Whatever happened to Soo Line 1003?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know the current status of this locomotive?

Brennan

[mnwestern]

I often get the 1003 and 2719 confused, but I think the 1003 is stored in eastern Wisconsin, and was used in October or November for a chartered "freight" shoot paid for by videographer David Goodheart, who died within days of the shoot.
I think the 1003 was taken over by the man who had invested heavily into its restoration over a dispute with the others in the restoration and operating group.

If I got the two locos straight, the 2719 has been leased to a group in Montana and moved there about a year ago to be used on excursion to be run on the Montana Rail Link. I think the lease is for 5 or 10 years, and includes provisions for the locomotive to come back to the Midwest for special events if needed.

[kschmidt]

Greetings,

You are correct about Soo #1003. The #1003 is currently stored at the Wisconsin Auto Museum which is in Hartford, Wisconsin. The locomotive can be seen there on static display inside the building which used to house a canning company. Yes the #1003 was used for a "Photographers" Special in Nov 2004. And Dave Goodheart the organizer of the special died just days after the trip. #1003 was used in July 2002 to pull the Great Circus Train to Milwaukee, WI. I believe that the locomotive is owned by the group of investors that made its restoration possible.

The #2719 is based out of Eau Claire/Altoona , WI. I believe it was originally set to head out to Montana, but last I heard it was still sitting partially covered near where the roundhouse used to stand in Altoona.

Below are some shots of the Soo Line #1003


Here the #1003 is pulling the Great Circus Train in July 2002 just north of Milwaukee, WI


#1003 steams up on a crisp morning in Nov 2004 in Horicon, WI


The final shot of the day in Nov 2004 at Fox Lake, WI as the sun sets on #1003

Keith

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. I hope it runs again in '05.

Brennan

[Anonymous]

2719 is still in WI. Saw it on 03-02-05 sitting in the yard. Did not see a cover on it but i could be wrong.