Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Mid-Continent Railway Museum volunteers gathered at SPEC Machine outside of Middleton, WI on Friday February 24th and Saturday February 25, 2023 to apply paint to numerous loose parts in preparation for installing the items onto the locomotive in the near future. Parts receiving primer and paint included the ashpan, brackets for the air tanks, bracket for the power reverse, sand dome parts, and numerous other components.
Turnout for both days of work sessions were great – almost too good on Saturday, making it necessary for some mandatory breaks while waiting for the paint to dry before adding additional coats.
A big thank you goes out to the volunteers that participated – a few of whom signed up for museum membership just to be able to attend this session. The work was organized and led by Pete Deets and Ed Ripp of the 1385 Task Force. They were joined by volunteers Chuck B., Ross S., Larry S., Richard C., David S., James W., Robert D., Brayden E., Joey R., Jim B., Andy S., Gary B., Rusty S., Ken E., and Jeff H.
Thanks also go out to our host, SPEC Machine for opening their shop to our volunteers to make this session possible.
Volunteer crew on the afternoon of February 25, 2023. Gary Bjorge photo.Sand domeCab supportMiscellaneous brackets.Air reservoir brackets.Ash pan control connectors.Ash pan components.Ash pan component.Ash pan component.Ash pan doors.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
NORTH FREEDOM, WI – Mid-Continent Railway Museum is excited to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust (ERHT) for use on the next phase of restoration on Mid-Continent’s Duluth South Shore & Atlantic Railway (DSS&A) sleeping car “DULUTH”.
The letter board in the process of being stripped and sanded.
Sleeping cars were an integral part of passenger rail travel during the “Golden Age” of railroads. Extensive research has revealed that the DULUTH sleeping car is historically significant as it is the oldest and most complete standard gauge wooden sleeper car known to survive in the United States.
The DULUTH was built in 1902 by the Barney & Smith Car Company and operated as a 10-section sleeping car on the DSS&A’s passenger train between Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Duluth, MN until 1934. After being taken out of service, it was sold to a private resident of Laurium, MI. and it spent the next 81 years as a summer cabin on the shore of Lake Superior. In 2015, the car was graciously donated to Mid-Continent Railway Museum (MCRM) by Lt. Col. Robert and Elizabeth Krasche to assure the long-term preservation of the railcar.
View in the sleeping compartment showing one of the headliner panels being painted in the original green color.
Since its arrival at MCRM restoration crews have taken significant steps to return the DULUTH to operating condition, with volunteers putting over 2,800 hours of work into the car’s restoration so far. The funds from this grant will further the next phase of the DULUTH’s restoration which will feature work on the sleeping compartment, upholstery work, replicating stained glass windows, and installing new wood siding on the exterior of the car.
This next phase of work is projected to require approximately $125,000 and 3,000 additional hours of volunteer labor. Additional grants and donations are being sought to raise the funds needed to complete this work. Any Individuals or organizations interested in donating funds, professional services, or volunteer labor to help with the DULUTH project are encouraged to contact the museum at 608-522-4261 or email inquiries@midcontinent.org.
Once restored, the DULUTH will be placed indoors on public display. Mid-Continent will also operate the DULUTH on the museum’s rail line several times a year, re-creating and preserving the rail passenger travel experience.
As-built Interior photo of DSS&A DULUTH.
This is the third grant the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust has awarded to the DULUTH project. The Trust previously awarded $9,000 in 2018 and $15,000 in 2022 and has supported other museum projects as well, including the C&NW #1385 steam locomotive and the museum’s coach car #595. Mid-Continent Railway Museum is genuinely appreciative of John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust for its repeated and generous support of the museum’s mission.
About the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust
The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust was created by John Emery, a native of Chicago, and a lover of the classic passenger trains of America. The Trust was founded as a way to support Mr. Emery’s interests in the passenger trains of the 1920s through the 1950s. The Trust operates as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) foundation.
About Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society–also known as Mid-Continent Railway Museum–is an outdoor, living museum and operating railroad recreating the small town/short line way of life during the “Golden Age of Railroading,” with operating trains, educational exhibits, and displays of restored rolling stock. In 2023 Mid-Continent will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of sharing railroad history with museum visitors.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s historic Milwaukee Road diesel recently received a major boost in the effort to restore the locomotive to working condition. In late 2022, the railroad museum received a donation of nearly $95,000 to help bring the locomotive back to working order.
Milwaukee Road #988 at Mid-Continent Railway Museum in 1989.
No. 988: A Versatile Midwestern Workhorse
The #988 is a 1500 horsepower diesel-electric locomotive built by the American Locomotive Company in January 1947 for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific, a.k.a. the Milwaukee Road. The locomotive featured 3-axle trucks – two powered axles and a center idler axle to help distribute weight. This made the locomotive ideal for use on branch lines like Mid-Continent’s that used lighter-weight rail.
The 988 was used in various areas of the Upper Midwest, including the Milwaukee Road’s Wisconsin Valley Division, the Iowa & Dakota Divison, and later on was reassigned as the La Crosse, Wis. switch engine.
The locomotive changed hands a few times before being purchased by a group of Mid-Continent members in October 1985 and arriving at North Freedom in January 1986, debuting in service at Snow Train a month later. It would go on to serve as backup power to Mid-Continent’s steam locomotives for the next several years before being sidelined by mechanical issues. The mechanical issues were compounded by water damage during severe flooding at Mid-Continent in 2008.
Over the years, volunteers worked on the project as funds permitted. However, the organization’s fundraising efforts have largely been focused on other projects, causing repairs to #988 to move at an exceedingly slow pace over the years.
One of the primary volunteers working on #988 was James T. Baker, Jr., or “Preacher” as he was often called by his friends at Mid-Continent. Baker was a wealth of knowledge that helped the program move slowly forward using the limited resources allocated to it. Unfortunately, Baker passed away in 2021 after a battle with cancer before being able to see the project through to completion. However, Baker would make one more parting contribution to the project with the aid of his family.
In late 2022, family members presented a check from the James T. Baker, Jr. Living Trust for nearly $95,000 to Mid-Continent during one of the Society’s membership meetings. The check was given to help advance the repair of Milwaukee Road #988 to bring it back to operational condition. Additionally, over $5,000 was previously donated toward tools and equipment for Mid-Continent’s Machine Shop to assist with the #988 and other locomotive repair projects, bringing the Trust’s total gift amount to $100,000.
James T. Baker, Jr.
Watch the check presentation and learn more about James T. Baker, Jr. Video by Alex Redding.
The Work Ahead
This gift from the James T. Baker, Jr Living Trust, combined with previous gifts from other supporters, has reached a threshold of having sufficient funds to allow the project to move forward in a significant way.
A locomotive repair contractor has already been arranged to complete repairs to the locomotive’s trucks and traction motors. Additional contractors and volunteers will be utilized to make repairs to the locomotive’s engine, intercooler, and electrical systems. Lastly, the locomotive will need new batteries, bodywork and a new coat of paint. The project is anticipated to take several years.
This important gift, combined with previously donated funds, will go a long way toward bringing this historic gem back to operating condition and allow it to again take a turn at the head end of Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s passenger trains.
Photos & Videos
James T. Baker, Jr. Living Trust check presentation at the Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society members meeting. From left to right: Mike Baker, Lisa Redding, and Mid-Continent President Jeff Bloohm.
Take a tour under the hood of Milwaukee Road #988. Video courtesy Alex Redding.
Milwaukee Road #988’s trucks in the process of being refurbished at a contractor shop.
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Mid-Continent’s Restoration Department has released its 2023 work session schedule. These work sessions are a great way to get involved at Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
Our doors are open to anyone willing to give us a hand and help us with the restoration work. Give us a hand for a day or several days throughout the summer. Every bit of help makes a difference and is appreciated. We have a wide range of needs (i.e. painting, cleaning, stripping, wood work, roofing, refinishing, upholstery, metal work, and more) and everyone can be a help.
If you’re interested in volunteering please reach out! To be placed in contact with Bill Buhrmaster, MCRM’s Restoration Manager, send call the museum office at 608-522-4261.
Session No.
Dates
1
February 24-25-26-27
2
March 9-10-11
3
March 24-25-26
Extra
NEWLY ADDED DATES!!! April 4-5-6
4
April 14-15-16 REVISED DATES!!! April 21-22-23
5
April 28-29-30
6
May 10-11-12 REVISED DATES!!! May 5-6-7 May 6th is the museum-wide SPRING FLING volunteering day
7
May 26-27-28 Volunteer Open House May 27th
Extra
NEWLY ADDED DATE!!! June 6th
8
June 10-11-12 REVISED DATES!!! June 9th and 10th
Extra
NEWLY ADDED DATE!!! June 17th
9
June 21-22-23-24-25
10
July 7-8-9
11
July 22-23-24
12
August 4-5-6
13
August 25-26-27
14
September 8-9-10
15
Sept 29-30, Oct 1-2 Vintage Rail Car Tours Sept 30-Oct 1
Mid-Continent Railway MuseumPosted on by Jeffrey Lentz
Introduction
Good progress continued to be made on the DULUTH project in 2022 thanks to a crew of volunteers, hired help, contractors (for stripping, stained glass, brass polishing and woodworking) and many donors. A total of $29,650 in donations was received this past year, with the largest amount coming from the Emery Rail Heritage Trust grant ($15,000).
