, train orders and more throughout the weekend. Upon completion of the course, all five will be signing up for student trips with previously qualified conductors before taking a qualifying trip later this season.

Our new trainman class will take place over two weekends in April: the 6th/7th and the 20th/21st. Updated curriculum is still being finalized with the hope to add another group of student trainmen to the Operating Department by the start of the 2024 season.

The committee will continue to meet every two weeks to tackle additional training needs including updated daily inspection paperwork/checklists for our motive power as well as new versions of our fireman/engineer training manuals.

Update by Colin O.

Restoration Department Update

Volunteers in the Restoration Department have remained active over the winter months: working on projects at the museum, as well as at their home shops. The following is a summary of the recent progress made on several projects.

East Jordan & Southern #2

Pete, with the assistance of other volunteers, have continued to make progress restoring the interior of the car.

• Cut and installed the new T&G boards for the replica partition between the passenger and baggage sections.
• Made repairs to the flooring in the passenger section of the car.
• Continued sanding and varnishing the interior woodwork.
• Completed final prep work prior to staining and varnishing the clerestory lower edge trim.
• Selected paint for the lower crown moulding.
• Prepared painted lower headliners.
• Start construction of the seat bottom frames.

DSS&A DULUTH

• All new upper roof drip rails were made by Jerry F.
• The water damaged veneer on lower wall of the Smoking Room was removed.
• Mike completed the drawings for the missing doors in the car.
• Contracts have been placed for replicating the missing doors and the smoking-room veneer (lower east wall).

C&NW #1099 – Narrow gauge combine
Richard has been very active in reconstructing the wooden sills, beams and bolsters under the car. Richard has periodically been assisted by David P.

• (2) New side sills and body bolsters were made.
• The remnants of the old body bolsters were removed, and new body bolsters were cut, fit, and installed.
• A new body end beam on the south end of the car was cut, fit, and installed.
• New shiplap flooring has been made and Richard and David have begun installing the new subfloor.

Lake Superior & Ishpeming #64

• (5) Replacement windowsills made for the car by Jerry F.
• (26) New outer window stops (center and side posts) made for the car by Jack.
• All new window, corner post and door battens made by Jerry F.
• The water damaged interior walls around oval windows were removed.
• (22) New seat back frames were made for the car by Jack.
• Jack and Fred installed the new center window.
• Fred completed the repair to the NW corner post.

Great Northern A-22 Business Car
Larry has been working inside the car stripping the old shellac finish off the walls and partitions. He started in the north observation room and has been working his way south.

Chicago & Illinois Midland #90 Business Car

• Jerry M. made all new clerestory side wall moulding for the two staterooms.
• Jerry M. made a new swinging door for the aisle. He also stained and varnished two of the aisle’s swinging doors.
• Steve has been continuing to install new wiring in the car.
• Upcoming needs in the Restoration Department are volunteers for helping in the Car Shop during the MCRM Spring Fling session on May 4th. Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand on several projects in the Car Shop during May 3rd and May 5th in addition to Spring Fling on May 4th.

We are also looking for volunteers interested in participating in the upcoming “All Hands on Deck” session scheduled for June 26th-30th. For this session, we welcome volunteers that are interested in helping the Restoration Department make significant progress in the matter of a few days on a number of the active projects. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will provided for all volunteers after their first day of participation in this session. In addition to the volunteer work, planned activities will be held each evening. Sign up for this session is required, and can be done by contacting Bill B.

Update by Bill B

Mechanical Department Update

Work completed:

C&NW 1385 Tender
The wires for the rear headlight, marker lights and deck lights were pulled into the conduit that had already been mounted to the tender. The truck brake rigging had been reconfigured. There were some items that came up that will need to be addressed. This includes ordering different length brake levers to have the rigging line up properly. The braking force has already been calculated. This will be kept in mind while determining the truck lever dimensions.

C&NW 1385 Locomotive
Almost every item that will be mounted to the boiler of our engine requires at least one more hole to be drilled into the boiler shell. In recent weeks the layout of where to drill some of those holes has been moving quickly. Among those completed are the holes for mounting the bell and the steps used to access and fill the sand dome. Item locations laid out and awaiting attention include brackets for the Brake Control stand, Reverser, Steam Gauge, Safety Valve and Cab turrets, and the Power Reverse Cylinder.

