Fletch and his crew did some work on the #9 this last weekend, and you might be surprised to hear that she is not where she was once sitting. So then where is she? You can probably figure it out by the pictures but Fletch wants to play a little game with all the members of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum called “Where’s the #9”. It’s like Where’s Waldo, but with a 50-ton Locomotive.
Before we moved the #9 to its mystery location, Fletcher and his crew did some fine measurements to document the identification lettering on the side of the cab. It was relatively easy work, but it was done deliberately to ensure the lettering can be recreated as close as possible to its original configuration. We also finalized the movement plan and at the end of the day, the operating crew came over and the #9 started moving again. Unfortunately, Fletcher and I could not stay to the end of the day to help with the move, but many thanks to Steve P., Jay S., Andy S., and the crew for that day. You got the #9 moved to where we needed it. So, take a look at our pictures, and Fletch is confident you can figure out where the #9 is currently located. So, then the next question is WHY is she there?
While you are trying to answer these questions, Fletcher wanted me to ask all our wonderful members if you would consider a donation to the #9 fund. We started our second fundraiser this last spring, and we still need more help to accomplish our goals for this year. The biggest of course being the painting of the cab. So please consider giving and stay tuned for our next post.”
Alco Diesel Locomotive Updates: Milwaukee Road #988 and MCRY #7
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is home to numerous locomotives produced by the American Locomotive Company (Alco), including two diesels. One of those diesels is Milwaukee Road #988, an RSC-2 model built in 1947 which is undergoing repairs to return it to operational condition.
Milwaukee Road #988
Since our last update, Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s contractor working on the repair and reassembly of the trucks (i.e. wheel assemblies) of #988 has reported numerous areas of progress on the project!
– All coil springs have been installed into the locomotive trucks. As of now, they are only loosely installed to allow work on the center jaws. The center jaws are the last puzzle piece when it comes to the installation of the coil springs/equalizer assembly since some pieces need to be welded in.
– All gear cases have come back from the shop. This means they have been cleaned and painted and are ready for installation.
– Support bearings for the traction motors are set to arrive at the contractor’s shop and will be installed soon.
– The contractor is still waiting on a few bushings to be produced that will allow them to finish up some of the levers that are still in need of them within the trucks.
– When completed, the truck and traction motors will be shipped to Mid-Continent. Cranes will be needed to lift the locomotive and allow the overhauled trucks to be rolled under it. When completed, it will be a major project milestone and will also allow #988 to be moved around Mid-Continent’s railyard. Currently, #988 is mostly immobile, parked in front of the Engine House. The ability to move the locomotive again will provide improved access into the Engine House building for both the #988 and other locomotive maintenance projects.
Mid-Continent’s other Alco locomotive, MCRY #7, had been out of service for several years but has made a triumphant return in 2024, pulling Mid-Continent’s passenger trains on select dates during the 2024 season. A very limited number of cab rides will be available aboard this historic Alco locomotive on September 28 and 29. If you’re interested in booking a ride in this vintage Alco, visit our website to book a cab ride ticket: https://www.midcontinent.org/
On July 20th Mike W., Pete D., Ed R., Mary S., Andy S. gathered at 8:00 AM to perform the first hydro test on the Chicago and North Western #1385 locomotive after all the studs and appliances have been added to the boiler. This is our own test to make sure that we have no leaks before the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) witnessed test. We were able to get the boiler up to 90 degrees with a propane fired heater and a heated power washer. We slowly pressurized the boiler to around 125 PSI. The operating pressure of the boiler will be 200 PSI. This gave us a list of only a few items needing to be addressed before we perform our next test.
All washout plugs were found to be leaking as we found the sealing surfaces improperly seating. The sealing surface of the plugs are in the process of being trued up on the lathe now and the sealing surface of the sleeves will also be touched up. We have 2 staybolts that were found to be leaking and will be replaced very soon. We also had a small drip where the superheater header mounts to the front flue sheet, so the superheater units have been removed for access. We found about 5 studs altogether that were weeping and will be tightened.
Overall, this first test went very well, and we had no major issues. Plans are in motion to address the items we have and will be looking at doing our next hydro mid to end of September. Once we are confident we have all the items addressed, we will bring the boiler slowly up to 200 PSI and not over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Then we will hold it and if no leaks occur then we will be ready to schedule our FRA witnessed hydro inspection.
This has taken a tremendous amount of capital and volunteer hours to get to this point. We have come very far and have done something at Mid-Continent we have never done before, a total rebuild of a steam locomotive to FRA standards. We have learned a lot in the process so far and still have a way to go. Please help support this project with funding and general support of our steam team. Without everyone pulling together we would not be as close as we are. A big thank you to our team and all our members and railfans that have supported us! We will not let you down.
Thank you for your help and support.
Andy S.
President
Mid-Continent Railroad Museum
Please visit the Donations Page to make a contribution toward the 1385 or other museum projects.
Prior to the day of the test, C&NW #1385 was rolled out of the shop and filled with water. Jeff L. photo.Pete D. calibrates the pressure gauge to be used for the hydro test. Jeff L. photo.C&NW #1385’s first hydro test begins. Lindsay L. photo.Ed R. regulates water flow from the pressure washer as the needle on the boiler’s pressure gauge begins to climb. Lindsay L. photo.Mike W. and Andy S. inspect for signs of leaks in the firebox. Jeff L. photo.
Mary S. monitors water flow. Andy S. photo.
The boiler pressure gauge shows just under 100 PSI as the team gradually ramps up the pressure. Ed R. photo.
Ed R. and Pete D. take notes on the leak locations and begin planning the work ahead. Andy S. photo.
Season’s Greetings from the Mid-Continent Railroad Museum. Even though we had a very successful season this year as you will read below in the newsletter, we are all still hard at work in the offseason. If you have the time or want to get involved, contact our office and a department head will contact you regarding workdays.
