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!
Members, Friends, and Supporters of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum
We are looking to complete the major overhaul of our rail line by the opening of the 2025 season. As you may recall, we have changed our worn out 60 lb. rail on the major curves and installed many truckloads of ties and raised the roadbed. This work is now completed and will allow many years of service by heavy engines like the #1001 and #1385. Then we purchased enough 90 lb. rail to do the rest of the line and laid it out along the main line.
We have obtained two bids. I will refer to them as Bid Package #1 and Bid Package #2.
Bid Package #1 will relay all rails not already replaced on the main line from the restoration building to the end of the track at the quarry. It will include increasing the runaround area at the quarry so we can run the #1385 around the train and operate as normal. It will include the installation of 12,470 track feet (2.36 miles) of relay rail and On-Track-Materials (OTM) on the main track and sidings areas (includes farm crossings, culvert, and all work tasks). Furnish and install 2,069 new cross ties on the main track and sidings. Add ballast and perform 12,847 track feet (2.36 miles) of machine surfacing on the main track and sidings. Construct new end of track earth berm using materials available on site.
Bid Package #2 will relay only rails on the main line from Ulrich Road to the last switch at the quarry (Project Areas 3-5). It will not repair and extend our run around track for the #1385, meaning we will have to push the train back to the station. It will include the installation of 11,472 track feet (2.17 miles) relay rail and OTM on main track and sidings. Install 1,600 new cross ties, add ballast, and perform 12,786 track feet (2.42 miles) of machine track surfacing on the main track and sidings in Areas 3 and 5.
After using all our unrestricted cash on hand, we are short $316,858.82 to do bid package #1 and short $79,080.92 to do bid package #2. We would like to do the whole project but unless we come up with the funds, we will not be able to do any of this work. I am asking all our members, friends, and supporters to help fund and spread the word about this project. We can start this work in December and have it completed by opening season 2025. With 1385 coming back in the summer of 2025 it will give us nice heavy rail supported by new ties to operate on. This work will give us many years of headache free operation regarding our rail line.
In this time of need no donation is too small. Please consider a donation and passing the word to all your friends, family, and fans of history and railroading. I want to thank you for your past support of the Mid-Content Railway Museum. If anyone would like more detailed information on this project, please contact me.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s trains have traveled the rails at North Freedom for 60 years… rails which are themselves often over 100 years old. Mid-Continent’s railroad track is a critical piece of infrastructure that makes possible our museum’s signature experience – the train rides! Now we are asking for your help to make sure Mid-Continent’s rail line remains safe to operate for another 60 years and beyond.
MCRY Rail Relay Phase 2 is the next crucial step in addressing old, worn, and fatigued rail along Mid-Continent’s rail line on which its demonstration passenger trains are operated. Phase 2 involves replacing 11,431 track feet (2.16 miles) of rails, joint bars, tie plates, rail anchors, track bolts, and spikes, known as On-Track-Material, or OTM. That is enough rail to replace over half of Mid-Continent’s entire railroad!
Rail Relay Progress Made So Far
Thanks in large part to the generosity of donors who have given so far, Mid-Continent was able to place a winning bid on 502 tons of rail and 138 tons of OTM at a total cost of $203,000. The rail was recently removed from the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad’s Prairie Subdivision as they upgraded that line. This has provided enough rail to allow Mid-Continent to complete all of Phase 2. Although the rail being purchased comes used, it is newer and heavier-duty rail than what exists on Mid-Continent’s current line and will be good for many decades in service for the museum. The purchased rail was transported to the museum in November and early December 2023.
Sticks of newly acquired rail, arrayed for sorting in Mid-Continent’s parking lot. April 2024.
Inspection markings on the newly acquired rail. April 2024.
Next Steps
In April 2024, crews began sorting the rail in preparation for placing (but not yet installing) the rails along Mid-Continent’s line. In summer 2024, Mid-Continent will prepare a bid package, requesting bids from railroad construction contractors for swapping out the old rail with the new rail.
Your Help is Needed for the Rail Relay Phase 2 Project!
Now that Mid-Continent has acquired the rail, it is time to install it. Although Mid-Continent’s volunteers accomplish a great deal, the scale of the work to be performed can only be achieved with the help of a railroad construction contractor. This means donations are needed to bring the project to completion. Depending on contractor availability, the target is for this to happen during fall/winter 2024.
Your donation to the Rail Relay Phase 2 project directly supports Mid-Continent’s core mission of providing an immersive museum experience of riding aboard historic railcars on an authentic, rural branchline route. Join Mid-Continent today in preserving America’s railroading legacy for tomorrow.
How to Make Your Donation
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, educational entity. All donations are tax-deductible.
You can make your donation in one of several ways:
Click the Donate Now button to be taken to the project’s PayPal donation page. This method accepts credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal payments.
Send a check to with “Rail Relay Project” written in the memo line to Mid-Continent Railway Museum PO Box 358 North Freedom, WI 53951-0358
Speak to one of our office staff by phone at 608-522-4261 or 800-930-1385 to make a payment by phone or if you have any questions.
Tips for Maximizing Your Impact
Consider asking your employer if they match donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. If you’re retired, ask your financial advisor if donating a portion of your retirement account’s required minimum distribution (RMD) is right for you.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s trains have traveled the rails at North Freedom for 60 years… rails which are themselves often over 100 years old. Mid-Continent’s railroad track is a critical piece of infrastructure that makes possible our museum’s signature experience – the train rides! Now we are asking for your help to make sure Mid-Continent’s rail line remains safe to operate for another 60 years and beyond.
MCRY Rail Relay Phase 2 is the next crucial step in addressing old, worn, and fatigued rail along Mid-Continent’s rail line on which its demonstration passenger trains are operated. Phase 2 involves replacing 11,431 track feet (2.16 miles) of rails, joint bars, tie plates, rail anchors, track bolts, and spikes. That is over half of our entire railroad.
