Steven Saine Railfan Productions | Soo Line #1003: Photo Freight Train 11-13-2022 @stevensainerailfanproductions | Uploaded November 2022 | Updated October 2024, 9 hours ago.
Soo Line #1003: Photo Freight Train 11-13-2022.
In November of 2022, we made our way up to central Wisconsin to see one of the more unique steam locomotives in the US. Soo Line #10032
1003 was built in 1913 by the American Locomotive Company as an L-1 2-8-2 "Mikado" locomotive for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad better known as the "Soo Line." She would haul mostly freight until she was retired then donated to the city of Superior, Wisconsin in 1959 for display. In the mid-70's, Superior Shortline Steam Railroad Ltd. made an effort to restore the locomotive to operating condition. However, this attempt failed. In 1993, Wisconsin Railway Preservation Trust bought the 1003 with the same goal of restoring it in mind. In October of 1996, she ran under her own power for the first time in 47 years. She would haul excursions until 2010 when she was brought in the shop for its mandated FRA 1472-day inspection and overhaul. She would return to service in 2012. However, due to a flue issue, she wouldn't pull an excursion until 2014. Today, 1003 comes out for fan trips and photo charters on Wisconsin & Southern tracks when the funds and wants are available. When she is not running, she sits on display at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, Wisconsin.
In November of 2022, Trains Magazine hosted a photo charter with the 1003 for the third year in a row. We decided to take advantage of this opportunity to see this locomotive in action by purchasing tickets to this event. Trains Magazine did a fantastic job with this charter, and I highly encourage you to participate in a charter by them at some point. Whether it is with 1003 or another engine, they know how to put on a show. The 1003 as a result of this charter has become my favorite 2-8-2 Mikado in operation.
*One thing that makes 1003 unique, is the fact it has indirect Walschaerts valve gear. What makes it even more unique is how it's one of a few steamers in the US running that has indirect Walschaerts, and was not sponsored by the US Army.
Enjoy the views of a unique steam freight train in the freezing cold with Soo Line #1003!
Soo Line #1003: Photo Freight Train 11-13-2022.
In November of 2022, we made our way up to central Wisconsin to see one of the more unique steam locomotives in the US. Soo Line #10032
1003 was built in 1913 by the American Locomotive Company as an L-1 2-8-2 "Mikado" locomotive for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad better known as the "Soo Line." She would haul mostly freight until she was retired then donated to the city of Superior, Wisconsin in 1959 for display. In the mid-70's, Superior Shortline Steam Railroad Ltd. made an effort to restore the locomotive to operating condition. However, this attempt failed. In 1993, Wisconsin Railway Preservation Trust bought the 1003 with the same goal of restoring it in mind. In October of 1996, she ran under her own power for the first time in 47 years. She would haul excursions until 2010 when she was brought in the shop for its mandated FRA 1472-day inspection and overhaul. She would return to service in 2012. However, due to a flue issue, she wouldn't pull an excursion until 2014. Today, 1003 comes out for fan trips and photo charters on Wisconsin & Southern tracks when the funds and wants are available. When she is not running, she sits on display at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, Wisconsin.
In November of 2022, Trains Magazine hosted a photo charter with the 1003 for the third year in a row. We decided to take advantage of this opportunity to see this locomotive in action by purchasing tickets to this event. Trains Magazine did a fantastic job with this charter, and I highly encourage you to participate in a charter by them at some point. Whether it is with 1003 or another engine, they know how to put on a show. The 1003 as a result of this charter has become my favorite 2-8-2 Mikado in operation.
*One thing that makes 1003 unique, is the fact it has indirect Walschaerts valve gear. What makes it even more unique is how it's one of a few steamers in the US running that has indirect Walschaerts, and was not sponsored by the US Army.
Enjoy the views of a unique steam freight train in the freezing cold with Soo Line #1003!