As of the December meeting I would like to welcome David B. and Chris S. to the board as newly elected directors by the membership, and Adam C. to the board as an appointed director.
We also approved as follows.
General Manager: Andy S. (ch), Robert A., Jeff H. Private Equipment Oversight Committee: James B. (ch), Edward R., Jay S., Gary B. Collections Committee: William B. (ch), Tom B., Rick T., Richard D., Pete B., Casey T. Election Committee: Chris S. (ch), Pete D., Colin O. Management Committee: Andy S. (ch), Robert A., Jeff H. Rolling Stock Disposal Committee: Andy S. (ch), Robert A., Bill B. Endowment Committee: Robert A. (ch), Andy S., Colin O., Jeff H. Steam/Diesel Training Committee: Colin O. (ch), Ed R., Bob D., Chris S., Pete., Andy S. Ground Equipment Committee: Gary B. (ch), Jim B., Larry S., Perry A. Collections Manager – Rick T. Restorations Manager – William B. Museum Store Administrator – Jeffrey H. Gen. Foreman of Diesel’s – Andy S. Gen. Foreman of Steam Power – Ed R. Gen. Foreman of Rolling Stock – Richard C. Training officer for Trainman/Conductors – Colin O. Supt. of Operations – Jeffrey L. Dispatcher – Rick T. Supt. of B & G – Andy S. Supt. of Engineering – Nick V. Roadmaster – David B. Director of Visitors Services – vacant. Member Services – Office Staff. Supt. of Dining Services – vacant. Educator – Richard C. Gazette & Mid-Continent News – Jeffrey L. Webmaster – Patrick W. MW 31 Restoration Manager – Rusty S.
As you can see, we have a few spots to fill and some positions we can have others to take over for. Needed Is 1: Head of Dinning Services, 2: Buildings and Grounds, 3: Car Forman, 4: Manager for the Milwaukee Road 988 project. These are very important to the success of the museum and if you think you can help let me know and I will give you details about the position.
Fundraising is going well, and we thank you for your continued support. The major projects still needing funding are as follows: Track rebuilding project, Montana Western-31, C&NW 1385, All these projects will be completed in the next few years and the financial support will allow for a faster finish of the projects. Please consider a donation to these projects. All donations small or large add up.
Locomotives: The 7, our old Alco S-1, had one cylinder head rebuilt and changed out. It also had two other heads reseated all with new gaskets. The valves were reset, and the injectors cleaned. We also changed the belts to the rear traction motor blower and the field voltage generator. She got a brand-new set of batteries this spring and is operating as a 79-year-old locomotive should. The 7 will be used as a backup locomotive and will be pulling trains at some of our special events next year. Now will come paint and bodywork for the 7. I want to thank Bob Dishler for helping me with this project and David W. for making a coupler for the blower motor shaft.
The 988 trucks will be coming back rebuilt in the spring, but work has been going forward. We sent out the old leaking oil cooler and three governors out to a shop to be rebuilt. The shop has rebuilt Alco governors before, and this is the first step in the mechanical rebuild above the floor. In the spring we will do a total assessment of what work remains and determine what work we can do or what we need to have a contractor do.
The 4 is working as it should but will be getting the air compressor belts changed in the off season.
The 1001 will be getting new batteries in the spring. Once our rail is replaced, we will use the 1001 as backup power and for special events.
In closing for this year, I would like to thank you all for your financial support and labor this year at the museum. We have had almost record attendance at workdays and events all year round. We have had a highly successful year and have accomplished a lot. Now with the talk of another building we will have even more work to come. But in the long run MC and its equipment will be around for a very long time to come. We have all built a museum we should be proud of. Thank you for your help and support!
Update by Andy S.
Training Committee Update
The Steam/Diesel Training Committee (Chris S., Ed R., Pete D., Bob D., Colin O. and Andy S.) meets every two weeks with the goal of updating our training materials. An overhauled version of the Train Handling and Air Brake Rulebook is nearly complete, thanks to the assistance of Don P., and the group already has plans for updating other steam and diesel-related training materials.
The Diesel Locomotive Engineer program has been resurrected with the assistance of Bob D. and Rusty S. Two students are currently enrolled, and we are hoping to add two more next year.
The training dates for next year’s new trainmen class have been decided (the weekends of April 6th-7th and April 20th-21st) and a new conductor class (the weekend of March 23rd-24th) will also be held for those who are interested. Co-instructor Pete D. and I hope to continue the positive progress we made with last year’s class and add even more qualified crew to the museum’s Operating Department this year.
Update by Colin O.
Gift Shop Update
The gift shop is looking to have another custom HO scale car made. There is also a possibility of having a custom O scale car made as well. Please keep an eye out for new and interesting merchandise in 2024!
Update by Jeff H.
Montana Western #31 Update
Restoration of the Montana Western #31 Gas Electric motor car is off the ground and has taken some major steps. In late September, the crew assembled and removed the well-worn 106A Winton engine. In October, we sent the engine off to FMW works in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee.
They have started tearing it down and early reports are encouraging. The engine is worn out and tired, but there are no major components with serious issues like a cracked block or broken crankshaft. The engine will need an entire top end rebuild, but we do have a sizeable cache of parts available. There is a large amount of scale anddebris almost blocking some water passages, and lots of carbon build up in combustion chambers. Oil lines are clear, and the engine can be turned with the main generator. Overall, a very good report.
We have inspected the gas tank, and it is empty with a bit of rust on the inner walls. We feel that we can flush it out and spray some kerosene into it. We may not have to pull it out and have it purged. We still have a lot to do before its centennial in 2025. The radiator leaks, as does the roof. The body needs some work before we can repaint it, and of course: once we get the engine back, we must get it back to operating condition. This project keeps presenting new challenges, but I’m confident that we will meet them.
