Installing the Throttle Rod

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

The throttle operating rod and stuffing box is what allows the engineer to control how much power is applied to 1385’s driving wheels. The throttle rod reaches through the stuffing box mounted on the backhead to the bottom pin hole of the bellcrank mounted on the throttle body. When the engineer pulls out on the throttle rod the bellcrank turns that motion 90 degrees, pushes up on the spool in the throttle body and opens the steam passage to allow the superheaters to fill and supply the cylinders.

 

In order to keep the steam in the boiler from leaking into the cab the stuffing box and packing gland are made up of three pieces – the stuffing box, the bronze donut and the packing gland. The stuffing box and donut must seal against the flange in the backhead of the boiler. The cone shape cut into the end of the packing gland must squeeze a relatively soft packing material tightly enough around the throttle rod and into the stuffing box base to keep steam from leaking past.

Here is a picture of the old and new operating rods. The old rod had been roughened by rust which would make it impossible to keep the packing around the rod sealed. Lastly, here is a look at how the throttle rod extends through the packing gland and stuffing box reaching for the throttle bellcrank.

D&R #9 Cosmetic Restoration Announced

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Dardanelle & Russellville #9 is in need of a refresh. MCRM photo. 2018.

So, here we just added another steam locomotive project to the list. Now that’s exciting! The Dardanelle & Russellville #9 is probably the most worthy restoration project the Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s Steam Department will undertake. Even though it will only be a cosmetic restoration (at this time), the Steam Department is going to make her look like she’s ready for service.

Jason R., his 9-year old son Fletcher, along with Fletcher’s grandfather Jerry, are taking a lead role in the D&R #9’s cosmetic restoration.

This project isn’t just exciting because it’s the D&R #9, it’s also going to be lead by one of our newest members along with his nine-year-old son. I am setting this project up for our younger members, along with our older members, to experience the feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie when everyone is working for the one goal. Plus get to “play” with REAL trains and perform a service that will not just benefit the museum, but also the volunteer. These are my memories of when my father started bringing me to Mid-Continent back in 1966 and the D&R #9 was the daily steamer. This just didn’t happen to me, but many a young boy and girl. Ask MCRM members Bill Burhmaster, Ken Ristow, Wally Tisler, the list goes on. Generational participation is what makes the Mid-Continent Railway Museum one of a kind!

D&R #9 smokestack repair.

Currently, the 9’s smokestack has been repaired, the cab windows and doors have been removed for restoration, and fundraising has commenced. After the first of the year [2021] I will update you on a timeline for starting and completing the 9’s cosmetic restoration. So, please come back and check up on the happenings with our beloved 9.

Steve Pahl, Sr.
General Foreman of Steam Power
Mid-Continent Railway Museum

A Personal Photo Album

History of Dardanelle & Russellville #9

Dardanelle & Russellville #9 is the oldest steam locomotive in Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s collection. It was built in 1884 by the Burnham, Parry, Williams & Co. (commonly called Baldwin) at Philadelphia, PA. It was originally built for the 196-mile New Orleans & North Eastern Railroad as their locomotive #232.

The locomotive later found a home on an Arkansas shortline, Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad. There it was renumbered to #9. It served there until 1963, when it was moved on its own wheels to Mid-Continent Railway Museum. It took over for #1385 as the main duty engine at Mid-Continent in 1964 and remained in frequent use until the 1970s. It briefly returned to service for one summer in 1991 before again being pulled from service in need of boiler and tender work.

More history and photos available on the D&R #9 Roster Page

Donate to the D&R #9 Fund

Funds will be needed to cover the cost of materials used as part of #9’s cosmetic restoration. You can donate toward this project with a credit/debit card by using the Donate button or by sending a printable donation form along with a check (be sure to write in “D&R #9” in the Special Projects portion of the form). All donations to Mid-Continent are tax-deductible.



Become a Project Volunteer

This project is just getting underway. We’ll share more information about how you join the MCRM Steam Team in future updates. Stay tuned!

More Photos of D&R #9

Restoration Department 2020 Progress Report

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Volunteers in car shop

As 2020 draws to a close, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum Restoration Department is pleased to look back at this challenging year with a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. All things considered, we had a good year but volunteer work at the museum was shut down from mid-March through early June, reducing our annual planned work sessions by 25%. On June 6th volunteer activity resumed at the museum, and thanks to savings funds and the generosity of donors we were still able to make headway on projects without using any of the museum’s operating funds.

