Category Archives: News

Keep up with the latest news and announcements at Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

Montana Western #31 Fund Drive a Success

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Matching Grant Secured

The $10,000 matching grant challenge for the Montana Western #31 gas-electric motor car that was announced on August 1st has now been fully matched by donors. Museum members and donors expressed overwhelming support of the museum’s plan to bring Montana Western #31 back to operational condition. All of the available challenge grant dollars were matched by donors in less than three weeks!

Further donations to the Montana Western #31 project are still welcome and needed. The funds raised to date should cover most or all of the Winton engine repair, but there are several other areas of repair to the motorcar that will involve costs as well. Further donations received will be used for these other areas of repair necessary to make #31 operational. Any funds received beyond what is required to make it operational will then be used toward cosmetic work on the motorcar (window repairs, paint refresh, interior repairs, etc.) and toward future upkeep.

Donate Online

Donate quickly and securely online with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

Donate Online

Donate by Check

Send a check payable to Mid-Continent Railway Museum to:

PO Box 358
North Freedom, WI 53951

Please write “Montana Western #31” on the check memo line.

Donate by Phone

Donate with a credit or debit card by phone with a call to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum administrative office (Monday-Friday) at 608-522-4261 or toll-free 800-930-1385.

Learn More

Montana Western #31 on public display while being named a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 2002.

Next Steps

With some funds now in hand for the project, the real work can move forward. The first step will be to remove the Winton gas-electric engine from the car so it can go to a specialty repair shop. A backlog of other projects means the contract repair shop will not be able to begin work until spring/summer 2023. Once engine work on the engine begins, it is estimated to take approximately eight months to complete.

Simultaneously, Mid-Continent volunteers will have a list of repairs to complete to the car’s other components at Mid-Continent that are necessary before the #31 can return to service. Items known to need attention are:

  • Repair the leaky radiator, including pressure testing and re-soldering
  • Clean out rust from the fuel tank, pressure test it, and weld any weak spots
  • Repair several windows that do not open easily
  • Repair a broken door
  • Repair a sliding door in the engine compartment
  • Inspect the brake system and make any repairs necessary
  • Evaluate and possibly mount the roof-mounted auxiliary radiator
  • Inspect other areas for potential degradation/damage, including wiring systems, traction motors, etc.
  • Repaint some underbody components
  • Repair leaks in motorcar roof

Project Timeline Factors

The question everyone now wants to know is, “When will Montana Western #31 be operational?” The answer depends on many factors making it difficult to provide an estimate. The Winton engine repair is anticipated to be completed in 2024; however, as the list above indicates, there is a lengthy list of additional tasks that must be completed.

How soon #31 can be made operational after the engine is reinstalled depends on the availability of volunteers to complete the above list of repair and inspection items, whether or not there are any major unforeseen issues discovered once repairs begin, and how much additional fundraising will be necessary to complete the entire list of needed repairs. Simply put, it is currently too early in the process for Mid-Continent to provide a timeline for the completion of the Montana Western #31. Look for future project updates to be posted on our website as work commences.

Become a Project Volunteer

The best way now to make sure #31 becomes operational as soon as possible is to volunteer to help with the repairs. Volunteer work sessions on #31 are expected to start in spring 2023 with the removal of the Winton engine. If you wish to be contacted when volunteer sessions are announced, please use the below sign-up form. This list will be provided to the project’s lead volunteers.

April 2022 Volunteer Opportunities

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum is made possible by its volunteers. In 2021, over 50 volunteers combined for over 5,000 hours of volunteering. Join us in helping to preserve and share railroad history through the operation of our vintage railroad rides and display of our nationally-acclaimed collection of railcars, locomotives, and railroad equipment.

Use the button to sign up to participate in one or more of the following upcoming volunteer sessions. Museum membership is not required to volunteer in most areas.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER or REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Restoration Department Work Session

Volunteer tasks are available on all our active projects (East Jordan combine, DULUTH sleeper, Soo caboose and LS&I #64 coach. Stop in and give us a day. We have all types of tasks with many that do not require climbing or lifting. All help is greatly appreciated.

Meeting Time/Date: April 20-24. Work starts around 9 AM each morning except on the first day which has a later start time.

Location: Mid-Continent’s Car Shop Building

Project Contact: Bill Buhrmaster, Restoration Dept. Manager

Mechanical Department – C&NW #1385 Tender Project

The focus of the work session will be to jack up the tender one end at a time and inspect the roller bearings. We will also make adjustments to the bolster plates on the tender frame as needed.

Meeting Time/Date: April 23-24 starting at 9 AM

Location: Mid-Continent’s Engine House Building

Project Contact: Ed Ripp, General Foreman of Steam Power

Mechanical Department – Passenger Car Fleet Maintenance

Car wash time! Assist with washing a couple of the museum’s passenger cars to help them look sharp. Will also be cleaning the car interiors, washing car windows, and repainting a car roof.

Meeting Time/Date: April 30-May 1 from 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Lackawanna railcars (next to museum depot)

Project Contact: Richard Colby, General Foreman of Rolling Stock

Buildings & Grounds Department

Help prepare the museum property for reopening to the public. Tasks include clearing branches, lawn repair, light tree pruning, setting up garbage cans, picnic tables, sweeping floors, window washing, etc.

Meeting Time/Date: April 30-May 1 from 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Mid-Continent’s Depot/Office Area

Project Contact: Andy Spinelli, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

2022 Calendars

Now Available

Order your Mid-Continent Railway Museum Whistle on the Wind 2022 wall calendar! This 12-month calendar features 6 color images and 7 black & white images of railroading past, each with an informative caption. Images are a mix of historical Midwestern railroad imagery as well as more contemporary scenes at Mid‑Continent Railway Museum.

Many dates include “this day in history” factoids about railroads of the Upper Midwest and Mid‑Continent’s own history. The calendar features quality o-ring binding to ensure it stays flat against the wall.

How to Order

Calendars are $11.75 plus shipping and handling. They, along with many other items, can be purchased via our online gift shop.

Browse the Gift Shop

Not interested in any other items? Skip the browsing and get right to the calendar order screen using the Pre-Order Calendar Now button.

Pre-Order Calendar Now

Members-Only Pricing

Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society members receive one calendar automatically as a perk of membership. Look for it to arrive in mailboxes in the second half of December. Members may order additional calendars for themselves, family members, or friends at a special members-only price of only $8.25 plus shipping and handling. Members can pre-order additional calendars online using the Pre-Order Now (Member) button.

The membership status of the purchaser will be verified before shipping of discounted calendars.

Pre-Order Calendar Now (Member Pricing)

Not currently a Mid-Continent member? Sign up today for 2022 membership to receive the 2022 calendar and other great perks!

2021 COVID-19 Impacts – Updated

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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.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Order

View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order requiring the use of masks and the frequently asked questions. View the Federal Railroad Administration mask order.

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.

All 2021 Onboard Dining Trains Canceled

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Due to the challenges associated with offering onboard dining during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is announcing the cancellation of all ONBOARD DINING TRAINS for the remainder of 2021.

We apologize for any inconvenience these cancellations may cause. The cancellations do NOT affect Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s COACH TRAINS, which continue to operate as scheduled and are better able to accommodate CDC social distancing and mask requirements.

Look for onboard dining trains to return in 2022.