Update by Rusty S.
Restoration Department Update
Following is a summary of the work performed and completed by the Restoration Department since the last update submitted on July 31, 2023:
Volunteers were quite busy in the Restoration Department since the last update. During this period we had volunteering working on Restoration Department projects on (32) days and we averaged in excess of (6) volunteers on hand for each of these days.
East Jordan & Southern Combine #2: On the exterior of the car the recently applied canvas roof received numerous coats of a special formula canvas paint to make it impermeable to water. The drip edges and other exposed wood were painted the green color that will be used on the rest of the car body. Finally, the new deck screens that cover the clerestory window openings were installed to complete the last of the roof work. Inside the car the clerestory area was sanded and given several coats of white paint. All of the clerestory windows were installed as well as the two mirrors that are at each end of the clerestory area. The walls in the passenger section were sanded, stained and given the first coat of vanish. Reconstruction of the partition between passenger and baggage has begun with most of the wood cut and milled for the partition. All of the new cast seat parts are on hand and they were all painted over the past couple of months. In addition, the wood seat frame parts were made and have been varnished. The ceiling/headlining canvas and the reproduction of the upholstered seat cushions are the last major project for the interior. Plans call for moving the car out of the scaffold area next spring so work can continue on the car.
Duluth South Shore & Atlantic Sleeping Car DULUTH: Work on the outside of the DULUTH included removing the last of the old siding (above the windowsills), the window stops and sanding the wood blocking above the windowsills. In addition, the letter board and all of the arched windows were repaired by sanding, sealing (liquid epoxy), and filling as needed with epoxy putty. Inside the DULUTH volunteers were active in working in the sleeping compartment and in the smoking room. In the sleeping compartment window post parts, trim pieces and moulding were refinished and installed back in the car.
The veneer panels below each of the windows were stained and given the first coat of vanish. Reconstruction of the partition between passenger and baggage has begun with most of the wood cut and milled for the partition. All of the new cast seat parts are on hand and they were all painted over the past couple of months. In addition, the wood seat frame parts were made and have been varnished. The ceiling/headlining canvas and the reproduction of the upholstered seat cushions are the last major project for the interior. Plans call for moving the car out of the scaffold area next spring so work can continue on the car.
Lake Superior & Ishpeming coach #64: Inside the car more stripping of the interior finish has been performed. Most recent activity includes the two toilet rooms and the clerestory area. Presently the stripping process is more than 75% completed. On the exterior of the car new wood car siding was installed on both ends of the car and trim pieces that span the area above each of the arched windows were custom made and installed. The letter board, the roof overhangs (hoods), arched window frames and the windowsill were all sanded, sealed (with epoxy) and filled to provide a smooth surface. Remaining woodwork on the exterior of the car includes installing battens for all of the windows, framing in the two oval windows and installing the remaining car siding (approximately 15 feet). The remaining exterior woodwork as well as a new canvas roof are planned for the car in 2024.
Vintage Rail Car Tours: Sixteen volunteers from the Restoration Department were on hand to conduct this year’s Vintage Rail Car Tours (VRCT) on September 30th and October 1st. The weather was great and we had a nice turnout for the tours (150). Everyone seemed to enjoy seeing the varnished woodwork and the polished brass in the restored cars as well as seeing the restoration work in progress in the Car Shop.
Chicago & Illinois Midland business car #90: Work in the observation room included installation of mahogany plywood, work on window trim, new inner windowsills, and center lamp bases. In the north stateroom tasks include wiring, installation of ceiling and headlining panels, and installation of mahogany plywood walls.
Great Northern Coach #3261: The interior of two toilet rooms were stripped, sanded, and had three coats of varnish applied. The toilet hopper and other accessories were installed, and the entire care thoroughly cleaned in time for use on a charter trip in September.
Chicago & North Western coach #613: Volunteers installed a pair of new windows and painted the lower siding on the car, greatly improving appearance. A new roof is in the 2024 plans.
Work Performed This Quarter:
Goodman Lumber Co. Shay locomotive #9: Installation of the new metal jacketing, jacketing bands, and hardware is now complete and is the first time it the boiler has been jacketed since 1988. 2024 plans include reinstalling the headlights, new wiring, and painting the entire locomotive. This work was able to be performed thanks to generous donations from last year’s fund drive for the locomotive.
Chicago Rock Island & Pacific combine #1094: The car was relocated next to the Car Shop. Work has begun to up the car for use by volunteers as a lunchroom and overnight bunk facility. Rubber roof installation is slated for 2024.
Cazenovia Southern Combine: Work is taking place on the pair of passenger car trucks to be placed under the car. Work so far includes needle-scaling, wire brushing, and priming. More of this plus wood repairs will continue in spring 2024.
Upcoming Restoration Department Needs and Opportunities: Volunteers (all types and skills) are needed to assist with the restoration and maintenance work planned in the Car Shop in 2024. Volunteer sessions are held regularly, and a full 2024 volunteer session calendar will be made available this winter for the 2024 season. You can mark your calendar now for the ALL HANDS ON DECK volunteer session June 26-30, 2024. After great success with the first such session in 2023, the 5-day volunteer session will be back in 2024 providing a chance to make significant progress on many projects in just a few days.
The Restoration Department is also seeking to raise $32,000 from donations to proceed with constructing and upholstering the seat cushions on the EJ&S #2 combine.
Update by Bill B.
Mechanical Department Update
Work Performed This Quarter:
DM&IR C-74 Caboose: While trying to make the caboose ready for a return to service before the end of the 2023 season, major brake pipe leakage was found to be coming from the conductor’s valve in the caboose’s cupula. We attempted to lap in the valve to try to get it to seal, but this did not make a difference. We have been looking into options to either make this valve work or change it out with a quarter turn valve.