The runboards and handrails have been installed as well. Installing the runboards and handrails now is important for two reasons. First, every bracket, support, or stanchion is attached to the boiler with studs and each of those studs requires another hole in the boiler to be drilled and threaded. As part of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspections to bring a locomotive back into active service, the boiler is pressurized with water and every penetration of the boiler must be tight and with no leaks. This inspection using pressurized water is called the hydrostatic test and must be passed before we can fire the boiler for the initial steam tests. The other major reason for installing runboards and handrails now is it will make the remaining work on the top area of the boiler much easier. It will also make access much safer with a more stable platform to use.

General 1385 Update
We have also welcomed a new employee aboard the restoration project, TJ D. TJ comes with 20+ years of experience on locomotive rebuilding. He has worked for Kettle Moraine Railway and Mid-West Locomotive and Machine. TJ lives in the area and has winters off from his current career as an operating engineer. We look forward to his help and experience as we work to bring this project to completion.

MCRY 1256
An annual inspection has been started on the 1256. The brake cylinders were disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and greased. The brake cylinder travel was adjusted after this. Some of the lower main generator brushes that were worn have been changed out.

MCRY 7
A battery maintainer has been temporarily wired into the batteries of the 7. This will ensure that the batteries are fully charged so that they do not freeze during the cold months. There are maintainers on hand to be installed on the 1256 and the 1001.

DLW 425
The electrical system on the 425 has been inspected and a work scope has been put together to correct some issues. This will include replacing some old wiring in existing conduit.

DM&IR C-74
The brake cylinder was disassembled, cleaned, inspected and greased. The conductor’s valve in the cupula has been changed out with a quarter turn valve to repair the major air leak. A preliminary leakage test was performed. The car should now pass the leakage test during its annual brake test.

Work Coming Up:

C&NW 1385 Tender
Work to continue with the brake rigging. Prepare the cistern for blasting and application of coating. Continue working on installation of fixtures for the lighting.

MCRY 1256
Continue the annual inspection work. Plan out and install the battery maintainer.

MCRY 7
Install the brake control valves when they arrive. Test brake system.

Operating Fleet
Last year we started performing a single car test on the braking system of our operating fleet. We are waiting for the single car test device to arrive back from the shop where it will be requalified. Once this is back, we will start going through and performing the single car test on our operating fleet. We will also be applying lubricating disks in the bolsters of the operating fleet as they cycle through the Engine House for their single car test. This will require the car to be jacked up far enough to place the disk in the bolster bowl.

We can always use help in the Engine House. I will send out updates for work sessions to the member’s discussion board and via email. If you would like to be added to this email list, pass along your address to the office indicating that you would like to be added to the Mechanical Department email list.

Update by Ed R.

Engineering Department Update

Hello All,

It’s been a very interesting and productive winter here at Mid-Continent. As you all no doubt have seen, we’ve managed to acquire 90 lb. rail from the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Knapp Railroad Builders has been awarded a bid to lay out, or pedal out, the “new“ rail In preparation for installation. As well as sorting and stacking the excess rail and materials for storage. We are working on drawing up a bid package for the installation of this rail into the main, hopefully for this fall. So keep your eyes open for future announcements regarding that.

Also, this winter Jim B. and his group have been busy cutting down nuisance trees along our line. They have opened up the tree cover thru a significant stretch of Wood Curve to enhance our riders’ views. As well they’ve also cut down trees that have and potentially could strike the train. We will also be looking at cutting up trees that have fallen due to excessive winds that are laying along the tracks, but clear of the trains in the coming months before startup.

As I said it’s been a busy/interesting winter. I’ll plan on posting any potential Engineering work days/sessions on the member forum so keep your eyes peeled for any updates.

Update by Nick V.

