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Welcome to the
Soo Line
Pacific #2719 Page. This page archives the restoration
of #2719, which formerly resided in
Eau Claire, Wisconsin's
Carson Park from 1960 until 1996.
#2719 is an American Locomotive Works (ALCo) light Pacific type passenger locomotive, built in 1923, designated H-23 class by the SOO Line (#2719's sibling, #2718, is on display in the National Railroad Museum, Green Bay, Wisconsin). The term Pacific indicates the wheel arrangement, 4-6-2. There are 4 pilot truck wheels under the smokebox, 6 driving wheels (75 inches in diameter) under the boiler assembly and 2 trailing truck wheels under the firebox/cab area. #2719 developed 36,833 lbs. of tractive effort, and weighs 140 tons. #2719 has a top speed of 80 mph. The available records indicate that #2719 was last rebuilt in the 1954-55 timeframe and then put into idle storage. In 1959 #2719 was taken out of storage and cleaned up to run a series of excursions. After this task #2719 was donated to the City of Eau Claire for display in Carson Park, across from the baseball stadium. This area is now the home of the Chippewa Valley Railroad, a minature railroad open during the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The CVRR railroad operates every Sunday and holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) from Noon until 5 P.M.
On May 23, 1996 a fund raising dinner was held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Eau Claire, WI to benefit the restoration of #2719. The dinner was entitled "An Evening in the Club Car". The reception and dinner ran from 5:30 P.M until slightly after 9:00 P.M. and included music provided by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Music Faculty Dixieland Band. There were presentations by Master of Ceremonies Charles Schaaf, Bob Barnier (an ex-Soo Line employee who showed slides of the original placement of #2719 into Carson Park in 1960), Reverand Scott Kirby and Dave Peterson, (President of the Chippewa Valley Railroad). The following text is taken from the back of that evening's program: |
Early in the century, the "Soo Line" owned a fleet of sixty-one 4-6-2 passenger locomotives. One of these, the #2719, was built in Schenectady, New York in 1923. The locomotive travelled 3 million miles throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest before retiring in 1959. She carried troops during WWII and Korea and was the last operating steam engine in Wisconsin. Since 1960, the #2719 has rested in Eau Claire's Carson park under the care of the Chippewa Valley Railroad Association. With the help of private and public finds, the #2719 will be moved to the shops in Altoona and restored to full operating condition. Once restored, the #2719 will serve as a goodwill ambassador for the Chippewa Valley and will educate and delight all ages as it pulls passenger trains on railfan excursion trips across the state. The #2719 is listed on the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places, one of only 25 locomotives in the country and the only one in the Midwest. Most of the classic passenger trains are long gone, along with the steam locomotives that carried them. We now have two generations of Americans who have not had the opportunity to experience the magnificence of "Riding the Rails". This historic restoration project will preserve an important part of our past...one that future generations will be able to enjoy for years to come. And it is with your help that it will happen. |
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Hello To All Our Soo Line #2719 Fans,
We have always been frank in the past and want to share some good and not-so-good news with you. As you may know, on January 31, 2001 the Canadian National Railway and the Wisconsin Central Railroad agreed to a merger under which the CN will acquire all of the WCTC common stock, essentially owning the Wisconsin Central Railroad. This has had a direct effect on the Soo Line #2179 organization in regards to the 2001 excursion schedule. The events have now created a situation where we are required to reschedule the dates and operating route locations for 2001. The good news. We are pleased to announce that we shall still be at Ladysmith, WI in June, but will only operate on June 16th, & 17th. On Saturday the 16th, we shall depart Ladysmith and head north to South Itasca, WI and return to Ladysmith. On Sunday the 17th, there will be a roundtrip from Ladysmith south to Junction City, WI and return. Now for the not-so-good news. All Fall trips on the Fox Valley & Western line (former Green Bay & Western) through the Trempealeau Valley have been canceled. There will be no more excursion trips running on the Wisconsin Central after July 2001. The net effect is that the Soo Line #2719 trips will be the last trips on the Wisconsin Central, ever. This is bittersweet in that the Soo Line #2719 was the last operating steam locomotive to run on the Soo Line and had its farewell outing at Ladysmith in 1959. Here 42 years later, the Soo Line #2719 is once again celebrating the end of an era. Ticket prices for the Ladysmith trips will be announced on March 11th, 2001 at the Friends Of #2719 Annual Open House. This will be held at the State Theater in Eau Claire, WI from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M that Sunday afternoon. Finally, the #2719 locomotive will be in weekend service only, the entire month of July in Spooner, WI on the Wisconsin Great Northern RR. This would be an excellent time to visit the engine & crew, and get a real up-close and personal experience. Those dates would be July 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29. Contact the Wisconsin Great Northern at +1-888-390-0412 (or +1-715-635-3200), or via their website at www.wgnrr.com We are continuing in our efforts to pursue other excursion options, and will keep our devoted riders advised as developments occur. |
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More activity from the work sessions at Altoona are now
online in the #2719 Photo Gallery. These
new images highlight attention given to one of the cars currently in the
Altoona Roundhouse. See all the action at
Soo Line #2719 Photo Gallery Page 70.