To help navigate the pandemic more frequent work sessions were held to spread out the work and the volunteers. The level of dedication was impressive as volunteers were working in the Car Shop with great regularity up to the end of October. Even with the museum closed to the public and pandemic occurring a total of (28) different volunteers took part in the work sessions and collectively put in over (265) man-days of work at the museum throughout the year. An equal amount of time was put in by volunteers working on projects at home throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone that helped us by volunteering and/or by donating to preserve and restore the historic railroad equipment at Mid-Continent. The accomplishments listed in this report could not be possible without the dedicated group of volunteers. Summarized below is a list of the progress and accomplishments for the Restoration Department in 2020.

East Jordan & Southern combine #2

The west side letter board was completed with the filling of screw and nail holes, sanding and priming. The east side letter board required patching, installation and fabrication of the north end extension which was missing. That was followed by filling, sanding and more priming to complete the letter board. The north end drip boards were also installed. Three of the four platform steps have been taken apart and are in the process of being rebuilt. Work was also started on cleaning up the trucks. Remnants of pinning striping were uncovered, likely dating back to the 1902 refurbishment by Hicks Locomotive & Car Works.

In the second half of the summer work moved to the interior of the car. The east side wall boards had previously been removed from the car. The paint was stripped from these boards and the wall is in the process of being rebuilt. Much of the paint on the west side wall has also been removed although the wood needs to be cleaned up with chemical stripper. Also work was done on the floor to replace some bad wood and missing boards. Finally, all the clerestory windows were removed. The stained glass will be remounted in new frames during the winter months.

Related Links:
EJ&S # 2 Restoration Updates
EJ&S #2 Roster Page

Duluth South Shore & Atlantic DULUTH Sleeper

The year kicked-off by successfully meeting the fundraising goal for the “Buy A Berth” fund drive. These funds enabled the contractor to replicate the missing berths for the car. By late summer the new upper berths and lower berth seat ends were all constructed. In addition replacement cast brass claw feet were made and polished for the new seat end. With the new berths completed efforts turned to stripping the old finish (shellac) off

of the original upper berths and seat ends. Presently all of the berths and seat ends are awaiting the application of the stain and varnish.

Inside the car volunteers focused on working in the sleeping compartment by removing 9 of the 10 veneer headlining ceiling panels that were water damaged and couldn’t be salvaged. In addition all interior hardware (i.e. berth pulleys, latches, roller shades) was removed so the parts can be cleaned and restored. A prototype of the mahogany berth partition trim piece (an overlay) was developed and test fit in the car. Also all of the existing seat cushions (backs, bottoms and head rests) from the sleeping compartment of the car were removed. In early fall samples of missing woodwork in the sleeping compartment were removed from the car so the parts can be replicated as part of the 2021 work.

On the exterior of the car the window sills on both sides of the car were removed as all of it was rotten and couldn’t be salvaged. In addition, volunteers started to remove the existing rolled roofing material off of the roof. Plans call for removing the balance of the rolled roofing in 2021.

Under the car significant progress was made on the air brake system as the brake foundation plan was finalized. With the design set volunteers proceeded to reposition the air cylinder and complete all of the air piping under the car. The next steps will be to fabricate and install the brake levers and rods to the trucks.

Volunteers working at home made significant progress of restoring hardware for the car. Work completed ranged from restoring oil lamp roof vents to over 300 pieces of berth and sleeping compartment hardware.

Related Links:
DSS&A DULUTH Restoration Updates
DSS&A DULUTH Roster Page

Goodman Lumber Co. Shay #9

The water tank was bolted to the frame and the tank was re- lettered. The rear sand tanks were restored and re-installed as were the rear steps. The whistle was removed and a new lever (previously missing) was replicated. The wood tool box that was mounted on the rear of the Shay was constructed (to be installed in 2021). Main air reservoir and the front head light removed for restoration and re-painting. Lastly, a pair of Lima gauge lamps (for the steam gauge and water glass) were acquired and restored.

Related Links:
Goodman Lumber Co. #9 Roster Page

Lake Superior & Ishpeming coach #64

All of the seat castings and cast heat guards were de-burred and painted. All of the upper and lower sash (inner) windows were stained, varnished and glazed. The lower roof repairs were completed on the NE corner of the car and the lower roof repairs in the NW corner of the car are in process.

Related Links:
LS&I #64 Roster Page

Soo Line stock car #29667

Installed a new steel roof on the Soo Line stock car.