Tree and Brush Clearing Update

Weed spraying takes place twice a year and last year was the first for brush spraying. This is the best way to keep vegetation from taking over, but it only reaches so far. Most of us have ridden the train year to year and have seen the downed trees from storms, dead trees from disease, and thick brush taking over. Our right of way has become littered with a lot of flammable debris. With the eventual return of steam, a few members and I have set out to address this matter. We are the newly formed ‘Line View Improvement Crew.’ The first area we are nearing completion on is Wood Curve. This spot offers our passengers a view of the old farm house to the east and it’s a good place to take a picture of the train from Hwy PF.

There is A LOT MORE TO DO and we need MORE HELP! This will be an on going year round project weather permitting. All work is ground work no aerial. We work in pairs for safety. Cutting and piling brush is the majority of the work. We recommend wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. As well as, gloves, safety goggles, and bug repellant. For more details please call Jim B.

Update by Jim B.

Dining Train Update

Since the last article in the December 15, 2023, Mid-Continent News, members of the Dining Services Department helped with the Holiday Flyer Trains on December 2, 2023. Because both trains were sold out, the members had to prepare the hot chocolate passengers in three 100-cup coffee makers and four 30-Cup coffeemakers. Once each of the trains departed the depot, the members had to pour, cap, and deliver the hot chocolate to the passenger cars to be handed out to the passengers. The 4:00 PM train served 216 cups of hot chocolate and the 5:30 PM train served 223 cups of hot chocolate. All the drinks were out and served to the passengers before the trains reached the quarry. Needless to say, the members did a lot of pouring, caping, and delivering of drinks in a short period of time.

The following members assisted on the Flyer Trains: Jay S., Chuck P., Colleen P., Jim B., Gary B., Tom P., Ed R., Tom H., Robert D., Adam Cl., Grant H., Jeff L., Jamie S., David, S., Andy S., and Jeff H.

Bad News – The 2017 has sustained roof damage and will not be able to be used for dining trains until the roof is repaired. Since the 2017 seating is 55% of the total dining seating, the decision was made to cancel future dining trains until the roof is repaired. So, there will be no dining trains for 2024.

Good News – Because of the success of the Holiday Flyer Trains in December of 2023, a decision was made to run additional Flyer Trains during the 2024 train season. Unlike traditional dining trains, the Flyer Trains take place aboard Mid-Continent’s coach cars. The Operating Department and the Dining Services Department are looking at running additional Flyer Trains on the 6th of July – called the “Freedom Flyer” featuring popcorn and fruit punch, 24th of August – called the “Root Beer Float Flyer” featuring root beer floats, and 19th of October – called the “Harvest Flyer” featuring donuts and hot cider. The trains are scheduled to run at 5:00 PM on those dates, with the possibility of an additional train at 6:30 PM if the first train is sold out. The Holiday Flyer will be returning on the 7th of December with trains scheduled at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM with hot chocolate.

Since the museum will be running the additional Flyer Trains, the Dining Services Department will be looking for additional volunteers to work on these trains. If any member of the museum is interested in serving on the Flyer Trains, please contact Jeff H. No experience is necessary, and we do on-the-job training.

In addition, the Dining Services Department is still looking for a Superintendent of Dining Services for next year. If anyone is interested in serving as Superintendent of Dining Services, please contact the office.

Update by Jeff H.

D&R #9 Update

Happy 2024 to all our followers and generous donors! The D&R #9 crew appreciates all your support. The D&R #9 cosmetic restoration began in the Fall 2020. Much has been accomplished, but there is a lot more to do.

A brief history of the D&R #9 begins back in 1884 when the Baldwin Locomotive Works constructed the locomotive as New Orleans & North Eastern. It received a new boiler in 1904. NO&NE sold the locomotive to a surplus dealer in 1917. The locomotive was purchased by the Dardanelle & Russellville in Arkansas and was renumbered to #9. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum purchased the locomotive in 1963 and served as one of Mid-Continents daily operation locomotives on and off until 1991 when it was removed from service because of boiler issues. The D&R #9 is the oldest locomotive on the property.

The locomotive was stored as inoperable until 2020. During the Fall of 2020, a small group of Mid-Continent volunteers along with MC’s Restoration Department decided to cosmetically restore the locomotive to preserve it until a time when she gets her turn in the shop for an operational restoration. The project is led by 10-year-old (as of 2020) Fletcher R. along with his father Jason.