In addition, one of our diehard fans, Ron Kohlin, has provided some room at his web site for some terrific shots of #2719 on the Ferry Move from Chippewa Falls to Spooner last May. Check out Rons Ferry Move Page today for some great photos of #2719 at Ladysmith. |
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The past month has seen lots of activity at the Altoona
Roundhouse. Work progresses on two fronts, the locomotive and the coaches.
Work sessions on the coaches proceeds on Saturday mornings and locomotive
activities take place on Sunday mornings. There is lots to do, so join our
group today and come out and have fun while learning.
Excursion planning for the 2001 season is progressing nicely. There will be announcements regarding places and dates early in the new year. We are confiming plans with all concerned parties and once final shall make them public. Thanks for all the e-mail requesting information about these trips. Those who e-mailed or sent letters shall receive advance notice. |
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More photos of the preparations for the Ferry move
to Hixton, and images from Hixton, Dodge and Merrillan are now online in
the
#2719 Photo Galley, pages
68 and 69.
Remember if you wish to join us on one of our 2001 excursions, send your name, address, and telephone number by e-mail to 2719@2719.com; or by land mail to L&TPF Ltd., PO Box 1266, Eau Claire, WI, 54702-1266. The lists continue to grow larger and we want to make sure you have the opportunity to purchase your tickets first. The past two weeks has seen lots of locomotive work in the Altoona Roundhouse. Work sessions will be held weekly throughout the winter months to prepare the locomotive and coaches for next year. If you have time and would like to contribute your services or want to learn about working with the equipment please call +1-715-835-7500 for more information. |
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The Fall excursions went splendidly this past weekend.
Despite the crisp October temperatures the skies were clear and bright
highlighting the fall foliage along the Trempealeau River as we followed
it to its junction at the Mississippi River. A very scenic section
was along the fill at the river bottom where abundant crane, heron, eagles,
and geese were seen in their natural habitat.
A big "Thank You" to all the guests who rode along with us on both days. We hope you had a great ride, and we would appreciate hearing your comments about this trip, and any suggestions regarding future journeys. It was nice to see to all the people of the Coulee Region who came out in numbers to watch us pass by bringing their enthusiasim and friendliness. Thanks also to the community of Dodge, WI for providing us with entertainment as we filled up the locomotive with water, courtesy of the Dodge Fire Department. A special well done to the law-enforcement groups in Trempealeau and Jackson counties for their efforts in keeping the public safe on the highways. In addition, "Thank You" to the Wisconsin Central Railroad, particularly Gary, Jim, Jason, and Bill, our WC excursion crew. It was a definite pleasure working with you all. Finally, thanks to the Wisconsin Great Northern for hosting us this summer and also for providing excellent suppport for both weekends of trips in Spring and Fall. Their help and guidance is greatly appreciated, especially from Greg Vreeland, President and General Manager. #2719 has had an exceptional 2000 season marking a spectacular return to service, due in great part to the hard work of the many volunteers (with their family member's support and patience!), and the numerous contractors who toiled since May of 1999 to repair the accident damage. We hope to repeat this type of excursion schedule next year and we shall be busy in the next few months planning our schedule for 2001. As always, watch the Soo Line Pacific #2719 website for the latest information! Soo Line #2719 is now back in Altoona and will remain there over the winter. Winterizing and maintenance activities will commence over the next months in preparation for next year's operation. We will be making periodic updates on the status at our website approximately once a month until the season starts again next Spring.
