Dining Trains Canceled Through September 2021

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SCHEDULE CHANGE NOTICE:

All ONBOARD DINING departures scheduled through September 2021 have been canceled. The affected departures include:

The above cancellations are in addition to the following previously canceled trains:

These cancellations are being enacted by Mid-Continent Railway Museum to best comply with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directive aimed at reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus aboard railroad passenger trains and other forms of mass transit. The directive was originally set to expire in May 2021, but has now been extended by the TSA to September 2021.

After careful consideration, our Dining Services volunteers felt we would be unable to provide passengers aboard these trains the quality experience they expect and deserve while also remaining compliant with the TSA directive.

We apologize for any inconvenience these cancellations may cause. Customers already booked aboard the affected trains are being contacted and will be offered a full refund.

The cancellations do NOT affect Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s COACH TRAINS, which will continue to operate normally while observing social distancing and mask requirements. No food service is offered aboard COACH TRAINS.

Mid-Continent is currently evaluating options for our dining trains scheduled in October and will release additional information on those trains soon.

Related Links:

  1. Transportation Security Administration News Release about the extension of mask rules
  2. Centers for Disease Control Requirements for Face Masks on Public Transportation Convayences and at Transportation Hubs

D&R #9 Cosmetic Restoration Work Sessions Scheduled

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The following update has been provided by Steve Pahl.

On behalf of the Mid-Continent Railway Museums Restoration Department, I would like to thank each and everyone who so generously donated to the D&R 9 Fund for her cosmetic restoration. I am happy to report that the $9999.99 goal was reached and then some. Jason R. and his 9 year old son are leading the project and already have started preparing the 9 for her transformation.

The pilot (cow catcher) has been removed for further evaluation and restoration which is no easy task, this will take a skilled woodworker to restore. Most of the vertical members, which are white oak, have pretty much rotted away over the past 45 + years since it was installed. Measurements, drawing, and photos will be taken as it awaits restoration. In the meantime, the pilot will be placed in safe storage on the property.

Jason has scheduled three work sessions so far this season. The following are the dates: May 15-16, July 10-11, and July 24-25. Jason will not be available in June, but there will be one or two work sessions scheduled. Dates to be determined at a later date. There is a lot of excitement with the D&R 9’s cosmetic restoration. She’s been waiting for over 25 years. Rest assured, the D&R 9 will be dressed to the “9’s” in the very near future. Again, your donations are very welcome and your volunteer hours are also welcome. Stay tuned for future updates and photos of OUR beloved D&R 9. Thank you.

  • Boiler Tags on backhead indicating boiler pressure, “Highest point of Crown sheet”, the dates the jacketing and lagging on the backhead was removed along with tube replacement, and Hydro tested. July 27, 1950.
  • Some wood in the cab needs to be replaced.
  • Both seat boxes need restoration.
  • Foot boards on tender will be replaced.
  • The backhead. The jacket and lagging will be left undisturbed. All fixtures in the cab will be cosmetically restored and installed. This will include gauges, AB handles, lubricator, etc.
  • Cab curtains will be permanently removed
  • Running boards will be replaced.
  • Running boards will be replaced.
  • The Pilot (cow catcher) 45+ years of service.
  • From the tender looking forward.
  • Reminiscing about the summer of 1977 from the fireman’s seat.
  • Sand dome.
  • The current restoration work location in Mid-Continent’s storage yards.

Interested in joining the D&R #9 cosmetic restoration project as a volunteer? Let us know by sending an email to inquiries@midcontinent.org.

Update on Mask Requirements at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

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Face masks musts still be worn while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard all Mid-Continent Railway Museum trains.

Background:

On March 31, 2021 the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the Wisconsin Governor’s executive order requiring the statewide use of masks to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This ruling does NOT overturn the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) order which requires mask usage on airplanes, trains, buses and while at transportation hubs throughout the United States. Under the CDC order, Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s entire property is considered a transportation hub and Mid-Continent’s trains are classified as a public conveyance and are subject to the CDC order.

