Last MILW Steam Passenger Run

[Champlain Division]

A co-worker has made a claim that MILW used steam on passenger runs well into the 1960s. I seem to remember reading in that recent Fast Trains special edition from Kalmbach that MILW, like other roads, eliminated steam in or around the mid-1950s.

So, what's the straight poop, guys?

[jrbernier]

The last 'revenue' run by a steam engine on the Milw was in about 1957. Engine 1004(G8 4-6-0) filled in for the normal 'motor' train on the Austin-La Crosse round trip. The steamer was used in boiler service at the Austin Shops and was pressed into service for the overnight passenger run. I think the train was #155/#158, which made a connection with the Pioneer Ltd at La Crosse, WI. MILW 1004 is now on display at the Mower County Fairgrounds in Austin, MN. This 'last run' was well after the 4 'official' railfan 'last runs' that the Milwaukee ran!

Jim