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| Soo Line Pacific #2719 had a boiler wash this past weekend in Spooner. Many thanks to Dave, Dick, Lee, Randy, Tara, Dave, Sue, Russ, Greg and Mardell for taking time out of their busy schedules to perform this all day task. A special thank you to Tara and Sue for arranging and delivering lunch to the hardworking crew! The weather in Spooner was just splendid with blues skies and mild temperatures. |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 will be moving to Hixton
later this month. After Hixton, #2719 will head back to Altoona,
where the locomotive will spend the winter months..
#2719 has had a wonderful time at Spooner this summer as a guest of the WGN RR. The crowds which have come out to visit have been so enthusiatic and supportive, and we thank them for their ridership. We are working on the schedule for 2001 and anticipate returning to Spooner and the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad next summer. |
FALL COLOR TOURS - SPECIAL NOTICE!!!
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To the Friends of Soo Line #2719,
The Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund, Ltd. would like to personally thank everyone for the overwhelming response to our Fall excursions over the Fox Valley & Western Railroad on October 7 & 8, 2000. This unprecedented request for tickets has completely SOLD OUT both days of Coach Seating. Only a small number of First Class accomodations are still available, please call 1-877-999-2719 for more details. Your support and enthusiasm in making Soo Line Pacific #2719's return to service a success this year has been nothing short of remarkable. The Fall trips will be the final chapter for 2000 which has seen our old friends return and provided the opportunity to introduce new acquaintances, both young and old, to the delights of steam-powered travel. The L&TPF extends our sincere apologies if you were unable to secure a place on one of the Fall excursions. If so, we would be happy to add you to the growing list of those who receive word first on all future Soo Line #2719 outings. To do so, simply send us your name, address, phone number and/or email address using one of the following methods: via surface mail to:
Excursion Request or by e-mail to: And please remember, the latest information about Soo Line #2719 is always available 24 hours a day at the Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund, Ltd. website, www.2719.com. Once again, Thank You, Soo Line #2719 |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 is currently at Spooner, Wisconsin on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. #2719 has had a wonderful time at Spooner this summer as a guest of the WGN RR. The crowds which have come out to visit have been so enthusiatic and supportive, and we thank them for their ridership. The WGN RR excursion path takes you along one of the most scenic routes in Wisconsin, up hill and dale, over rivers and creeks and thru some of the most unspoiled natural scenery in the United States. Just this past weekend we paced an American Bald Eagle flying next to the train as we passed through the town of Earl. The rolling landscape allows #2719 and her crews to put on a spectacular show as she charges the grades along the 2.5 hour round-trip from Spooner to Springbrook.
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 is in Spooner, Wisconsin on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. #2719 will continue to operate on the remaining 3 select weekends during August and September.
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 is in Spooner, Wisconsin on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. #2719 completed twelve 2.5-hour trips during the Rodeo Days weekend of July 6 through 9, and will continue to operate on the following 4 select weekends during July, August and September. See our Spooner Schedule page for dates and times. |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 is now in Spooner, Wisconsin on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. #2719 will be operating on 5 select weekends during July, August and September. See our Spooner Schedule page for dates and times. The dates in Spooner are: July 6,7,8,9 (Spooner Rodeo Days); July 22, 23; August 5, 6 (Jackpine Savage Days); August 19, 20; and September 9, 10 (Railroad Heritage Festival Weekend). |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 did an outstanding job this past weekend. #2719 hauled two full trainloads of passengers to the St. Croix. River and back, leaving from the newly refurbished original Soo Line passenger depot platform in Chippewa Falls, WI The 800 foot platform rescue was a combined effort of the Chippewa Falls Public Works Department, the Wisconsin Central Railroad and the Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation Department. Many thanks for the hard hours preparing the site. A view of the platform may be seen in the latest #2719 Photo Galley page, number 64. The westbound train consisted