Refusal to wear a mask while visiting Mid-Continent will result in denied entry. Failure to comply with requests to wear a mask may result in civil fines in accordance with Transportation Security Administration Security Directive 1582/84-21-01. Help make your visit enjoyable for everyone by arriving prepared and with a face mask.

No Minor Detail

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When it comes to the proper operation of a steam locomotive there is no minor detail.  Every piece must perform properly.  That extends all the way to the clips or “dogs” that hold the door shut on the front of the smokebox.  You may ask why and I hope to explain. 

C&NW #1385 at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Enlarged detail of door dogs.

First and foremost to work efficiently a locomotive must generate steam well and in great quantity. One of the factors that figure heavily is how much air is drawn through the fire to ensure plenty of oxygen to support the combustion of the fuel.  That air is drawn by the creation of a partial vacuum in the smokebox of the engine.  That partial vacuum is created by directing the exhaust steam from the cylinders up through the exhaust nozzle and into the petticoat pipe at the base of the smokestack.  The exhaust is moving at a very high speed and because there is an open space between the nozzle and petticoat and due to the shape of both devices it will pull some of the gases in the smokebox along with it up and out the stack. 

simplified illustration of steam locomotive smokebox and placement of door dogs
Simplified illustration of a traditional steam locomotive smokebox, showing creating of draft and placement of door dogs.

Mother Nature is always following the path of least resistance so if there is a vacuum leak around the smokebox door air will be drawn in from there first rather than the more difficult path of up through the fire bed and down the tubes & flues to the smokebox.  If there is a leak at the door the engine will not steam well and efficiency suffers.  This is why the door dogs are important in that they must clamp the door down evenly on the gasket all the way around the edge in order to get a good vacuum seal.  Having the dogs a uniform size & shape makes it easier to judge when each has been properly tightened down.

The door dogs removed from C&NW #1385 were a mix of original castings, castings salvaged from other locomotives, and simple angle irons used in the place of missing castings.
  • Source material for a new door dog.
  • Partially completed door dog.
  • Partially completed door dog.
  • Completed door dog.
  • Completed door dog.
Newly created door dog next to versions removed from the C&NW #1385.

2021 COVID-19 Impacts

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum is presently closed as part of its normal seasonal closure. After having remained closed for the entirety of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Continent is currently planning to reopen its doors to the public starting on May 8, 2021. Here are some important notices about the planned 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. Typically Mid-Continent would be open 7-days-a-week during the summer. Please see the Train Ride Info page for full schedule information.

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. Please refer to www.midcontinent.org for the most up-to-date schedule information. 

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.

Health Safety Precautions

Mid-Continent is still finalizing its health and sanitation guidelines for our trains and museum property. These rules and precautions may change.

Face Mask Usage

Suitable face masks must be worn at all times while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard Mid-Continent Railway trains. Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry. Failure to comply with mask rules while riding trains may result in the person being subject to Federal penalties under Transportation Security Administration regulations.

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, for example, individuals who do not know how to remove their masks, cannot remove them on their own, or cannot communicate promptly to ask someone else to remove their mask. This exemption does not apply to individuals for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult.

Social Distancing

Where possible, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is reducing the capacity of its trains to permit social distancing. Please follow instructions from signage and provided by museum staff and remain a minimum of six (6) feet away from persons not in your own party.

Because of reduced capacity aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s train rides due to social distancing, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended.

Volunteers and Member Activities

As part of pandemic safety and cost-reduction measures, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum property remains closed to all non-essential personnel through April 3, 2021. No on-site volunteering sessions will occur before that date. Additionally, the member meeting and banquet originally scheduled for April 3, 2021 has been canceled. Upon the return of volunteering sessions, previously adopted social distancing and safety protocols will remain applicable.

Contacting Mid-Continent

To assist with minimizing risk to office staff, our administrative office hours during the winter and early spring are expected to remain very limited. Phone messages, emails, and postal mail are typically read and responded to within two business days.