HARTFORD, Wis. — A weekend of operations for Soo Line steam locomotive No. 1003 stretched from its home in Hartford to as far as Fairwater, Wis., approximately 50 miles northwest.
The Mikado-type 2-8-2 is in its 110th year, having been constructed in March 1913 by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, N.Y. Making the most of what was the only scheduled operation in 2023, the locomotive’s performance of the annual Santa Train and photo charter along the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad had something for everyone to enjoy.
On Saturday morning, Nov. 11, No. 1003 in its shining boiler jacketing led the Santa Train on a short move from the Wisconsin Automotive Museum to downtown Hartford for display, preceding Mainstreet’s Christmas Parade. The locomotive then headed out of town in the afternoon with a Milwaukee Road flatcar and reefer, along with a Soo Line wooden caboose to its overnight stop in Brandon, Wis. The following day witness No. 1003 at the head end of a private photo freight, starting at Fairwater and making its way back to Hartford. In a partnership between Steel Highway Magazine and Brodie Photography, the charter offered a variety of runby locations along the route for both photographers and videographers.
“No. 1003 ran flawlessly and steamed beautifully,” said Mike Raia, president of the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association that operates the locomotive.
Winterization immediately took place upon arrival back at the Automotive Museum on Sunday night. The checklist for both maintenance and repairs will be put together and built on over the next couple of months, according to Raia. In between runs, the displayed locomotive is accessible to the public in the museum during their normal visiting hours.
Visit Steam Locomotive Heritage Association and the Wisconsin Automotive Museum websites for more information.
What a great success this is! Long may you run dear Soo Line 2-8-2 No. 1003!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün