C&NW #1385

Chicago & North Western no. 1385 was built in 1907 and is Mid-Continent’s most well-known collection piece. It was the first steam locomotive to operate at Mid-Continent in 1963 and last operated in 1998 The 1385 is presently in late stages of restoration and when complete, will be the only operational steam locomotive from the C&NW. 

Milwaukee Road #988

The six-axle model RSC-2 provided an ideal amount of power and weight distribution for use on branchlines and is right at home on a line such as Mid-Continent’s. No. 988 arrived at MCRM in 1986 and was used as backup power to MCRM’s steam engines until sidelined by mechanical issues in the 1990s and further damaged by floodwaters in 2008. It is currently under restoration back to operating condition. 

Montana Western #31

Originally built for the Great Northern and later sold to the shortline Montana Western, no. 31 is the oldest surviving, and largely unmodified, gas-electric motor car built by the Electro-Motive Corporation. The motor car’s revolutionary control system was the basis for thousands of EMD’s diesel locomotives that followed. The motor car is currently under restoration to operation. 

D&R #9

No. 9 is Mid-Continent’s oldest steam locomotive, built in 1884. The simple, reliable steamer remained in service for an amazing 79 years, before coming to Mid-Continent to serve as the museum’s main duty engine for much of the 1960s and 70s. The locomotive is currently undergoing cosmetic restoration. 

Rail Relay

Mid-Continent’s railroad track is a critical piece of infrastructure that makes possible the museum’s signature experience – the train rides! Rail Relay Phase 2 is the next crucial step in addressing old, worn, and fatigued rail along Mid-Continent’s rail line. Phase 2 involves replacing the rails, joint bars, tie plates, rail anchors, track bolts, and spikes of over ½ of the museum’s rail line. 

Fleet Storage Building (More details to come.)

One of Mid-Continent’s biggest challenges is protecting its amazing collection of railcars from the ravages of exposure to sun, wind, rain, and snow. Mid-Continent’ currently only has enough buildings to protect about 30% of its collection. Planning is underway for the construction of the next structure to better protect more of MCRM’s priceless collection.  

DULUTH

The DULUTH is the oldest and most complete standard gauge wooden sleeper car known to survive in the U.S. Built in 1902, it operated on the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic Railway until 1934, then became a summer cottage for 81 years. It was donated to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in 2015. It is currently undergoing restoration to bring it back to its original glory. 

EJ&S #2

East Jordan and Southern #2 is Mid-Continent’s oldest train car. It was originally built by the Bradley Co. in Nov. 1864 and was regularly used in Mid-Continent’s trains during the museum’s early years. The car is now undergoing a historically accurate restoration.  

LS&I #64

Built by the Hicks Locomotive and Car Works in 1910 and used in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the car came to Mid-Continent in 1985. After a long wait, this coach is currently undergoing a complete restoration in Mid-Continent’s car shop.