We took one of the wheel sets acquired from the former private rolling stock collection in Annendale, MN) out from its truck and sent it to a shop with a large enough lathe.
The journals on this wheel set were cleaned up and brought back to North Freedom. These wheel sets were then exchanged. The wheel set that came out from the C-74 was then taken back to the same shop where the journals were cleaned up. The other wheel set from the Annendale truck was also taken to this shop to clean up its journals. Now we have two spare wheel sets available to use under the C-74.
Power Car: The repair and service work of the boiler was led by Josh Dykstra of Mechanical Technology Incorporated’s Boiler Division with support from Mid-Continent’s volunteers. Work on the boiler included rebuilding the exhaust stack on the boiler smoke box. Both ends of the boiler were opened to gain access for cleaning and inspection. Once this was completed, both ends were closed up and resealed.
The power car boiler has two injectors. A ½ inch and a 3/8 inch. The ½ inch injector that was last used on the boiler was borrowed from Mid-Con- tinent volunteer and member, Pete Deets. Pete had been looking into having the original injector repaired. He finally found a shop that would work on it. We received the repaired injector and plumbed it in while preparing the boiler for service on Friday November 24. The boiler ran well the during Santa Express.
MCRY 1256 Diesel Locomotive: The 30 operating day service work was completed on the 1256. This includes topping off the traction motor support bearing sumps, battery water and inspection of the undercarriage while it is over the pit.
Steam Heat Connections: The damaged steam heat connectors on the Lackawanna cars were repaired before Santa Express so that all four Lackawanna coaches were available for use.
Engine House: New battery-operated tools have been acquired for use in the engine house and machine shop. Along with this a new tool cabinet was also acquired. The ¼ inch, 3/8 inch and ½ inch drive sockets and ratchets were moved from the old tool cabinet to the new one. As part of this move, socket organizers were used. Now it will be easier to find the socket that one may need. The wrenches were split up between the old and new tool cabinet. Wrenches up to 1-1/4 are also in the new cabinet utilizing wrench organizers.
Work to be Completed:
Perform annual inspections and running repairs on the MCRY 1256, MCRY 4, MCRY 7.
Prepare the 1385 tender for service. Some of the items include installing the wiring, rearrange the truck brake rigging, install side bearings and the air brake/steam heat piping. Continue work on the Western Coal and Coke 1 front truck.
Evaluate the generator that is currently in the engine house to determine if it is still suitable for service. This had gone through the 2008 flood but was brought back to running condition. Then it went through the 2018 flood.
Recent work on the C&NW #1385 has included refurbishment of the Barco M-23 Power Reverse Gear. When built, #1385 had a manual reverse lever or “Johnson Bar,” but as one of many improvements the C&NW made to the R-1 class engines, a power reverse was added in Jan. 1942. Another update from the C&NW was the runboard step design, altered in the 1940s to meet I.C.C. requirements. The existing runboard steps had cracks and were thinned by corrosion. New plate steel has been bent to shape and the steps are currently being mounted.
Update by Ed R.
Engineering Department
Hello all, it’s been a very busy year for the museum.
A lot has been accomplished and the Engineering Department is no exception. As you all know, we completed our Phase 1 Rail Relay earlier this year and in the last few months more work has been done. Brush clearing has taken place on our line along Wood Curve allowing our patrons better views of the countryside. Additionally, brush has also been cleared by the crossing in town, next to our interchange with the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. This helps us show W&SR and WisDOT that we have an interest in maintaining our rail connection with the rest of the national network. We’ve also taken delivery of a semi-trailer load of 250 crossties.
And the big news, as has already been announced, MC has purchased rail from the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Our department has done cleanup and reorganization of space down on the south end of the yard to hold all of the OTM (On-Track Materials), joint bars and tie plates, for the “new” rail. All these materials have started to arrive at the museum in the last couple of weeks.
Next year we want to keep the momentum going. After the holiday season I want to keep up with the brush clearing, with a focus on cutting down trees that strike the train and trees that look to be falling towards the track. I’ll be posting a work weekend schedule in the next couple weeks, from the time I’m writing this, on the members’ webpage. With the arrival of ties there are spots on the mainline that are going to need them. We will be evaluating spots on the line for new ties and coming up with a work weekend schedule once we know when the ground will thaw in the Spring. And of course, management has started fundraising for Rail Relay Phase 2 which will allow us to replace all of our 60, 72, and 75 lb. rail on our mainline with 90 lb. rail. If the fundraising goes well the relay could start next year.
This is an exciting time to be at Mid-Continent and I’m glad we are all able to experience it together. Thank you all for all you do!
Update by Nick V.
Dining Train Update
Since the last newsletter, there have been two more weekends of Dining Trains at Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
Following is a summary of those trains:
On August 26, 2023, there were two BBQ Trains. The 11:00 AM train served 48 diners and the 3:00 PM trains served 40 diners. The total net profit from those two trains was $3,690.84. The following members assisted as dining staff: Cate B., Jay S., Steve P., Chuck P., John T., John T. Jr., Tom D., Tom H., Robert D., and Jeff H.
On September 23, 2023, there were two Pizza Trains. The 11:00 AM train served 54 diners the 3:00 PM trains served 55 diners. The total net profit from those two trains was $4,188.46. The following members assisted as dining staff: Jay S., Allyn B., Shelly H., Grant H., Chuck P., Jami S., Mary S., Jim B., Robert D., and Jeff H.
Once again, based upon the comment cards that we have the diners fill out, the diners were incredibly happy with their dining experience. A big thank you goes out to the dining staff for making the dining trains such a success.
In addition, the Dining Services Department is still looking for a Superintendent of Dining Services for next year. If anyone is interested in serving as Superintendent of Dining Services, please contact the office.