Today, Fletchers Crew is proudly sharing the progress which has been made over the past 3 years on the D&R #9. The D&R #9 Restoration Project initially raised $9,999 through our generous donors to begin the project. But this was primarily used to cosmetically restore the tender. The tender is the “car” that is directly connected to the locomotive to carry fuel and water for its operation. In the case of the D&R #9, the tender carries 5 tons of coal for fuel and 3500 gals of water for the boiler. The tender is now complete minus the headlight and foot boards on the rear.

Now it is time to focus on the locomotive itself. We are dedicating the 2024 season to the “Year of the Cab.” There is much work to do in the cab. There is some wood rot in the interior of the cab. The roof hatches leak, cab floorboards need to be replaced, seat boxes repaired and re-upholstered, and all fixtures in the cab need to be cleaned and painted. The exterior of the cab will then need to be sandblasted and painted just as the tender was. Additionally, depending on volunteer “man” power, running gear will need to be cleaned and prepped for paint. As always, Fletchers crew welcomes ALL volunteers! If you enjoy learning and having fun, that’s all the skill you need!

For our second fundraiser, we are again setting our goal at $9,999. Through your generous donations we can attain this goal. We appreciate any donation you can make towards the project. Every little bit helps! Without your generosity, the wheels of progress will grind to a stop. Fletcher’s “Crew” is dedicated to bringing the project to completion. We will work hard, and we are committed to spending your donations wisely and frugally. Thank you for your support! We cannot do this without you!

Update by the D&R #9 Crew

Meet a Member

For this “Meet A Member” entry, I would like to introduce Adam C! Adam is one of our youngest volunteers at Mid-Continent and the newest addition to the Board of Directors. He is extremely active in our Operations Department and Switching Crew. His intense passion for railroading has been a longstanding family tradition of sorts. It all started with his grandfather, who worked odd jobs as a mechanic, switching between cars and various locomotive shops. His grandpa would often take Adam’s father out on railfanning trips across the United States. Whether it be out west, watching the great C&NW coal trains in Wyoming, or spending days in Wisconsin Rapids, riding in the cab of the GBW Alcos. Needless to say, this passion did not waver once Adam was born. Adam has been told that his first railfanning trip happened when he was just six months old – (probably) making him the youngest railfan to ever exist. His father had worked in the industrial train yards of the Minnesota Commercial Railway for 17 years, where switching cars was a day-to-day norm. Adam joined his father inside the cab at a young age, some days inquiring to watch the switching from the ground. Thus, sparking his lifelong interest.

Even though the cards didn’t play out for Adam to have a career in trains, he happened upon Mid-Continent in 2021 when looking for volunteer opportunities. When I asked Adam what drew him to Mid-Continent, he said that when he visited, he was instantly captivated by his experience. This place filled the gap and was everything he was looking for. He knew from that point forward that he wanted, no, he NEEDED to be a trainman. After successfully getting into the trainman program, he has been volunteering ever since.

This naturally led me to inquire about Adam’s favorite memory during his time as a member, and he eagerly recounted his first experience volunteering on the Santa Express. Adam’s adventure started as he completed his brake test and made his way to the front of the train. His account through each car resembled the descriptions in a Tolkien novel, with the festive atmosphere of the holiday season palpable as he moved from the coach cars to the power car. Amidst the warmth of the coal-fired heat and the cheerful melodies playing over the speakers, Adam couldn’t help but notice the joyous expressions of both the riders and the volunteers who kept the train running smoothly. His adventure concluded in the business car, where he found a calm conclusion to the bustling journey. Adam holds a deep affection for the unique ambiance of the Santa Express and eagerly looks forward to continuing his volunteering efforts during this special event.

The final question I had asked Adam made me swell with pride for the museum. I had inquired what the museum meant to him personally, and how he sees it evolving through the coming years. He had replied that there’s a lot of exciting ideas floating around that he would love to see implemented eventually. He appreciates the shared commitment to excellence among the museum staff and members, expressing confidence in our ability to overcome any challenges as a team. Adam praised the museum for its focus on member ownership, highlighting the inclusivity of our decision-making process where everyone’s voice is heard, and challenges are met with a collaborative spirit rather than a simple rejection. One particular statement from Adam resonated with me: “This is the kind of place someone dreams about.” Mentioning that he often finds himself dreaming of this place, quite literally, underscoring the deep connection and pride he feels towards the museum. To me, this encapsulates the essence of Mid-Continent’s mission, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Written by Becca M.

