Trains LIVE — Restoring Montana Western No. 31

Trains LIVE — Restoring Montana Western No. 31 — 3-15-2024 — At the root of the diesel-electric locomotive family tree is the Electro-Motive Corp. motorcar or doodlebug, as they were sometimes called. The EMC motorcar employed traction technology that today is common — an internal combustion engine turning an electric generator feeding power to axle-mounted traction motors. This was revolutionary! Today, the oldest, original, intact example of an EMC motorcar is Montana Western No. 31 at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wis. No. 31 marks a century in 2025 and the museum plans to have it operating for the occasion.

Bob and Bryson recently visited the museum to check on how the restoration is progressing. Trains LIVE had previously explored MW No. 31 and we met again with Andy Spinelli, museum vice president, to discuss the restoration progress. Hint: work has progressed to the point where the bell and horn work, as Bryson found out. In this visit, we also peel back some paint to discuss MW No. 31’s original role as Great Northern No. 2313.

Come along as Trains LIVE checks into restoring Montana Western No. 31.

Trains LIVE is a regular video program, recorded live and unscripted from Kalmbach Media. The series began in July 2022.

Trains LIVE features Bob Lettenberger, Trains associate editor, Bryson Sleppy, Model Railroader associate editor, Kalmbach Media staff, and guests talking about railroads and trains in a casual, behind-the-scenes format. On Trains LIVE we will ask the questions you would like to ask and take you into places normally not open to the public. Trains LIVE also takes you on the road to museums, trackside locations and other railroad-related venues.

You can watch and listen to new episodes every other Friday at 2 p.m. Central time. Trains LIVE is now available as a podcast and in full video versions. The podcast can be found on RSS.com, Apple Podcasts, and Listen Notes. The full video version is a membership benefit for Trains.com Unlimited members.

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All aboard! It’s time for Trains LIVE!