Now that all the Dining Trains offered for the 2023 season have been completed, below is a summary for the year:
Dining Services Department Year-End Report
31-Oct-23
Trains, Patrons, Net Income and Tips:
For the year, the Dining Services Department ran 8 dining trains, served 356 patrons, had net profits and tips as detailed below:
17 different volunteers from the Dining Services Department worked on the various dining trains during the year. If any member of the museum is interested in serving on the Dining Train, the Dining Services Department is always looking for more volunteers to help service on the trains. No experience is necessary, and we do on-the-job training. If interested in helping out on the Dining Trains, please contact Jeff H.
In addition, the Dining Services Department is still looking for a Superintendent of Dining Services for next year. If anyone is interested in serving as Superintendent of Dining Services, please contact the office.
Update by Jeff H.
Endowment Committee
Mid-Continent’s endowment funds for the last Fiscal Year (11-1-2022 Through 10-31-23) has generated $125,865.84 that will be transferred to the museum’s general funds by the end of December 2023 to financially support the museum. Total value of the assets in the Endowment fund as of 10/31/2023 is $2,735,461.19.
Update by Jeff H.
Shelter Building Commitee
On 10-21-23 the first meeting of the Shelter Committee was held to discuss building a structure to house and protect the working fleet and engines at the museum from the weather to prevent or lessen their deterioration. The committee members are Bill B., Dave B., Peter S., Gary B., Robert A., and Jeff H.
The building would be an open shelter building approximately 240’ long, 50’ wide, and 18’ high, with siding coming down from the top approximately 10’. The location of the building would be south of Coach Shed #1. Placing the building at that location will give the museum the largest area to build the biggest building possible under the Wisconsin Building Code to store cars/engines. As a result of placing the building in that location, the drainage will have to be improved and culverts, a drainage main, perforated laterals, and a French drain will need to be install. In addition, the tracks leading into Coach Shed #1 will need to have the base/subgrade improved and the tracks reconfigured to have the correct access to the building.
The committee is getting a final estimate of the cost to construct the building and working on putting together an estimate for the total cost of the project. The committee will share that information with the members of the museum in the future.
Update by Jeff H.
Operating Department Update
The Operating Department welcomed several new members in 2023 upon the completion of their trainman student trips. This includes Grant H., James W., David S., and Ken R. Grant became Mid-Continent’s weekday trainman as well. This brings our active-status operating crew members to 9 engineers, 12 conductors, and 12 trainmen. If you’d like to join this group, please consider signing up for new trainman class in the spring.
A thank you goes out not only to the Operating Department volunteers for helping provide those 19,336 passengers with a memorable experience aboard the trains, but also to the Mechanical Department and Restoration Department volunteers for helping keep the cars and locomotives roadworthy, the depot and grounds staff for their important role in the visitor experience, the Engineering Department volunteers for maintaining a safe route for us to travel on, and the members and donors that supported the museum’s train operations.
The 2023 Santa Express and Holiday Flyer trains fall within the 2024 fiscal year. Those trains are now in the books and started the new fiscal year out on a very positive note. Between the two weekends, Mid-Continent welcomed a total of 4,021 passengers. There were 18 total departures (16 Santa Express and 2 Holiday Flyer) and of those, 14 departures were either fully sold out or very nearly so. This was the second year of the Holiday Flyer (hot chocolate) trains after last year’s initial experiment and given the positive response, we will be looking at how to expand these types of offerings going forward.
Update by Jeffrey L.
Meet a Member
I am delighted to introduce you to Bob and Beth K.! They generously donated the DULUTH Sleeping Car to Mid-Continent Railway Museum and on September 7, 2016, this incredible addition arrived at MCRM. I had the pleasure of meeting them during their visit for our Vintage Rail Car Tours a few months ago. So, when I was asked to do my second article of Meet a Member, I really wanted to do an article on them. I basically had two questions for them; and their replies made me swell with pride for MCRM and all our volunteers!!!
The couple, who both became MCRM members in 2016, reside in Virginia. The DULUTH was used as a cabin on the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on property owned for several generations by Beth’s family. The previous owners placed the DULUTH on a lakeside lot owned by Beth’s family since the mid-1800’s. Bob and Beth bought the DULUTH in 2015. When I asked them what influenced them to donate the DULUTH to MCRM over all the other railroad museums they could have chosen; this was their response:
“We chose to offer the DULUTH to MCRM (M-C) after exploratory visits to another upper-Midwest rail museum and to North Freedom in October 2015. M-C was our second stop, and about a half-hour into that visit it was obvious to both of us that MCRM was where the DULUTH should spend the next phase of her life. At a sit-down presentation in the glorious BADGER fish car, we were given a folder containing a history of the DULUTH, along with builder’s photos of several of her sister sleeper cars. M-C had done its research and not only knew of its existence in the woods along Lake Superior, but members had visited and photographed her at the site. They had compiled a comprehensive file on the DULUTH, not only towards the goal of keeping track of historical railcars and artifacts, but apparently also in case the opportunity to one day acquire the car might occur.
“Following the presentation in the BADGER, we received an amazing tour of the Display Shed and the Car Shop. Seeing the M-C collection, it was our opinion that the quality of the restorations at M-C was superior to those at the other museum we had visited. We certainly are novices at the internal structures of rail cars, but we noticed that the external appearances of M-C’s restored cars were superior in details like paint, lettering, and upholstery. A major factor in our decision was that the other museum’ staff said that if they received the car, they would “cocoon” it in tarps for a period of five to seven years while it awaited a place in the museum’s restoration schedule. However, the deciding factor was that the other museum’s “vision” for the DULUTH was to stabilize and repurpose the car into a lounge and snack-bar car, to be placed at the terminus of their excursion route for use by their riders. As we left North Freedom that day, we both were confident that the DULUTH should go to Mid-Continent, if the board would accept the donation. That was a decision that we have never regretted!”