of Soo Line #2719, a WC GP-35, the Chippewa Valley Railway caboose, three air-conditioned CVR coaches, a Wisconsin Great Northern baggage/commissary car, a WGN dining car, and three more air-conditioned CVR coaches. The train was arranged in this manner to allow the steam locomotive the opportunity to pull the train in both directions. Upon arrival at the wye, east of New Richmond, the onboard passengers had the unique experience of watching from the convenience of their air-conditioned cars as #2719 moved from the forward position on the train to the rear, facing eastwards. The WC diesel then proceeded across the St. Croix River Bridge at the grand pace of 3 miles per hour to let everyone savor the tremendous view afforded from 180 feet above the river banks. Once in Minnesota, the steam locomotive again regained control and pulled to New Richmond where the passengers could enjoy their provided lunches in the scenic atmosphere of Mary Park. During this stopover #2719's tender was refilled by the New Richmond Fire Department and the locomotive crew put on a show of locomotive maintenance as they lubricated the main and side driving rods. A big round of THANK YOU's to everyone involved with this excursion; the Wisconsin Central Railroad, the Wisconsin Great Northern RR, the cities of Chippewa Falls and New Richmond, Party Trays Plus, Diversified Rail Services, and especially the Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund, Ltd. volunteers, without whom all this would not be possible! Following the weekend events, #2719 was moved to the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad where it will spend five weekends this summer pulling WGN RR trains. #2719 traveled from Chippewa Falls to Owen over the Minneapolis Subdivision, and once at Owen headed west (north) on the Superior Subdivision at the maximum track speed of 50 MPH, stopping only in Ladysmith for water and lubrication for the drive rod bearings. |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 was fired up for the first time in over one year on May 14, 2000. Please see the current photos online by clicking on this link. The locomotive remains under pressure and will move to Chippewa Falls later this week. Final prepartions for the movement are being coordinated with both local railroads. The event was very exciting to all the volunteers who put in long hours this past year restoring this splendid machine to operating condition.. Passenger cars will start moving this week. All the varied parts of our operation are coming into focus for the trips this weekend.
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It has been exactly one year today that Soo Line #2719
was damaged in that unfortunate incident in Chippewa Falls. Since then
over 1800 volunteer hours have been put towards reconstructing #2719 with
a target completion date of May 16. To put that in perspective, one person
working a 40 hour week, would have worked 45 straight weeks.
A special thanks to all our spouses, relatives, and friends who though their understanding allowed us to focus our attention on the locomotive by shifting other priorities. Of course this does not count the hundreds of hours put in by the contractors, machinists, welders, patternmakers, movers, foundry personnel, and countless others who all contributed to this effort. Thank you for all your hard work.
In the past month we have managed to finish up the hundreds of minor details required for ensuring that #2719 is ready to pull passengers on May 20th and 21st. A big push both in Altoona and from other locations allowed us to have all the final repaired parts on hand for reassembly. The locomotive will be fired up this week and then will remain under steam for the journey to Chippewa Falls sometime next week. |
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#2719 is really taking shape now. Painting has begun on drive wheels and frame. The right side drive gear has been reattached and the final alignment completed. The lead engine truck was secured to the frame with its retaining pin. The tender tank interior was inspected and given a clean bill of health. The safety drawbars were inspected, painted and hammer tested for any structural defects. Over the next three weeks the final details such as the walkways, steps, railings, lights and electrical system will be put back in place. The airpump and its mounting bracket will get their mounting accomplished this week. After these tasks are completed we shall fire the locomotive in preparation for some running tests in the local railyard. |
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Works sessions are still attending to the final details as Soo Line #2719 prepares for the May excursions. Our crew is attacking the cosmetic damage to the cab and jacketing. The drive gear is ready for operational alignment, and one of the L&TPF coaches is undergoing intensive cleaning. In the meantime, three training sessions have been held for new- and old-timers on such topics as locomotive firing, safety and passenger handling.