President’s Message

Greetings from Mid-Continent Railway Museum. As you can see, we have rolled out a new format for our newsletter. Going forward you will be getting information directly from our department heads. I will be informing you of other things not directly involved with the various departments. I hope you like the new format, but we may adjust it from time to time to keep you informed in an organized, positive way. If you have any suggestions on additional information that should be put into the newsletter, please contact me. Regarding the Gazette, it has been put on hold until our office staff has the time to get back to it.

As for MC’s projects, here are some larger ones I’ve been involved in this year:

1. The Rock Island #1094 will get a new lease on life. The Restoration Department is looking for a spot for members of the
   restoration crew to eat and get out of the weather. The department will complete the rest of the rubber roof and clean up and
   paint the car. It should be in service next year. See Bill for more details.
2. The repair on the Milwaukee Road 988 trucks is in full swing, and the plan is to have them back before the end of the year.
   There is a large sum of money in a restricted account for the restoration of the 988. We are looking for a project manager to take on this project and complete the restoration of the engine. If you are interested in heading up this project, please contact me.
3. FMW has been contracted to do the rebuilding of the Montana Western #31 Winton engine. The engine has been prepared for removal by Rusty and his crew and will be shipped to the contractor in September.
4. We have started to investigate putting up another building for car storage. This building will be a shelter style building, like the shelter that the Shay engine is sitting under. However, the sides will come down approximately 10 feet from the top with the ends open. This will keep the snow, sun, rain, ice, and weather from damaging our working fleet. The plan is to locate the shelter behind Coach Shed #1. In preliminary conversations with Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department, they did not see any problem with this style of building behind Coach Shed #1, even though the shelter will be located in a floodway. This project is just in the beginning stages and has not received final town and county approval, so more information will be coming in the future and may change as time goes on.
5. We are finishing the 1385’s Form 4 so we can get the hydro testing scheduled with the FRA. The power reverse has been rebuilt and the running boards are being worked on. We are also having three new safety valves built, two for the engine and a spare. This is your museum, and one person cannot do it alone. At MC, we are all preserving and sharing rail history with others. We all have the opportunity to get involved. Please feel free to get involved with our various departments and continue to support their projects. We have made great progress but have a long way to go. We have opportunities coming up for the remainder of this year to volunteer, so please contact our office and let them know where you would like to volunteer. They can get you in contact with the right person in the department that you are interested in helping in.

Some of the great events yet to come this year:

• Vintage Rail Car Tours: Sept. 30-Oct. 1

• Autumn Color Weekend: Oct. 7-8, 14-15

• Pumpkin Special: Oct. 21-22

• Fall Members Banquet: Nov. 4

• Santa Express: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3

• The Holiday Flyer: Dec. 2

Thank you all for your help and support!

Written by Andy

60th Anniversary

On Saturday, May 27th, 2023, Mid-Continent celebrated its 60th Anniversary! For those that were fortunate enough to attend, it was a spectacular event and a great time had by all! The extravaganza started at 10am with speeches by Andy S., Cindy H., and B. G. M.

Cindy H. delighted the crowd with recollections of Mid-Continent’s earliest days at North Freedom. “My first recollection of coming down the track was on a hand car. The men would pump the car down the rail and the women and us kids would all pile on around the edge, and we’d come down to this area [by the current depot location] and there was absolutely nothing here except for one track and the weeds were up to your knees.”

The arrival of the museum has had a lasting impact on the village, sometimes in unexpected ways. “When they started steaming up the engine and started to run trains, the black coal smoke that entered the village gave my mom [Weva V.] and a few others in town an opportunity and a good reason to buy their first clothes dryer, so that was a major improvement around town.

”The creative problem-solving of the museum’s early members was also on display. “There was a time they started running trains that they ran out of tickets,” Cindy reminisced. “With us being in close proximity, they let mom know and she furnished them with a fresh pack of recipe cards that I ran over to the ticket office and they used them as tickets for the rest of the day.

