| Built by ALCO-Schenectady in May of 1923, this 4-6-2 Pacific was built originally for the Wisconsin Central to run passenger service between Chicago, Duluth and Minneapolis. When the WC went bankrupt, it was sold along with others to the Soo Line. It gained fame as the loco heading up a special railfan "Farewell to Steam" trips in the late 1950's. It was finally retired and donated to the Eau Claire, WI for static display. Later a preservation group brought the loco back to working condition and it continued heading up tourist trains until 9/11/2001 drove the insurance rates out of sight. It was saved by being loaned to the Lake Superior RR Musem and the North Shore Scenic RR where it continued to pull tourist trains. In 2019, it was finally purchased by the museum and plans are to restore it to working service for future tourist trains. I hope it makes it! |