Related Links:
Soo Line #29667 Roster Page

Soo Line caboose #203

The old rolled roofing material was removed off of the entire roof. More siding repairs and replacement were made and the side windows were removed (for restoration). A replacement oak end beam (for the north end) was purchased and is in the process of drying out so it can be cut and installed in 2021.

Related Links:
Soo Line #203 Roster Page

Milwaukee Lake Shore & Western coach #63

An original Dayton Mfg. Company side lamp was restored and installed in the MLS&W #63 coach. This is the first of eight side lamps needed for the car.

Related Links:
MLS&W #63 Restoration Updates
MLS&W #63 Roster Page

Duluth South Shore & Atlantic coach #701

Portions of the east side of the DSS&A #701 coach were restored and repainted so the original style numbers could be painted onto the car.

Related Links:
DSS&A #701 Roster Page

Badger Fish Car #2

Restored and installed (8) window guards in the car. Installed the missing step trap latch and in the process of installing the blind hardware (lifts and springs) on the wood blinds (8 of 21 completed).

Related Links:
Badger #2 Roster Page

Car Shop/Miscellaneous

  • Scaffold Upgrades made and the elevated work area was
  • Electrical service provided to the large ventilation fan (south end)
  • Electrical service provided to the south end work deck area
  • Restored and repainted the two vestibule doors for the Soo Line #2017
  • Installed tarps on the CB&Q #1490 and the KGB&W #76 baggage cars
  • Applied clear coating to the: DSS&A #18052 (box car), DSS&A #996 (gondola) and the east side of the Soo Line #99085 (caboose).
  • Applied deck preservative and installed a new covering over the crate on the DM&IR flat car. Moved several pallets of passenger car parts from the Car Shop to the new Storage Building
  • Cleaned and organized the interior of the C&IM business car
  • Continued to work on removing deteriorated sills from under the C&NW #1099
  • Repaired and sealed gaps under the west side wall of the Car Shop
  • Added ballast and sealed the south end doors of the Car Shop
  • Made (3) new display sign bases
  • Made bases for the (2) new donation boxes

Related Links:
Soo Line #2017 Roster Page
CB&Q #1490 Roster Page
KGB&W #76 Roster Page
DSS&A #18052 Roster Page
DSS&A #996 Roster Page
Soo Line #99085 Roster Page
D&IR #5537 Roster Page

At-Home Work

With the pandemic keeping volunteers at home more than normal, many of the volunteers stepped up to work on restoration projects in their home workshops. Following is a list of some the off-site work completed during the year:

  • EJ&S #2: Made, stained and varnished new mahogany window stops (20), made, stained and varnished blind stops (42), Purchased, polished and installed (10) window blind catches, Installed 10 window blind lifts, Finished construction of southeast corner all wood steps and seat castings sent out for machining and de-burring,
  • DULUTH: Restored coach lamp roof vents, restored sleeping compartment berth hardware (in process), and a Barney & Smith corner
  • Goodman #9 Shay: Designed and constructed the rear tool box and restored the Lima gauge lamps
  • LS&I #64: Stencils cut for lettering the car, windows refinished
  • Badger #2 Fish car: Restored the window guards for the car, restored the blind hardware (lifts and springs).
  • DSS&A #701: Stencils developed and cut for the car numbers
  • GN #3261: Machined, de-burred and polished baggage rack
  • Created drawings for the: DULUTH, LS&I #64, Soo Line #203, EJ&S #2 and the Goodman Shay #9.

Fundraising (donations received)

Dailey Foundation, Giving Tuesday, DULUTH Buy-A-Berth and donations to support the Restoration Department projects

Looking ahead to 2021 we look forward to resuming work on the active projects. Unfortunately, funding for the Restoration Department projects will be negatively impacted by the loss of income from the 2020 shut down and the weekend only schedule in 2021. In 2020 the Restoration Department used over $12,000 of designated funds (from savings accounts) and we’ll need your help now to keep the Restoration Department projects moving ahead in 2021! This is where you can really help. I hope you will be able to help the Restoration Department continue to make significant progress in 2021. Won’t you please consider making a generous contribution today?

Donations supporting the Restoration Department can be submitted online or by mail to the MCRM office. Be sure to designate your donation for the “Restoration Department”.




Printable Donation Form (PDF)

Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society
PO Box 358
North Freedom, WI 53951

In closing, many thanks to everyone that volunteered their valuable time and contributed funds towards the restoration work at Mid-Continent in 2020. Have a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday and a Happy New Year!!! I’m looking forward to seeing you at Mid-Continent in 2021!! The first 2021 work session will be held on April 3rd.