B.G. M., who joined Mid-Continent in 1967 said, “The thing that impressed me the most with Mid-Continent was the friendliness, the hospitality that people showed other people, the fun, and the excitement.” Getting to work aboard the train was a bit of a competition between volunteers “If you showed up here on a

Friday afternoon,” explained B. G., “you’d sign up in the depot to be trainman, fireman, engineer, whatever. If you weren’t here 1 or 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, all the spots were filled so it was a mad scramble to see who could get here first.”

Following their speeches, a 60th anniversary banner was placed spanning the track and the Copper Range Special train led by the GE centercab #4 burst through, kicking off the day of celebration.

A DJ played a mix of early 1900s marches and bluegrass music on the depot platform. Visitors were still able to enjoy cookies and refreshments aboard the first-class which were open for tours in the yard courtesy of Mid-Continent’s Dining Services volunteers. The Domtar #1001 EMD NW-2, Mid-Continent’s most recently acquired locomotive, was also open for cab tours.

During the anniversary event visitors had a chance to take two separate train rides. Special commemorative tickets were issued for passengers of both. The Lackawanna Express departed from the depot for Quartzite Lake using the museum’s normal train ride schedule and Lackawanna coaches. The real attraction of the day, however, was the second train, titled the Copper Range Special, which was made up of the museum’s two Copper Range Railroad wooden coaches normally displayed in Coach Shed 2.

The first Copper Range Special trip was reserved for members and invited guests left straightaway from the platform after the ribbon cutting, traveling east to a point near the interchange with the Wisconsin & Southern, then returned through the museum yards before finally reversing into Coach Shed 2. All six subsequent trips of the Copper Range Special boarded inside Coach Shed 2. Next to the boarding area was a visiting exhibit on the Copper Range Railroad on loan from Michigan Tech University.

In all, an estimated 450 visitors were on hand for the event and a total of 847 train rides given between the two trains. The Car Shop’s Open House during the day also helped several people sign up as new members and will hopefully lead to more volunteering ahead. In all, it was a very successful event and a fun way to reflect on the early days of Mid-Continent’s history.

Training Committee Update

We have had two new train crew members join the ranks this year! They have passed their qualifying run and have successfully joined the Operating Department!

Several other students are in the midst of their student trips and we are looking forward to adding them to the Operating Department in the future.

In other news, the Steam/Diesel Training Committee is updating our Air Brake/Train Handling Rulebook. We will be hosting diesel engineer classes starting this Fall!

Update from Colin O.

Mechanical Department Update

Since our last update, we have performed several maintenence tasks. We have continued performing single car tests on operating equipment. Cleaned and changed out fuel filters on the MCRY 1256.

We have also filled MCRY 7 with water and did a test run. By doing this, we have found the brake system needs some attention, along with the already known prime mover.

In addition, our Lackawanna fleet is now complete and ready for use, as we have installed the rebuilt trucks under DL&W 563.  We have also connected brake rigging and performed a single car test. We have also attempted to get the DM&IR into service, but alas the brake pipe did not pass the leakage test. We’ll be continuing to work toward getting it back into working condition.

Update by Ed R.

Restoration Department Update

From June 21st through June 25th a total of 28 volunteers participated in a five-day volunteer work session in the Car Shop called the “ALL HANDS ON DECK” session. The five-day session was very successful as we averaged close to 20 volunteers a day. The volunteer help was tremendous and allowed many projects to be completed. In addition, special events and activities were held each evening, including a pizza train ride. During the work session, one of the biggest pushes was on the DM&IR C-74 caboose. Wood repairs were completed, and the caboose was repainted and lettered. The LS&I #64 coach also saw marked progress on installing car siding. It went from no siding to over 90% complete. On the EJ&S #2 combine, volunteers installed and painted a new canvas roof. Outside Coach Shed #1, volunteers repainted the wood on the exterior of the CRRR #29 locomotive and built two new cab windows.

Outside the All Hands on Deck session, numerous other projects have seen progress since May of this year. The Goodman Lumber Co. #9 Shay locomotive is receiving new jacketing and electrical conduit thanks to the successful fundraiser for that project late last year.

