News - Page 5 of 72 - Mid-Continent Railway Museum

MCRM Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1

Posted on July 30, 2024 by RebeccaJuly 30, 2024

President’s Message

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.

Written by Theresa

First Water

Posted on July 26, 2024 by RebeccaJuly 26, 2024

A few days ago, the #1385 felt her first sunshine with the new boiler, and now the boiler has received its first Wisconsin water.

To clean up details from our last update, we have 2 crew photos because someone has to hold the camera. The first shot shows Gary A., General Foreman of Steam Ed R., Gary B., Richard P. and Spec Machine owner, Steve R.

The second shot is Gary A., Ed R., Steve R., Richard and Roger F. Roger provided and operated some of the machines used to lay the track.

After all the work that has been done on the boiler, we need to flush it out before we can prepare for a pressure test. The first trickle coming from a firebox washout becomes a steady flow carrying debris from the stud installation with it.

A large hose was used in the steam dome, then Ed switched to a smaller hose to flush from the washouts at the front end of the boiler.

The engine seems to be saying, “Ahhhh,” while enjoying the afternoon sun and a nice, clean feeling.

The next morning the steam dome was mounted on the boiler with help from Blue Star Farms who not only provided the water but also mechanical help.

With the steam dome in place, the engine was filled. Approximately 2800 gallons later, the vent hole in the steam dome lid looked like a bubbler.

We have already identified a few minor weeps that will need attention and once the water is warmed to the proper testing range, we will pressurize the boiler to see if there are any further items for the “fix-it” list. Then the boiler will be drained & dried, the fix-it list addressed, and the boiler refilled and pressurized again to make sure everything was truly fixed. Once we know that we have a vessel that has no leaks, we can look to scheduling a test for the FRA.

C&NW #1385: Summer Debut

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Jeffrey LentzJuly 24, 2024

This great midsummer weather has all sorts of wonders to reveal. Monday, 7/22 a small group of volunteers met at SPEC Machine and assembled a few track panels leading out the shop door. From that process comes the old saw “If you build it they will come”.

Well, we built it and guess who came out the door? Our beloved 1385 is feeling sunshine for the first time in nearly 5 years. We will have more details and more pictures in the very near future.

D&R #9 Update (July 6-7)

Posted on July 22, 2024 by RebeccaJuly 22, 2024

Update by Jason R:

“July 6-7, 2024; even though the Chinese Zodiac lists 2024 as the “Year of the Dragon”, Fletch and his crew continued the “Year of the Cab,” and pushed forward this last weekend with efforts on the D&R #9’s cab for restoration.

Frank F., Steve P., Mike L., Jay S. and the team’s 4-legged friend “Roger” pulled first shift on Saturday July 6 where they focused on the backhead. While Roger managed Steve, Mike, and Jay on the ground, Frank pulled up his sleeves and got the dirty work done. He made quick work of the backhead and interior cab getting excess dirt and debris cleaned off to create a better surface for paint application. While Frank was playing in the dirt, Steve received a wonderful Christmas present from Ms. Judy G., who graciously cleaned up the original back windows of the #9 cab and wrapped them up in a beautiful package for safe keeping until they can be re-installed. Merry Christmas Judy. Lol. The guys on Saturday also met with Andy S. to coordinate moving the #9 to a few possible locations for painting the cab. Thanks to Andy and the guys for doing that leg work.

The second shift came in on Sunday July 7 with Fletch, Jason, and Tyler D. Also known as the “A-Team” (this may or may-not be disputed by first shift), Fletch and this team were poised to continue preliminary work on the pilot re-build. However, that was quickly tabled after completing a planned meeting with Chris B. to discuss the upcoming paint work. We identified enough small items that needed removal or work prior to painting, that we felt it best to shift our focus back to the cab for the day. With that, we removed several items to expose more of the metal surface of the cab and allow for better contact with primer and paint. We also conducted some detail work on the cab floor and under the cab to remove additional dirt and debris.

It was good hard work both days, but the MVP award for the weekend will have to go to Frank F. who worked in the warmest and dirtiest conditions by far. Roger came in a close second for MVP, but ultimately received Honorable Mention. Many thanks Frank, and to everyone that helped this weekend.