I mentioned to them that the Restorations Department Manager, Bill B., and his volunteers are passionately restoring the DULUTH to its authentic beauty for our visitors to be able to see and learn about railroad history for many years to come.
So, I had to ask Bob and Beth, “While you were visiting MCRM at the end of September this year, what were your thoughts when you saw the progress being made on your “baby”? They replied:
“During our visit to M-C for the Vintage Rail Car Tours last September, we were very pleased to personally see the significant progress made to date on restoring the DULUTH. We hadn’t been able to get back to North Freedom since 2019, due to the COVID pandemic and some family issues. However, we have kept up with the progress through the M-C member’s forum website and through additional photos, emails, and phone calls from Bill B. Although we came prepared with knowledge of the progress made in the last several years, we were still pleasantly surprised to see in person the great strides made by the Car Shop volunteers and contractors. To see the extraordinary work done to restore or reproduce the myriad of parts and pieces was gratifying and exciting! It is thrilling to know that the disassembly phase is over, and that the reassembly phase has begun. We eagerly look forward to our next visit as the DULUTH continues to regain her original splendor!”
Greetings from Mid-Continent Railway Museum. As you can see, we have rolled out a new format for our newsletter. Going forward you will be getting information directly from our department heads. I will be informing you of other things not directly involved with the various departments. I hope you like the new format, but we may adjust it from time to time to keep you informed in an organized, positive way. If you have any suggestions on additional information that should be put into the newsletter, please contact me. Regarding the Gazette, it has been put on hold until our office staff has the time to get back to it.
As for MC’s projects, here are some larger ones I’ve been involved in this year:
The Rock Island #1094 will get a new lease on life. The Restoration Department is looking for a spot for members of the restoration crew to eat and get out of the weather. The department will complete the rest of the rubber roof and clean up and paint the car. It should be in service next year. See Bill for more details.
The repair on the Milwaukee Road 988 trucks is in full swing, and the plan is to have them back before the end of the year. There is a large sum of money in a restricted account for the restoration of the 988. We are looking for a project manager to take on this project and complete the restoration of the engine. If you are interested in heading up this project, please contact me.
FMW has been contracted to do the rebuilding of the Montana Western #31 Winton engine. The engine has been prepared for removal by Rusty and his crew and will be shipped to the contractor in September.
We have started to investigate putting up another building for car storage. This building will be a shelter style building, like the shelter that the Shay engine is sitting under. However, the sides will come down approximately 10 feet from the top with the ends open. This will keep the snow, sun, rain, ice, and weather from damaging our working fleet. The plan is to locate the shelter behind Coach Shed #1. In preliminary conversations with Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department, they did not see any problem with this style of building behind Coach Shed #1, even though the shelter will be located in a floodway. This project is just in the beginning stages and has not received final town and county approval, so more information will be coming in the future and may change as time goes on.
We are finishing the 1385’s Form 4 so we can get the hydro testing scheduled with the FRA. The power reverse has been rebuilt and the running boards are being worked on. We are also having three new safety valves built, two for the engine and a spare. This is your museum, and one person cannot do it alone. At MC, we are all preserving and sharing rail history with others. We all have the opportunity to get involved. Please feel free to get involved with our various departments and continue to support their projects. We have made great progress but have a long way to go. We have opportunities coming up for the remainder of this year to volunteer, so please contact our office and let them know where you would like to volunteer. They can get you in contact with the right person in the department that you are interested in helping in.
Some of the great events yet to come this year:
• Vintage Rail Car Tours: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
• Autumn Color Weekend: Oct. 7-8, 14-15
• Pumpkin Special: Oct. 21-22
• Fall Members Banquet: Nov. 4
• Santa Express: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3
• The Holiday Flyer: Dec. 2
Thank you all for your help and support!
Written by Andy
60th Anniversary
On Saturday, May 27th, 2023, Mid-Continent celebrated its 60th Anniversary! For those that were fortunate enough to attend, it was a spectacular event and a great time had by all! The extravaganza started at 10am with speeches by Andy S., Cindy H., and B. G. M.
Cindy H. delighted the crowd with recollections of Mid-Continent’s earliest days at North Freedom. “My first recollection of coming down the track was on a hand car. The men would pump the car down the rail and the women and us kids would all pile on around the edge, and we’d come down to this area [by the current depot location] and there was absolutely nothing here except for one track and the weeds were up to your knees.”
The arrival of the museum has had a lasting impact on the village, sometimes in unexpected ways. “When they started steaming up the engine and started to run trains, the black coal smoke that entered the village gave my mom [Weva V.] and a few others in town an opportunity and a good reason to buy their first clothes dryer, so that was a major improvement around town.
”The creative problem-solving of the museum’s early members was also on display. “There was a time they started running trains that they ran out of tickets,” Cindy reminisced. “With us being in close proximity, they let mom know and she furnished them with a fresh pack of recipe cards that I ran over to the ticket office and they used them as tickets for the rest of the day.
B.G. M., who joined Mid-Continent in 1967 said, “The thing that impressed me the most with Mid-Continent was the friendliness, the hospitality that people showed other people, the fun, and the excitement.” Getting to work aboard the train was a bit of a competition between volunteers “If you showed up here on a
Friday afternoon,” explained B. G., “you’d sign up in the depot to be trainman, fireman, engineer, whatever. If you weren’t here 1 or 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, all the spots were filled so it was a mad scramble to see who could get here first.”
Following their speeches, a 60th anniversary banner was placed spanning the track and the Copper Range Special train led by the GE centercab #4 burst through, kicking off the day of celebration.