Inside the GN #3261 coach the interior of the two toilet rooms’ walls and doors have been stripped. In the C&IM #90 observation car, volunteers completed installing the ceiling and headlining panels and additional woodwork and electrical work are in progress in the observation room. To help preserve C&NW #613 which is stored outdoors, protective steel sheeting has been installed on the car.

To continue making the kind of progress that has been accomplished recently, the Restoration Department will need help with labor, coordination, and financing. In the financing area, an estimated $32,000 in additional funding is needed to proceed with constructing and upholstering the seat cushions for the EJ&S #2 combine. [To support this project, send a check to MCRM with the “EJ&S #2” written on the memo line.]

Inter-department assistance is needed to make track repairs in the south yard to allow access to the CB&Q caboose and GB&W boxcar. Volunteers are needed to sign up and participate in the annual Vintage Rail Car Tours held on September 30 and October 1, 2023, and to install a new rubber roof on the CRI&P #1094 car. Lastly, volunteers are needed to assist with the various restoration and maintenance work performed in the Car Shop to accomplish the following goals.

Projects yet to do in 2023:

DULUTH Sleeping Car: repair/replace the upper ceiling in the sleeping compartment, refinish wood parts for the sleeping compartment, remove the old car siding above the windowsills and make replacement lower roof drip rails.

LS&I #64: Complete the repairs to the oval window openings, install the remaining car siding and arched window trim pieces. Strip the remaining old finish off the interior woodwork and strip the paint of the car ends.

Soo Line #203 Caboose: Design and construct the missing closets, side bench and lockers inside the car.

EJ&S #2: Install the clerestory deck window blocking, install the new deck window screens. Make the wood parts for the seat cushions and the baggage room partition.

C&IM #90: Complete the woodwork installation in the observation room. Run the new wiring to the electrical cabinet. Begin rebuilding the staterooms.

D&R #9: Letter the tender, work on the cab and other items for cosmetically restoring the locomotive.

As resources are available, work will also continue the C&NW #1099, the C&NW #613, the Soo Line #99085 and the CRRR #29.

Update by Bill B.

Car Department Update

This year the Car Department has seen the Lackawanna cars have their floors repainted to a nice, crisp red, thanks in part to volunteers during the Spring Fling, and especially Larry T, who did most of the prep work and was able to apply additional coats. The fourth and final Lack, #563, got its trucks back in July, bringing the truck rebuild program to a long-anticipated conclusion.

With all four Lacks in service again, our ridership capacity returns to its normal capacity, which is greatly needed for our special events and group visits. The C-74 caboose has had a trip through the car shop, receiving some much-needed woodwork and a fresh coat of paint and lettering. The talents of our Car Shop friends are impressive and valued beyond what words can say. The car is in need of further wheel work before returning to operations, so for now we will still be operating sans caboose.

Education Department Update

The Education Department has refreshed the displays inside of the depot, with the Soo Line display being removed in favor of a Mid-Continent at 60 Years display. The new display is an array of photos, memorabilia, and artifacts from the past 60 years of our being in North Freedom, including the whistle from our KGB&W #49 steam locomotive, some medallions from the Antique Transportation Meets in La Rue, HO models of the 2017 and C-74, and of course a photo from the flood of 2008. The flood display on the east wall of the depot has been taken down, to make room for new displays.

With the new cases donated last year, the potential for a wider variety of permanent and rotating displays is greatly increased. There are also new display signs on the platform for the C&NW narrow gauge boxcar #10, and about narrow gauge railways in Wisconsin. These signs have been a long time coming from a donation by Farm House Fraternity of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and are a welcome addition to the depot display area. Another sign will be made for the narrow gauge combine in time when it rejoins its companions on the platform someday.

Update by Richard C.

Roadmaster Update

In Spring 2023, Mid-Continent completed a crucial main line rail relay between South Bessemer, and Ulrich Road crossing, and from Larue, County Hwy PF crossing west to Larue Yard Limits. As part of this initial phase rail relay project, a total 2,500 track feet of extremely worn and fatigued 60 lb and 72 lb rail, were replaced with 100 lb relay rail. In addition to the rail relay, 385 new crossties were installed and track was raised and surfaced within the limits of the project.