With that, Fletcher is beyond EXCITED to announce our next work session currently slated for the weekend of August 10 and 11. This will be the culminating event of our year, and we hope to finally get the first coats of paint on the #9 herself. We are praying for a safe and successful move by the operations crew along with good weather that weekend, and that will hopefully set us up for success next month. Fletch hopes you stop by to check it out or lend a hand.”

A Huge Success – All Hands on Deck Progress Report

Posted on July 3, 2024 by RebeccaJuly 4, 2024

The 5-day long “All Hands on Deck” session held by the MCRM Restoration Department was very successful. The volunteers really did an outstanding job and performed an immense amount of work in a matter of a few days.

The tremendously successful “All Hands on Deck” Session was held during June 26th to the 30th and we had a total of 32 different volunteers participating in the event, with an average of 20 volunteers per day. In total the volunteers put in over 800 hours of work during this session.

Anyone walking in the MCRM Car Shop after this event will notice a significant difference in the appearance of the cars that were worked on. The progress made during this session exceeded the expectations and this was achieved due to the support, commitment and hard work of the volunteers. Progress made during the 5-day All Hands on Deck Session is summarized below. Note that several of the photos capture the status of the projects before and after the All Hands on Deck session.

Duluth South Shore & Atlantic Sleeping car DULUTH: Installed new veneer pieces under the windows in the smoking room and one in the sleeping compartment, installed the new window header (veneer with marquetry) in the smoking room, installed the headliner trim on the west side of the smoking room, applied canvas and painted to the two headliners for the smoking room (east side), installed filler pieces in the sleeping compartment lamp openings, installed cleats along the edge of the original veneer ceiling panels in the sleeping compartment, installed one new piece of bending plywood in the sleeping compartment ceiling, removed the remaining clerestory window frames from the car, primed and cut new car siding to length, installed a portion of the car siding on the east and west sides (approximately 30%) and took delivery of three new interior doors, two mirror frames and four vestibule end windows.

*Duluth sleeping compartment ceiling BEFORE AHOD*.

*Duluth smoking room east wall BEFORE AHOD*.

Removing clerestory windows in the Duluth during the AHOD

East Jordan & Southern #2: Painted the entire exterior of the car with the EJ&S green, sanded and varnished the interior the entire passenger section of the car as well as the saloon (multiple coats), installed the lower inner window stops, painted the brake beams, trimmed bolts to length under the car, sanded the seat footrests and cleaned and painted the car body end rails.

Lake Superior & Ishpeming #64: Reconstructed the car framing for the two oval windows, installed the car siding around the two oval windows, installed the last of the straight battens on the car, primed the entire exterior of the car, cut and fit the window frames on the east side of the car, primed ten of the window frames, sanded much of the interior woodwork, cleaned and painted the car body end rails and cleaned up springs for the window frames.

*The LS&I #64 east side oval window BEFORE the AHOD*.

*Priming the LS&I #64 during the AHOD session*.

Rock Island #1094: Removed the last of the cabinets and sink in the baggage room, scraped and painted the north half of the baggage room including the clerestory area, the water tanks and the side walls. Reconstructed the south doorway in the bunk area, replaced missing and deteriorated headliner boards in the bunk area and baggage room and made a mockup of the bunk side rails.

*The status in the Rock Island baggage room BEFORE the AHOD*.

I’d like to thank all of the amazing volunteers who put in a tremendous amount of work during the past 5 days! Special thanks are also extended to the volunteers that prepared all of the meals for the entire crew during the session as well as the MCRM operating crew that took the group on the Pizza Train ride.

Volunteers participating in the event included: Peter, Jeff Ha., Owen, Judy, Darryl, Larry S. Jack, Jerry F., Fred, Bob R., David P., Gregg, Jane, Steven M., Larry T., Steve W., Bob B., Dean, Jerry M., Marty, Thomas, Altha, Kelly, Nate, Jay, Steve P., Dan P., Colton, Jeff Hu., David M., John T. and I. Please accept my apologies if I omitted the name(s) any of the volunteers that participated.

*Some of the 32 volunteers that participated in the AHOD session*.

*MCRM Volunteers on an evening excursion to the R&GN*.

Thanks again to everyone that participated in the session and helped to make it a huge success. Our next volunteer work session is scheduled for July 13, 14 and 15.