A DJ played a mix of early 1900s marches and bluegrass music on the depot platform. Visitors were still able to enjoy cookies and refreshments aboard the first-class which were open for tours in the yard courtesy of Mid-Continent’s Dining Services volunteers. The Domtar #1001 EMD NW-2, Mid-Continent’s most recently acquired locomotive, was also open for cab tours.
During the anniversary event visitors had a chance to take two separate train rides. Special commemorative tickets were issued for passengers of both. The Lackawanna Express departed from the depot for Quartzite Lake using the museum’s normal train ride schedule and Lackawanna coaches. The real attraction of the day, however, was the second train, titled the Copper Range Special, which was made up of the museum’s two Copper Range Railroad wooden coaches normally displayed in Coach Shed 2.
The first Copper Range Special trip was reserved for members and invited guests left straightaway from the platform after the ribbon cutting, traveling east to a point near the interchange with the Wisconsin & Southern, then returned through the museum yards before finally reversing into Coach Shed 2. All six subsequent trips of the Copper Range Special boarded inside Coach Shed 2. Next to the boarding area was a visiting exhibit on the Copper Range Railroad on loan from Michigan Tech University.
In all, an estimated 450 visitors were on hand for the event and a total of 847 train rides given between the two trains. The Car Shop’s Open House during the day also helped several people sign up as new members and will hopefully lead to more volunteering ahead. In all, it was a very successful event and a fun way to reflect on the early days of Mid-Continent’s history.
Training Committee Update
We have had two new train crew members join the ranks this year! They have passed their qualifying run and have successfully joined the Operating Department!
Several other students are in the midst of their student trips and we are looking forward to adding them to the Operating Department in the future.
In other news, the Steam/Diesel Training Committee is updating our Air Brake/Train Handling Rulebook. We will be hosting diesel engineer classes starting this Fall!
Update from Colin O.
Mechanical Department Update
Since our last update, we have performed several maintenence tasks. We have continued performing single car tests on operating equipment. Cleaned and changed out fuel filters on the MCRY 1256.
We have also filled MCRY 7 with water and did a test run. By doing this, we have found the brake system needs some attention, along with the already known prime mover.
In addition, our Lackawanna fleet is now complete and ready for use, as we have installed the rebuilt trucks under DL&W 563. We have also connected brake rigging and performed a single car test. We have also attempted to get the DM&IR into service, but alas the brake pipe did not pass the leakage test. We’ll be continuing to work toward getting it back into working condition.
Update by Ed R.
Restoration Department Update
From June 21st through June 25th a total of 28 volunteers participated in a five-day volunteer work session in the Car Shop called the “ALL HANDS ON DECK” session. The five-day session was very successful as we averaged close to 20 volunteers a day. The volunteer help was tremendous and allowed many projects to be completed. In addition, special events and activities were held each evening, including a pizza train ride. During the work session, one of the biggest pushes was on the DM&IR C-74 caboose. Wood repairs were completed, and the caboose was repainted and lettered. The LS&I #64 coach also saw marked progress on installing car siding. It went from no siding to over 90% complete. On the EJ&S #2 combine, volunteers installed and painted a new canvas roof. Outside Coach Shed #1, volunteers repainted the wood on the exterior of the CRRR #29 locomotive and built two new cab windows.
Outside the All Hands on Deck session, numerous other projects have seen progress since May of this year. The Goodman Lumber Co. #9 Shay locomotive is receiving new jacketing and electrical conduit thanks to the successful fundraiser for that project late last year.
Inside the GN #3261 coach the interior of the two toilet rooms’ walls and doors have been stripped. In the C&IM #90 observation car, volunteers completed installing the ceiling and headlining panels and additional woodwork and electrical work are in progress in the observation room. To help preserve C&NW #613 which is stored outdoors, protective steel sheeting has been installed on the car.
To continue making the kind of progress that has been accomplished recently, the Restoration Department will need help with labor, coordination, and financing. In the financing area, an estimated $32,000 in additional funding is needed to proceed with constructing and upholstering the seat cushions for the EJ&S #2 combine. [To support this project, send a check to MCRM with the “EJ&S #2” written on the memo line.]
Inter-department assistance is needed to make track repairs in the south yard to allow access to the CB&Q caboose and GB&W boxcar. Volunteers are needed to sign up and participate in the annual Vintage Rail Car Tours held on September 30 and October 1, 2023, and to install a new rubber roof on the CRI&P #1094 car. Lastly, volunteers are needed to assist with the various restoration and maintenance work performed in the Car Shop to accomplish the following goals.
Projects yet to do in 2023:
DULUTH Sleeping Car: repair/replace the upper ceiling in the sleeping compartment, refinish wood parts for the sleeping compartment, remove the old car siding above the windowsills and make replacement lower roof drip rails.
LS&I #64: Complete the repairs to the oval window openings, install the remaining car siding and arched window trim pieces. Strip the remaining old finish off the interior woodwork and strip the paint of the car ends.
Soo Line #203 Caboose: Design and construct the missing closets, side bench and lockers inside the car.
EJ&S #2: Install the clerestory deck window blocking, install the new deck window screens. Make the wood parts for the seat cushions and the baggage room partition.
C&IM #90: Complete the woodwork installation in the observation room. Run the new wiring to the electrical cabinet. Begin rebuilding the staterooms.
D&R #9: Letter the tender, work on the cab and other items for cosmetically restoring the locomotive.
As resources are available, work will also continue the C&NW #1099, the C&NW #613, the Soo Line #99085 and the CRRR #29.
Update by Bill B.
Car Department Update
This year the Car Department has seen the Lackawanna cars have their floors repainted to a nice, crisp red, thanks in part to volunteers during the Spring Fling, and especially Larry T, who did most of the prep work and was able to apply additional coats. The fourth and final Lack, #563, got its trucks back in July, bringing the truck rebuild program to a long-anticipated conclusion.