Your help is needed to help keep the Phase 2 project on target. Since our initial appeal letter was sent out to museum members in September 2023, we have raised over $16,000 toward our original goal of $35,000. Although that fundraising goal has not yet been met, the situation has been evolving rapidly, including some exciting developments. Our new objective is to raise $53,000 for the next step of the Phase 2 project.
One of the rails currently found along Mid-Continent’s rail line. Markings on the side of the rail indicate it was manufactured by the North Chicago Rolling Mill Co. in December of 1883. Much of the rail found at Mid-Continent is reaching the end of its useful lifespan and needs to be replaced if museum train rides are to continue being offered. MCRM photo.
A Major Project Advancement: Rail Supply Acquired!
Thanks in large part to the generosity of donors who have given to date, Mid-Continent was able to place a winning bid of $198,118 on 625 tons of rail and On-Track-Materials (OTM). The rail was recently removed from the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad’s Prairie Subdivision as they upgrade that line. This is enough rail and OTM to allow Mid-Continent to complete all of Phase 2! Although the rail being purchased is used, it is newer and heavier-duty rail than what exists on Mid-Continent line now and will be good for many decades in service for the museum.
Mid-Continent’s Engineering Department and Board of Directors were specifically interested in obtaining this batch of rail because the rail has recently been ultrasonically tested and is known to be free of defects invisible to the human eye. The proximity of this rail supply to Mid-Continent will also greatly reduce freight costs compared to the alternative. Taking advantage of this unique opportunity would not have been possible without the help of donors like you.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s rail line is essential to the visitor experience. MCRM photo.
Next Step: Bringing the Rail to Mid-Continent
With this important first step of purchasing the rail now complete, we are asking for your continued support to keep this positive momentum going. The next step is to bring the rail to Mid-Continent. This is no small task. Due to the quantity of rail and weight involved, it will require 30 semi-truck loads to bring it all! Your donation today is essential to help defray the cost of trucking and allow it to arrive at Mid-Continent promptly. We are now seeking to raise $53,000 to cover these transportation costs.
Any donations received over and above that amount will be used toward the next step of the project – installing the rail onto Mid-Continent’s line. Mid-Continent will be seeking bids from railroad construction contractors in the coming months to perform this work, which could begin in late 2024.
Your Donation is Important
It may feel that with a project of this scale, a single person’s donation may not make a difference. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Each donation is important and makes a huge impact. Even modest donations help build a foundation of success which can then aid Mid-Continent in attracting funding from other donors and grant-giving organizations. Success breeds success, and your gift today, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated.
Your donation to this project directly supports Mid-Continent’s central mission of allowing for an immersive museum experience of riding aboard historic railcars on an authentic, rural branchline route. Please don’t let this opportunity to support Mid-Continent’s mission pass you by. Join us today in preserving America’s railroading legacy for tomorrow.
How to Make Your Donation
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, educational entity. All donations are tax-deductible.
You can make your donation in one of several ways:
Click the Donate Now button to be taken to the project’s PayPal donation page. This method accepts credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal payments.
Send a check to with “Rail Relay Project” written in the memo line to Mid-Continent Railway Museum PO Box 358 North Freedom, WI 53951-0358
Speak to one of our office staff by phone at 608-522-4261 or 800-930-1385 to make a payment by phone or if you have any questions.
Tips for Maximizing Your Impact
Consider asking your employer if they match donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. If you’re retired, ask your financial advisor if donating a portion of your retirement account’s required minimum distribution (RMD) is right for you.
FAQs
Q: Is the rail currently installed on Mid-Continent’s rail line dangerous to ride on?
A: Not at all. Mid-Continent’s rail line is still very safe to take a ride on and will remain so for years to come. The primary issue now is the increased ongoing maintenance costs that are a direct cause of the aging rail. Mid-Continent is performing this rail replacement project proactively to address the issue well before it gets to the point of becoming a safety hazard.
Q: Why must the rail be replaced at all? How can steel rails “go bad?”
A: Each time a train passes over a section of track, a small amount of wear occurs. Because the wheels and rail are made of very strong steel, it takes a long time, but given enough time and enough trains, the railhead will eventually change from its original shape.
This is akin to driving a car with poor alignment. In that case your tires, bearings, and other components wear out much faster. Similar symptoms can occur to train cars and locomotives when riding on rail is worn and improperly shaped. These symptoms are currently appearing on Mid-Continent’s locomotives and cars and it is creating the need for expensive maintenance on an increasingly frequent basis. This takes money and volunteer time away from other worthwhile projects the museum could be focusing on instead.
Old rail with deformed head from decades of wear.
Q: Will the rail line be extended as part of this rail relay project?
A: No. This is a project to replace the rail already on Mid-Continent’s rail line. No new tracks are being added.
Q: Will the trains go faster when the new rail is installed?
A: No, train speeds will not be impacted.
Q: What will happen to the old rail?
A: A portion of the removed rail that is in the best shape will be retained for future use. Even though it is no longer suitable for Mid-Continent’s mainline, it can still be useful for future expansions to the museum’s display yard since those tracks are only used infrequently. Some rail will also be preserved at Mid-Continent for its historic value to be used as a future display. The majority of the rail will be put up for sale – in bulk – to help offset some of the cost of the rail relay project. Likely buyers include rail resellers and mining operations.
Q: Can I buy a small piece of the old rail?
A: We have received several requests to buy small quantities of the old rail, either as short pieces for use as a historic souvenir or full-length pieces usable for other purposes. These requests are being taken under advisement but at this time no rail is available for sale from Mid-Continent – the old rail is still installed and in use on our mainline until we complete the relay project!
