HARTFORD, Wis. — A bit too early to be kicking off the holiday season? That certainly wasn’t the case for Soo Line No. 1003, the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association, and Downtown Hartford. The 2-8-2 was in steam on Nov. 9, 2024, for the annual Santa Train to precede the city’s Christmas Parade.
Mike Raia, president of the non-profit organization that maintains and operates the locomotive out of the nearby Wisconsin Auto Museum, told Trains’ News Wire that the scope of off-season work prior to the event wasn’t major. “The engine was in good shape and we just took care of the normal maintenance for the year.”
Raia confirms that this was the only operation scheduled for No. 1003 in 2024. A planned photo charter for Nov. 2-3 was canceled in late August due to low ticket sales. Nevertheless, the locomotive’s crew and admirers made the most out of this one-day showing.
Starting off the day, No. 1003 made a morning round trip with its Milwaukee Road reefer and two cabooses to Woodland, Wis. The train then pulled into Downtown Hartford with Santa Claus on board to be displayed from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It was a great turnout from enthusiasts, families, and onlookers wishing to experience the 1913-built product of the American Locomotive Co. Two separate lines to either view the cab or meet Santa in the Milwaukee Road bay window caboose were packed and consistent. The festivities concluded with the train making an afternoon run to Rubicon Wis., before returning to Hartford.
“The engine performed great,” said Raia. “There were large crowds for the event and everyone was happy to see the engine, and of course Santa.”
Off-season work heading into 2025 will be the annual inspection for the Federal Railroad Administration. No. 1003 can still be accessible to the public at the museum during its normal visiting hours.
Visit Steam Locomotive Heritage Association and the Wisconsin Automotive Museum websites for more information.