With all four Lacks in service again, our ridership capacity returns to its normal capacity, which is greatly needed for our special events and group visits. The C-74 caboose has had a trip through the car shop, receiving some much-needed woodwork and a fresh coat of paint and lettering. The talents of our Car Shop friends are impressive and valued beyond what words can say. The car is in need of further wheel work before returning to operations, so for now we will still be operating sans caboose.
Education Department Update
The Education Department has refreshed the displays inside of the depot, with the Soo Line display being removed in favor of a Mid-Continent at 60 Years display. The new display is an array of photos, memorabilia, and artifacts from the past 60 years of our being in North Freedom, including the whistle from our KGB&W #49 steam locomotive, some medallions from the Antique Transportation Meets in La Rue, HO models of the 2017 and C-74, and of course a photo from the flood of 2008. The flood display on the east wall of the depot has been taken down, to make room for new displays.
With the new cases donated last year, the potential for a wider variety of permanent and rotating displays is greatly increased. There are also new display signs on the platform for the C&NW narrow gauge boxcar #10, and about narrow gauge railways in Wisconsin. These signs have been a long time coming from a donation by Farm House Fraternity of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and are a welcome addition to the depot display area. Another sign will be made for the narrow gauge combine in time when it rejoins its companions on the platform someday.
Update by Richard C.
Roadmaster Update
In Spring 2023, Mid-Continent completed a crucial main line rail relay between South Bessemer, and Ulrich Road crossing, and from Larue, County Hwy PF crossing west to Larue Yard Limits. As part of this initial phase rail relay project, a total 2,500 track feet of extremely worn and fatigued 60 lb and 72 lb rail, were replaced with 100 lb relay rail. In addition to the rail relay, 385 new crossties were installed and track was raised and surfaced within the limits of the project.
MCRY Rail Relay Phase 2 project is the next crucial step in addressing the next highest priority in regard rail replacement at Mid-Continent ensuring the most worn and fatigued rail is removed from the mainline to provide the safest infrastructure to protect our passengers and equipment. The project begins at Summit, MP 1.4
extending westward to terminate at the Quartzite Lake East Switch, MP 3.56 for a total distance of 2.16 miles or 11,431 Track Feet. This equates to 588 each, 39’ relay 90 lb. rails (343 tons!), 588 pairs of joint bars, 13,064 tie plates, 2,352 track bolts, 26,128 spikes, 9,408 rail anchors as well as the replacement of 1,800 cross ties, and 2.16 miles of track surfacing, and the rail contractor installation services to complete the project. This amount of rail infrastructure structure does come at a cost. Current industry pricing to provide the materials and perform the installation of them currently averages in excess of $134 per foot or $1.5 million to complete the project.
Fortunately, Mid-Continent has the opportunity to purchase excellent quality relay 90 lb rail from upcoming rail projects on nearby Wisconsin railroads in the near future. The availability of this local rail will reduce costs for the project to approximately $78 per foot or $820,000 to compete the project. This is an incredible savings but one that needs funding to ensure the rail can be purchased promptly when it becomes available.
Update by Dave B.
Dining Train Update
As of July 31, 2023, there have been two weekends of Dining Trains at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Following is a summary of those trains:
On June 17, 2023, there were two BBQ Trains. The 11:00 AM train served 23 diners and the 3:00 PM trains served 29 diners. The total net profit from the two trains was $2,064.55. The following members assisted as dining staff: Cate B., Jay S., Steve P., Chuck P., Jim B., Allyn B., John T., Tom H., Robert D., and Jeff H.
On July 22,2023, there were two Pizza Trains. The 11:00 AM train served 53 diners and the 3:00 PM trains served 53 diners. The total net profit from those two trains was $4,040.63. The following members assisted as dining staff: Jay S., Steve P., Kim P., Chuck P., Shelly H., Bryan S., Robert D., Tom D., and Jeff H.
Based upon the comment cards that we have the diners fill out, the diners were incredibly happy with their dining experience.
A big thank you goes out to the dining staff for making the dining trains such a success.
If any member of the museum is interested in serving on the Dining Train, the Dining Services Department is always looking for more volunteers to help service on the trains. No experience is necessary, and we do on-the-job training.
If interested in helping out on the Dining Trains, please contact Jeff H.
In addition, the Dining Services Department is still looking for a Superintendent of Dining Services for next year. If anyone is interested in serving as Superintendent of Dining Services, please contact the office.
Written by Jeff H.
Meet a Member
Stan S. has been a member since 7/1/1963. This July marked his 60th Anniversary here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum! On the phone, I had the pleasure of getting to know him. He originally got involved with MCRM as his Grandparents lived in Reedsburg. Stan’s initial membership was paid by his grandpa. Stan remembers his first visit to MCRM in Hillsboro.
Stan has worn many hats throughout his years here. He used the skills and flair for paperwork he acquired as a School Superintendent, to apply for grants for MCRM. It was with his organized effort the greeter/tour guide program was instituted. He wanted to pass along the knowledge he learned about railcars and their history to each guest.
Throughout his years of participation with MCRM, Stan mostly enjoyed being involved in the Operating Department, which he had done since the summer of 1964.
He still fondly remembers the D&R #9 as it was the first locomotive he fired up!
He has been Brakeman, Conductor, and Fireman. When I asked him what the Fireman does, he said, “Keep water in the boiler, keep the pressure even, and feed it coal.”
When I asked Stan the greatest memory he has of MCRM, he immediately replied without any hesitation, the deep friendships! He went on to tell me that he and Bob R. were roommates, as Stan worked two summers at MCRM while in college at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant. He mentioned that he learned a lot about the railroad from Walt S., who was a retired C&NW Engineer, and also from Rudy F. And he couldn’t leave out Carl U., who taught him not only a lot about the railroad but also about life.