Stripping off the old varnish and paint finishes on the interior woodwork and vestibules was completed this year, while demolition and removal work continued. In addition to the work on the car, a big push was made this year to purchase and line up materials and restoring parts needed for completing the car. We are now starting to see new parts and pieces going back onto the car.
The main emphasis inside the car continues to be working on restoring the 10-section sleeping compartment that is the middle of the car. In this portion of the car new wiring has begun to be installed for both the berth lights as well as the annunciator system. In addition, new headlining panels were made and several of them were installed in the sleeping compartment.
On the exterior of the car much of the old siding has been removed and we have installed a small section of new siding. In addition, removal of the old roofing is complete while the clerestory side framing removal continues. The upper and lower roof boards are in very good condition, only needing a few localized repairs.
Work on the DULUTH will resume in 2023 with a concentration in the sleeping compartment.
Photos and additional information on the progress made during 2022 on the DULUTH Project follows.
View of the sleeping compartment showing the results from stripping down the woodwork.
View in the sleeping compartment showing one of the headliner panels being painted in the original green color.
Planning
Updated 3-year restoration plan
Updated the list of the sleeping compartment work tasks and sequence of activities
Obtained proposals for reproducing additional wood parts for the car
Developing and submitting grant requests for 2023
Design Work
Measured and designed the (4) vestibule doors and end windows
Acquired samples of the curved upper drip rails (the end drops)
Measured and finalized the design for the (3) missing interior doors
Designed the upper and lower roof drip edge moldings
View of the vestibule end window opening that was uncovered so new window frames can be built and reinstalled.
One of many drawings made during the year. This drawing was developed for reproducing the upper roof drip rail.
Disassembly Work
Removed the balance of the old roofing material from the roof
Removed the clerestory wall coverings and roofing on the east side
Removed the original lower car siding of the entire car
Removed arched window trim (exterior) and battens
Removed the intermediate window stops
Exposed the framing in the NE end vestibule window opening to expose the original window frame
Removed the (4) vestibule doors from the car
Removed the hardware off of the (4) vestibule doors
Removed the seat cushions from the sleeping compartment and put them into storage
Volunteers removed the old roofing material off of the roof deck and collected samples of the roof drips rails.
Volunteers removed the original car siding off the car. Exposed is the car framing which is in very good condition.
Volunteers in the process of removing the arched window trim, battens and the intermediate window stops.
Volunteers in the process of removing the arched window trim, battens and the intermediate window stops.
Two of the vestibule doors that were removed for a pattern.
Vestibule door hardware that will be restored.
Stripping
Stripped the old finish off of the end vestibules (interior), Women’s room and north aisle. This completes stripping of all of the old finish off of the entire interior of the car.
Stripped the paint off of the entire letter board
Stripped the paint off of the arched window frames
Stripped the old finish off of the headliner trim pieces
Removed straps and hinges from upper berth racks
Stripped the old finish off of the upper berth racks
Removed all of the inner window frames (25) and sent them out for stripping
Sent out the berth headboards for stripping
Sanded the lower sides of the car (exterior) to remove the old glue off of the wood framing
A view of the aisle, on the north end of the car. This area was stripped of its old finish in 2022.
The transom panel above the north door. This area was stripped of its old finish in 2022.
The letter board in the process of being stripped and sanded.
The letter board in the process of being stripped and sanded.
The removable berth headboards staged for delivery to the firm that will strip and refinish them.
Restoration Work
Installation and Painting
Repaired (7) of the lower roof carlines
Cut, fit and glued new car siding on the west side of the car (north end). The section of siding consisted of approximately four feet of the car side.
Installed a new vestibule ceiling panel in the SE corner of the car
Cleaned, primer and painted the iron work (truss rods, queen posts, etc.) under the car
New siding that was applied to DULUTH.
A new ceiling panel installed in the vestibule.
Materials
Ordered replacement specialty wood parts for (window trim, veneer panel, etc.)