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The drivers were placed under the locomotive on December 16, 1999. Preparations started the day before with the Lunda Co. setting up the 150-ton lifts. The raising took place about 11:00 A.M. on the 16th and the drivers were rolled underneath the engine. The process took a while longer than the removal in June, due to critical alignments necessary for the driving boxes and the saddles; which sit on top of the driving boxes, between the springs above, and the driving boxes below. When all the wheels were back on the locomotive, it was rolled into the roundhouse at 12:30 P.M. Minor tweaks on the drive train will be performed over the next month. This will be the last report for 1999. Thank you for being with us during this intersting period. We hope you will ride with us in 2000 on one of our scheduled trips to see this splendid locomotive back in operation. Thanks to all who contributed to our cause this year. A special Thank-you to all the volunteers and contractors who performed the dirty work to get to the point we are now. Of course, the behind the scenes administrative work is also important and thanks to those individuals who make the excursion logistics function so well. |
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The final push is on! The drivers have returned to Altoona ready to be reinstalled. Last minute preparations such as squaring up the driver shoes, are finishing up as you read this. The "Big Lift" to raise the locomotive high enough to roll the drivers underneath the engine will take place in the next 10 days. Once the drivers are back under the loccomotive, the roundhouse area housing Soo Line #2719 will be sealed to keep the cold Wisconsin weather at bay. The next time #2719 will see daylight is in Spring of 2000, and yes, we are Y2K compliant! Bob Yuill of Historic Machinery Services Corp. has returned to Altoona to assist Gary Bensman of Diversified Rail Services as we wrap up the drive train repairs on Soo Line #2719. Meantime Scott Lindsay from Steam Operations Corp. provided guidence and support at St. Louis and Chattanooga, TN while the drivers were away from the locomotive. After the driver replacement, we will concentrate on the other open tasks such as replacing the damaged boiler jacketing, replacing broken parts on the left side of the cab, installing all the pipes, handrails, electrical wiring, lubrication lines and other miscellaneous items which were removed to facilitate access to the damaged areas. |
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Things are moving quickly now as the hundreds of parts which were removed from #2719 are rapidly being remounted. New parts from the machine shops arrive daily and go thru a clean-up process which entails dressing edges, priming with paint, and painting a finish coat of engine black. The last few weeks saw the arrival of new wedges and shoes which were fitted to the frame. These parts have a standard size, so adjustments to the frame were required in order to properly fit. Using a few different hard and soft grinding wheels, the frame was slowly ground until the parts fit with 5 thousandths clearance on each side. The drivers have had the final machining done to them and are now on the way back to Altoona. There was a slight delay while the lathe in Chattanooga had some maintenance work performed to put it back in order. Of course, normal maintenance is also being accomplished such as inspecting the boiler staybolts, cleaning the flues, doing a boiler wash, and hammering the arch tubes. On another front, the Wisconsin Central RR has granted approval for a series of Spring and Fall trips. The Spring trips will be on May 20th and 21st, 2000 and operate from Chippewa Falls, WI, proceed to the High Bridge over the St. Croix River, and return to Chippewa Falls. These will be a 6 hour excursions. The Fall trips will be on October 7th and 8th, 2000 and operate over the former Green Bay & Western trackage (now Fox Valley & Western) from Hixton, WI, proceed to Dodge, WI and return. These will also be 6 hour excursions. A nice piece describing the repair process to date, illustrated with pictures from the Soo Line #2719 site and Scott Lindsay, has been created and is now on the web at Steam Central. Please check it out!
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Heading down the final turn, we are rapidly approaching the end of the repair process. Gary Bensman and Ron Larson attend to repair work in Altoona, while Scott Lindsay and Bob Yuill manage the offsite work in St. Louis and Chattanooga. A new series of pages highlighting this work may be seen in the #2719 Photo Galley, page numbers 50, 51, and 52. The drivers are now in Chattanooga having the tires and crankpins trued. New wedges and shoes have arrived and are being fitted. Work will shortly proceed on the tender trucks. Replacement items, such as brake hangers, eccentric rod and main rod were obtained from Soo Line Pacific #2713 in Stevens Point. Thanks to the group who is preserving this locomotive for generously allowing us to swap parts. Everything is on track for the driver reinstallation in November.
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Work progresses at a fast pace as attention is focused on the damaged left side valve motion area. Assisting Gary Bensman, Diversified Rail Services this month is Ron Larson from Southwest Steam Locomotive, formerly Chief Mechanical Officer for Steam, and Road Foreman of Steam Engines, on the Tarantula Railroad. New #2719 Photo Galley, page number 49 shows these repairs to the damaged valve motion area. The wheel assemblies are now all in St. Louis where the tires are being fitted. The #1 driver wheels are also being pressed onto the new axle. From here the assemblies move to Chattanooga for final machining and truing. New wedges and shoes for the driver boxes are being cast. Replacement air tanks are being fabricated to replace the damaged ones. The attention at Altoona still focuses on repair and alignment of the valve motion. The repairs to the valve area, driver pedestal and frame parts must be completed before the drivers can be moved back under the locomotive, which is now planned for mid-October.
