Our anticipated work session for October was rained out, and we didn’t want to cover the locomotive right after it had been soaked. So, after it had a few weeks to dry out, we got a small crew together in November to cover the #9, in preparation for the upcoming winter.
Our crew consisted of Jim Busse and Jason Reiman. We worked safe and deliberately, pulled the HUGE tarp over the locomotive, and then secured it down below. MANY, many thanks to Jim Busse for helping us out that day.
I also want to thank Jeff Lentz and the operating crew for getting the #9’s Tender back under cover for the winter. This will allow the brand new stenciling to have one more winter protected from the elements. So many thank you’s to those gents.
We will pick up our work on the locomotive next spring, but please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements on fundraising and hopefully some smaller winter projects. We NEED your help to keep this project going. Thank you for all the help and support so far.
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!
This update is a summary of the work that has been completed in 2022 and 2023. Much work has been done and the end of this restoration project is now in sight.
Interior work
Paint and varnish stripping is completed. This labor intensive work required using heat to soften up to 4 layers of paint so it could be scraped off. Additional scraping and sanding got down to clean wood. The baggage section was painted a dark red color to match the original paint. The color does leave the section dark looking with light only from one window and the small windows in the baggage doors.
In the passenger section walls were stripped and the walnut trim was reattached. After filling many screw and nail holes and finish sanding the walls were stained. A small section has been varnished to get an idea of the finished coloring of the walls. The clerestory area was also stripped and painted white and the clerestory window were installed.
In other perhaps less noticed work the old and damaged Panasote ceiling was removed in preparation for the new ceiling. The original ceiling/head liner was painted canvas tacked to roof ribs. We do not know the color or pattern of the original as we only have scraps of the fabric from around the edges but we hope the new ceiling will be in the style of the original. Significant time was also spent repairing missing and rotten floor boards.
Reproduction of the seats is the last major project for the interior. We have the cast iron seat parts which have now been painted and the wood seat frame parts are made and varnished. The bottom and back cushions still need to be made and upholstered.
Exterior Work
Installation of the sound deafening ceiling attached to the underside of the car body was completed and the truss rods and brake parts were painted but the major exterior project was the roof work. This work include replacing damaged structural parts, patching vent holes and replacing small portions of the roof deck. Wood drip edge made many years ago was finally installed. Prior to installation of the canvas roof covering, the roof deck was sanded and painted while keeping an eye out for any protruding nails or screws. Canvas was stretched over the roof and tacked along the edges with thousands of tacks. The canvas was saturated with a special formula canvas paint to make it impermeable to water. The drip edge and other exposed wood was painted the green color that will be used on the rest of the car body. Finally, new screens were installed to complete the roof.
A special thanks to any volunteers that have helped with the project in the last 2 years. Including (in no particular order) David M, David P, Larry S, Steve P, Jay S, Karl S, Jeff H, Nancy K, Owen H, Mike M, Tom B, Gregg W., Jane, Richard P, James B. Grant H. and probably someone I have forgotten.
All photos are by Peter Becker unless otherwise noted.
EJ&S #2 baggage section painted to match original color.Freshly stained west wall of passenger section.East wall stained with first coat of varnish.Painted clerestory area with installed window.Painted cast iron seat part including wall casting and seat back arms.Seat mockup showing configuration of cast iron parts with old seat bottom and frame approximating the size of the back cushion.Roof prior to canvas installationRoof with canvas and screens installed. W. Buhrmaster photo.
“First, I want to thank Josh D. of Mechanical Technology Inc for his assistance and his employer for supporting him.
Saturday
Josh took the lead on basically performing an annual inspection on the power car boiler with much assistance from Jim B. The burner was removed and the front cover was opened up so the tube sheets could be cleaned and inspected. The stack extension from the boiler smoke box was rusted out to being almost nonexistent. Josh led the fabrication of a new stack extension. Once this was completed, the burner was installed with new insulation and the front door was resealed.
MCRY 4 received some attention. The batteries were removed from the battery box in the cab where the terminals were cleaned and the batteries were rinsed off. While the batteries were out, they were topped off with distilled water. The battery box was cleaned out and the batteries were re-installed into the box. Perry A and Larry worked together on this project.
Sunday
The remaining steam heat connector was installed on the DLW coach 595. There had been a failure on the last trip of Santa Express last year that resulted in the valve assembly on the coach being broken. A different valve and proper fittings were located and prepped for installation during the last work session. The car had been moved to the engine house to facilitate removal of the remnants of the valve. James W, Gary B and Larry worked together to complete this.”
Mid-Continent is currently seeking volunteers to assist Nick Vertein, Supt. of Engineering, to perform track repairs on a small section that was damaged by a contractor’s machinery. This will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9th at 7 AM, at the south end of Mid-Continent’s train yard (behind Engine House and Car Shop buildings.) This relatively small track repair job is an opportunity to learn more about track maintenance, while helping Mid-Continent regain access to railcars currently trapped on the other side of the broken rail.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Mid-Continent at inquiries@midcontinent.org
