Mid-Continent Railway Museum and the 1385

So what's up with the 1385? I just checked the group's web site, hasn't been an update since 2006. Anyone have any info? MCRM is just not the same without steam...

http://www.1385.org/steamstatus1385.html

Is the blue diesel the only engine they have running? It's too bad that engine can't be repainted into a more era-appropriate paint scheme. Do they have any other operable locomotives that pull trains?

-otto-

Hi Otto,

The 1385 is still out of service and needs major work. Currently WC&C #1 is being put back together in hopes of having it running by spring. #1 will have a new first boiler course that was made by Milwaukee Boiler Int. It is in a race with Polson Logging # 2 to see which will be the first steam engine to run at Mid-Continent since Feb. 2000. #2 will have an entirely new welded boiler from Milwaukee Boiler. Next summer should see 2 steamers operating at North Freedom.

The Blue #7 is currently not pulling the daily trains. I have not heard of any plans to repaint it. Late in 2007 , #7 had 3 new heads installed.

Currently the daily trains are pulled by the former U.S. Army Baldwin #1256.

Joe Dillenburg,
Conductor
Mid-Continent Railway