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Remarkable progress has occurred during August. The arrival of Scott Lindsay from Steam Operations Corp., and Bob Yuill of Historic Machinery Services Corp. has tripled the attention given to the repair process. With Scott and Bob helping Gary Bensman of Diversified Rail Services, these three individuals have produced amazing results. To showcase the work Gary, Bob and Scott have accomplished along with the #2719 volunteers, please see the 6 new photo pages in the #2719 Photo Galley, numbers 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48. These photos highlight action from Altoona, Wisconsin and St. Louis, Missouri. The final stripping of parts from the frame is completed. All the damaged parts are identified and the work has begun to repair or replace those items. Some parts are being fabricated onsite while others are sent off for more complex reproduction. The new wheel was cast on August 30th, 1999. It was removed from the mold on September 2nd and sent to St. Louis for mating with its other half. The tires are also on the way to St. Louis and will be mounted on the wheels. After mounting and turning, the wheel assemblies will move to Tennessee for final machining, quartering, and crankpin turning. The attention at Altoona now focuses on rebulding the left side valve motion support structure, fine tuning the frame, and preparing for return of the drivers.
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The latest work sessions have focused on stripping the frame of all moveable suspension parts. This involves removing the keys and pins for all the equalizing gear, and removing the levers, springs, and saddles from the frame. After the parts are cleared away, the frame is needle-scaled to remove the rust, dirt and paint which allows a thorough examiniation of the underlying structure. Some of the cosmetic damage created by the re-railing process has started the repair phase. The bent or damaged items are being straightened or repaired in prepartation for the final painting in early October. The work on the drivers and tires continues and are still scheduled for delivery in early Septmber. The next few weeks will see attention placed on repairing and aligning the damaged valve gear sub-assembly and left-hand crosshead guides. |
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Work sessions in the last month have produced great results. The lead engine truck parts have been steam-cleaned and trammed, and were found to be well within tolerance. The wheel sets are being turned to remove minor dings and freshen the tread profiles. The journal areas are being dressed, and the wheel sets will be reinstalled into the truck assenbly in the next two weeks. On the driver front, the tire order has been placed and they are expected at the end of August. The number 1 axle was scored by the accident so a replacement axle is being fabricated from new stock. The number 3 driver wheels have been removed from their axle and a new pattern for the left #3 driver is being constructed using the #1 left wheel as the model. The new wheel is expected by the end of August. Mid-September is the goal for having all the drivers and rods ready to re-install. The boiler was given an initial pressure test and no leaks were found, a very good sign. A more comprehensive test is to be performed at a later date. The frame is the next order of business and this will be the area we concentrate upon for the next few weeks. Finally, the driver boxes and grease cellars were taken to St. Louis for repair. There they had broken parts repaired or replaced, and are waiting for the final machining on the driver surfaces before being shipped back to Altoona. |
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Work progresses on Soo Line Pacific #2719 in the Altoona, WI roundhouse. The drivers are in Tennessee and pictures of the action can be seen in the #2719 Photo Galley - Page 40. Photos of the driver removal process have now been added to our web pages in the #2719 Photo Galley - Page 41. Back in Altoona the lead engine truck has been disassembled and is undergoing inspection. Tramming is being done to ascertain if any mis-alignment of this component can be detected. A similar function is also being done on the main frame of the locomotive. All pedestal jaws are being measured to determine what state the frame is currently in. The preparations for the boiler inspection are almost complete. The holes where the former compressor mounting studs were located have been tapped for plugs to facilitate a hydrostatic test. This will be accomplished in the next few weeks. Optimism is running high that the boiler will pass with flying colors. |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 is rapidly undergoing the repairs required for return to service. This week saw many long days by the #2719 crew working under the direction of steam expert Gary Bensman, of Diversified Rail Services, the original restorer. The team prepared the locomotive for the difficult task of driver removal. The three sets of drivers are being removed to evaluate the assemblies for trueness, structural integrity and wear. All brake rigging, binders, lubrication lines, and wedges were taken down to free up the area beneath the driving axles and boxes. The locomotive was hoisted into the air by a specialized rigging company and the wheel assemblies were rolled out from under the engine as a unit. The drivers are being shipped south and are expected back later this summer. On other fronts the handrails, running boards, sheet-metal jacketing, and insulation were cleared away to allow access to the area of the boiler involved in the mishap. The boiler is being prepared for an intensive inspection. Tests will be performed to check pressure soundness; physically and with computer simulation. Parts are on order for the components of the air compressor which took the brunt of the damage. |
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Soo Line Mikado #1003 filled in for the damaged #2719 on Saturday and Sunday, the 22nd and 23rd. #1003 put on a spectacular show both days for the crowds who came out to ride with this marvelous machine. Saturday was a warm day with sunshine, clearly the better of the two days to ride through the Wisconsin countryside. The line between Colfax and Boyceville has many tight curves and rolling hills providing great opportunities for excellent camera shots from the vestibules of the train. As a special bonus, Wisconsin Central GP-40 diesel 3027, the 10th Anniversary locomotive with the five flags paint scheme, was the opposite unit on the excursion train. A special thank you to Homer and Paul, our WC pilots for making the day go so smoothly. Thanks to everyone who came to ride with us this Spring. Behind the scenes Soo Line Pacific #2719 was prepared for the move back to Altoona. The main rods and valve gear were removed and the running gear was inspected and lubricated on both the locomotive and tender. A full assessment of the damage will begin once the locomotive is in the roundhouse. |
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Soo Line Pacific #2719 performed splendidly on its first outings in 1999. Especially scenic was the 6 hour excursion from Chippewa Falls to the St. Croix River on May 2nd, which was fully booked. The first weekend saw fantastic weather with cloudless blue skies and temperatures in the low 70's. We thank all who came out to ride the first two weekends and hope you had an enjoyable journey. Now, some up to date information regarding Soo Line #2719.