Test fit the berth divider trim piece in the sleeping compartment
Received specialty wood parts made including the clearstory window frames, trim, battens, veneer panels, berth divider trim pieces, etc.
Sent out a vestibule door and other wood samples to woodworking shop for replicating the new parts (2023 delivery).
Purchased poplar material for the upper and lower drip rails
Milled the new upper (inner) and lower drip rail stock
One of the volunteers test fitting the berth partition trim piece.
Sample parts from the DULUTH (to the left) and new custom made wood parts made for the DULUTH. Parts include clerestory windows, berth partition trim pieces, window battens and window post trim.
Custom-made interior trim pieces complete with marquetry to match the original design.
A complete set of custom made clerestory windows made for the DULUTH. Once complete these frames will be fitted with stained glass.
New lower roof drip rail (L) based on a sample piece (R) acquired from the car. Volunteers milled the trip rail set at the Fox Valley Technical College.
Parts and Hardware
Cleaned and polished brass hardware for the sleeping compartment of the car. Presently 99% of the berth and sleeping compartment hardware has been obtained, reconditioned and restored.
Restored (4) toilet room roof vents for the DULUTH
Fabricated a new stack cover for the Baker heater
Restored and polished the (20) berth dampers
Stained and varnished the wood plunger blocks for the berths
Fabricated (6) new steel berth cushion support straps
Made replica berth curtain rod end supports (12) and curtain rods (6)
Restored the berth ladder for the car
Cleaned and polished coach lamps and associated parts (in process)
Acquired one of the overhead entryway oil lamps for the car
Stripped the paint off of the vestibule door hardware
Stripped the brass window catches (100) needed for the car
Sent out the wooden berth racks (10) and the (8) headboards for finishing (in process)
A sampling of the brass window and interior hardware that was cleaned and polished during the year.
The brass headboard hinges that were cleaned and polished.
An original toilet room roof vent that was restored.
Cleaned and polished brass parts for oil coach lamps.
Wood blocks restored for the upper berth dampers.
Wiring
For safety and reliability purposes the entire car is being rewired. This includes the wiring for all of the interior car lighting as well as the low voltage annunciator system.
Removed wall trim around the berth lights to access the wiring
Removed all of the existing wiring in the sleeping compartment
Installed new wiring for the sleeping compartment berth lamps (Qty. 20). (In process)
Installed new wiring for the sleeping compartment annunciator buttons (in process)
Volunteer installing new wiring for the berth lights in the sleeping compartment.
Volunteer installing the new wiring for the sleeping compartment annunciator buttons.
Sleeping compartment annunciator buttons.
Stained Glass
New stained glass material (sheets) from Kokomo Glass were received for the lower arched and oval windows
Took receipt of the new stained glass that was cut to size for the lower arched windows
Temporarily fit two new pieces of stained glass in the arched window frames
Provided the stained glass shop with oval window frames so the new stained glass can be made to fit into the oval windows (2023 delivery)
A piece of the old stained glass (the large piece) with a sample of the new stained glass (small piece).
A view of the new stained glass installed in the sleeping compartment of the DULUTH.
Headliners
Cut the plywood to size for the headliners
Cut the canvas to size and glued the canvas to the sleeping compartment headliners
Painted the only remaining (original) headliner (#10) in the sleeping compartment
Painted the new headliner panels (#1-9). (in process)
Installed the headliner panels in the car. (in process 4 of 9 installed)
The new headlining panel being installed in the car.
One of the completed headlining panels installed in the sleeping compartment.
Fundraising
$29,650.65 in donations were received in 2022. The largest donation came from the Emery Rail Heritage Trust grant ($15,000).
The “Giving Tuesday Fundraising Challenge” was met by successfully matching the $1200 challenge, in turn raising a total of $2400 for the DULUTH project.
Expenses
Contract work
$25,937.62
Labor
$6,945.83
Supplies
$2,456.00
Freight
$187.34
Total Expenses for 2022
$35, 526.79
Volunteers
In 2022 over (20) MCRM volunteers logged (555) man hours of time on the DULUTH project.
Publicity and Events
A film crew from TRAINS magazine was on hand in the Duluth to perform a Trains LIVE video production. The crew filmed inside and outside the car while commentator Bob Lettenberger discussed the history of the car and the restoration process.
The DULUTH was opened up for tours in MCRM’s Car Shop during MCRM’s annual Vintage Rail Car Tours.
The DULUTH project was featured in the September 26th edition of the Baraboo Newspaper.
The Trains Magazine crew video taping inside the DULUTH.
