? Next Steam outings in Minnesota, Wisconsin & Iowa?

[Boyd]

Anyone know of the next steam engine outings in these states? The only one I can think of is the Winter snow train at the line near the Wisconsin Dells. I forgot the name. Do they have any operating steam engines right now?

[Dakguy201]

The Boone & Scenic Valley (Boone Iowa) has a Chinese steamer.  Last year they operated a diesel for their tourist run on weekdays, but the streamer on weekends.  I believe they intend to follow a similiar scheme with steam beginning in late May.

Here it is -- picture taken in the shop, no tripod, so light was a problem:

 

[ShopsYardMaster]

Anyone know of the next steam engine outings in these states? The only one I can think of is the Winter snow train at the line near the Wisconsin Dells. I forgot the name. Do they have any operating steam engines right now?

 

Nope. Maybe next summer, but who knows? Mid-Continent will be using their Alco S-1 switcher for the runs. HTH

[Boyd]

So Mid Continent is still without an operating steam engine?

[ShopsYardMaster]

Correct. Western Coal and Coke No. 1 is the loco currently under restoration, with a price tag of close to $500K. There's a price guide on this restoration in the January 2008 issue of TRAINS, page 76.

 The other steam engines in the collection are estimated to cost at least that much and probably more to restore to operating condition.

Here's the web site...www.midcontinent.org

[cnwfan51]

    If you are coming to Boone this summer you might have to call ahead and see if the Boone and Scenic Valley is running their steam  engine there is a move afoot to cut back on thier staem oprations this year because of the cost involved  rumor has it they will run it only one weekend each month  thought youd like to know   Larry

[kschmidt]

I would keep and eye on the Milwaukee Road #261 webpage.  With #261 due to be rebuilt after Sept 2008 plans are for several trips with the #261.  Rumors are it will be returning home again to Milwaukee in 2008 before it's tear down and rebuild. 

www.milwaukee261.com

Also never know when the Soo #1003 might get invited to a town to help celebrate. 

www.sooline1003.com

Can also always hope the UP will bring some steam to Wisconsin.  It's been 6 years now.

Keith Schmidt

[nssr9169]

Anyone know of the next steam engine outings in these states? The only one I can think of is the Winter snow train at the line near the Wisconsin Dells. I forgot the name. Do they have any operating steam engines right now?

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth Mn, operates $oo Line 4-6-2 #2719 in the summer months on its 27 mile excursion railroad (North Shore Scenic Railroad). They have yet to announce dates for the steam trips but they will run a variety of times in the summer. To find out dates of when they will run the 2719 just go to their website http://www.lsrm.org/  and look for the 2719 page. I have had the privilege of riding behind the 2719 as an employee, and boy there is nothing like that Pacific screaming across the highway at 30 mph, and did I mention that it has to conquer a 3% grade on one end of the rail line. When the train is over 8 cars the Soo 700 (a GP30) helps out.  

[Anonymous]

Regarding the Boone & Scenic Valley...  Cut back, but not to once a month.  Really and truly, I would look for steam to be running every Saturday.  Work is moving right along on preparing 8419 for her five-year inspection.  Volunteers have been spending their Saturdays making sure that everything is ready to roll by Memorial Day weekend.