William Buhrmaster
MCRM Restoration Department

Lantern

DULUTH Restoration 2020 Year-End Progress Report

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

The DULUTH’s sleeping compartment showing work in progress as well as the veneer headlining panels that have been removed.

In 2020 worked progressed on several fronts on the DULUTH project but the overall progress was less than planned due to the pandemic. The primary focus continues to be working on restoring the 10-section sleeping compartment. The three month shut down at the museum impacted work on site and the off-site contract work on the berths. While the work onsite was negatively impacted progress on projects being worked on by volunteers at their homes proved to be productive. Following is a brief summary of the progress made on the DULUTH sleeping car during 2020. The list includes work performed on the car (at North Freedom), in contractor’s facilities and by MCRM volunteers at their homes.

Fundraising:

  • The “Buy-A-Berth” fundraising campaign that kicked off in 3Q 2019 met its goal in the 1Q of 2020 by raising $25,687.
  • The Giving Tuesday Fundraising Challenge held on December 2, 2020 raised a total of $2,240
  • A total of $10,044 was donated by (19) donors to the DULUTH project in 2020

Berths:

  • Completed the construction of (6) new upper berths
  • Completed the construction of (4) new lower berth seat ends
  • Stripped the old finish off of (4) original upper berths and (2) lower berth seat ends
  • Removed existing sleeping compartment hardware (i.e.: hinges, pulleys, latches, curtains, etc.) from the car for reconditioning
  • Cast and polished replica brass claw feet (Qty. 8) for the seats ends

Sleeping Compartment:

  • Removed the deteriorated veneer headlining (lower roof) panels from inside the car
  • Removed all of the existing seat cushions (backs, bottoms and head rests) from the sleeping compartment of the car
  • Secured samples of missing woodwork and parts that need to be reproduced
  • Cut and fit the prototype berth partition overlay pieces

Exterior:

  • Removed all of the window sills from the car. The window sills were very deteriorated and in need of complete replacement
  • Removed the wood and vents that covered up the clerestory window openings
  • Began to remove the roof material (rolled asphalt and tar) off of the car. The majority of the wood on the roof deck appears to be in very good condition
  • Removed three of the original oval window frames from the car. These window frames will be used as samples for making a new set (qty. 9) of oval window frames and stained glass inserts

Air Brakes:

  • Finalized the air brake system design
  • Installed the air cylinder in the appropriate location under the car
  • Completed the installation of all of the air piping to the air cylinder
  • Develop prototype levers for the air cylinders

Hardware:

  • Completed the restoration of the nine oil lamp roof vents
  • Acquired and restored a Barney & Smith corner sink that will be used in the Men’s Smoking Room
  • Acquired an Adams & Westlake two-burner oil lamp for the car
  • Acquired berth hardware from an ex-Milwaukee Road sleeping car in Alberta
  • Sourced a door for the stateroom toilet room
  • Cleaned and restored over 300 pieces of berth and sleeping compartment hardware

Men’s Smoking Room:

  • Started to develop the drawings for the missing Men’s Smoking Room walls and partitions
  • Developed the design and size for the missing mirrors (qty.2) to be reproduced

Planning:

  • Developed a detailed list of the sleeping compartment work tasks and sequence of activities
  • Obtained a proposal for reproducing missing wood parts in the sleeping compartment
  • Updated the three year restoration plan
  • Developing a grant request to submit in 1Q 2021

Expenses:

  • Total expenses paid for materials, labor, and contract since Jan. 1, 2020 is $5,448.51

 

Report prepared by William Buhrmaster, MCRM Restoration Department. Dec. 4, 2020.

Related links:

2021 Calendars Now Available

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s Whistle on the Wind 2021 wall calendar is now available. The calendar features 13 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 feature “this day in history” factoids about railroads of the Upper Midwest and Mid‑Continent’s own history.

The calendar has saddle-stitched (stapled) binding and covers 13 months – January 2021 through January 2022.

Orders must be received by Friday, December 18th to be expected to arrive in time for Christmas. Due to the extraordinary shipping demand on the U.S. Postal Service in 2020, it is advisable to order sooner if possible.

How to Order

Calendars are also available for $9.50 plus shipping and handling through our online gift shop or skip browsing through the store and use the Buy Now (Public) button.

Buy Now (Public)

Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society members automatically receive one free calendar as a perk of membership and may order additional calendars at a special members-only price of $7.00 plus shipping and handling. Members can order online using the Buy Now (Member) button.

Note: Membership status will be verified prior to shipping.