MCRY Rail Relay Phase 2 project is the next crucial step in addressing the next highest priority in regard rail replacement at Mid-Continent ensuring the most worn and fatigued rail is removed from the mainline to provide the safest infrastructure to protect our passengers and equipment. The project begins at Summit, MP 1.4

extending westward to terminate at the Quartzite Lake East Switch, MP 3.56 for a total distance of 2.16 miles or 11,431 Track Feet. This equates to 588 each, 39’ relay 90 lb. rails (343 tons!), 588 pairs of joint bars, 13,064 tie plates, 2,352 track bolts, 26,128 spikes, 9,408 rail anchors as well as the replacement of 1,800 cross ties, and 2.16 miles of track surfacing, and the rail contractor installation services to complete the project. This amount of rail infrastructure structure does come at a cost. Current industry pricing to provide the materials and perform the installation of them currently averages in excess of $134 per foot or $1.5 million to complete the project.

Fortunately, Mid-Continent has the opportunity to purchase excellent quality relay 90 lb rail from upcoming rail projects on nearby Wisconsin railroads in the near future. The availability of this local rail will reduce costs for the project to approximately $78 per foot or $820,000 to compete the project. This is an incredible savings but one that needs funding to ensure the rail can be purchased promptly when it becomes available.

Update by Dave B.

Dining Train Update

As of July 31, 2023, there have been two weekends of Dining Trains at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Following is a summary of those trains:

On June 17, 2023, there were two BBQ Trains. The 11:00 AM train served 23 diners and the 3:00 PM trains served 29 diners. The total net profit from the two trains was $2,064.55. The following members assisted as dining staff: Cate B., Jay S., Steve P., Chuck P., Jim B., Allyn B., John T., Tom H., Robert D., and Jeff H.

On July 22,2023, there were two Pizza Trains. The 11:00 AM train served 53 diners and the 3:00 PM trains served 53 diners. The total net profit from those two trains was $4,040.63. The following members assisted as dining staff: Jay S., Steve P., Kim P., Chuck P., Shelly H., Bryan S., Robert D., Tom D., and Jeff H.

Based upon the comment cards that we have the diners fill out, the diners were incredibly happy with their dining experience.

A big thank you goes out to the dining staff for making the dining trains such a success.

If any member of the museum is interested in serving on the Dining Train, the Dining Services Department is always looking for more volunteers to help service on the trains. No experience is necessary, and we do on-the-job training.

If interested in helping out on the Dining Trains, please contact Jeff H.

In addition, the Dining Services Department is still looking for a Superintendent of Dining Services for next year. If anyone is interested in serving as Superintendent of Dining Services, please contact the office.

Written by Jeff H.

Meet a Member

Stan S. has been a member since 7/1/1963. This July marked his 60th Anniversary here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum! On the phone, I had the pleasure of getting to know him. He originally got involved with MCRM as his Grandparents lived in Reedsburg. Stan’s initial membership was paid by his grandpa. Stan remembers his first visit to MCRM in Hillsboro.

Stan has worn many hats throughout his years here. He used the skills and flair for paperwork he acquired as a School Superintendent, to apply for grants for MCRM. It was with his organized effort the greeter/tour guide program was instituted. He wanted to pass along the knowledge he learned about railcars and their history to each guest.

Throughout his years of participation with MCRM, Stan mostly enjoyed being involved in the Operating Department, which he had done since the summer of 1964.

He still fondly remembers the D&R #9 as it was the first locomotive he fired up!

He has been Brakeman, Conductor, and Fireman. When I asked him what the Fireman does, he said, “Keep water in the boiler, keep the pressure even, and feed it coal.”

When I asked Stan the greatest memory he has of MCRM, he immediately replied without any hesitation, the deep friendships! He went on to tell me that he and Bob R. were roommates, as Stan worked two summers at MCRM while in college at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant. He mentioned that he learned a lot about the railroad from Walt S., who was a retired C&NW Engineer, and also from Rudy F. And he couldn’t leave out Carl U., who taught him not only a lot about the railroad but also about life.

Written by Theresa