To The People Of The Chippewa Valley and Friends Of #2719On May 9th, 1999 our SOO LINE steam engine #2719 was struck by a passing freight train in Irvine rail yard, Chippewa Falls, WI. We are not aware of any injuries to the crew of the freight train - which was our greatest concern upon learning of this incident. How the #2719 happened to roll into harms way is unknown at this time and the cause is under investigation. The #2719 suffered fairly extensive damages, but is repairable. The Board of the L.&T.P.F., Ltd. is committed to repairing the #2719 in time for our scheduled Fall excursion trips. The entire train project was made possible through the tremendous support of the people of the Chippewa Valley. We refuse to let this catastrophe end this important Chippewa Valley endeavor. A detailed description of the incident, "Collision damages Soo Line 4-6-2 2719" by Steve Glischinski, is available on the Trains magazine website under the "newswire" link. |
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Work sessions are still being held every
Saturday on the six passenger coaches. A sample of images from one
of the recent sessions has been posted on the web in the
#2719 Photo
Gallery, Page 35.
Bill Boettcher at 1-715- 835-7500 for more details. #2719 was fired up in mid-March and test run up and down a closed off yard track. This was done to facilitate moving lubrication through lines which have stood idle throughout the winter. The steam-up and test runs went off without incident. Images from these events can be seen at #2719 Photo Gallery pages 35 and 36. A safety training session for car attendants and locomotive personnel was also held during March and conducted by a Wisconsin Central engineer who graciously donated his weekend to instruct all involved in the proper conduct, clothing and procedures to follow anytime we are around the equipment. You may see pictures of these sessions on Soo Line #2719 Photo Gallery - Page 37. |
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Work sessions are now being held every
Saturday on the six passenger coaches. A sample of images from one
of the recent session has been posted on the web in the #2719 Photo
Gallery, Page 34.
The Annual meeting was held on Tuesday February 16, 1999 at the State Regional Arts Center in Eau Claire. The meeting was well attended and offered the first chance to purchase the two new Plets videos starring #2719 in its 1998 Inaugural apprearance. In addition the Spring schedule was announced, Paul Miller gave a short outline of the new Caboose Project, and a featured speaker, Mr. Steve Brist of T.R.A.I.N, presented a short program on tourist railroad operations. |
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No actions were performed on #2719 in December. The next scheduled
work sessions will be in February.
Added several illustrated pages detailing the #2719 movement into Carson Park, in the SOO Line #2719 Photo Gallery, pages 26 through 32. Trip schedules are nearing completion as approval comes from the Wisconsin Central Railroad. Already confirmed is a series of trips on the Minneapolis Subdivision between Withrow Junction, MN and Owen, WI. More on this as soon as it happens, stay tuned. Monthly status reports will continue to be presented each month until the resumption of excursion service. The next update will be online in February 1999.
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In the last 5 weeks #2719 has had the final winterization proccess applied.
The dried steam and air lines were filled with an oil mist to prevent corrosion
over the winter period. Minor maintenance will be performed throughout the idle period
to prepare for the Spring-time excursions.
www.2719.com
2719@2719.comThis was enabled on December 1st and makes the online access easier to remember. The changeover required a revamp of the web site, hence the delay in #2719 status for December. The annual board meeting took place on December 8th and a number of topics regarding excursions, coach plans, finances, and election of officers were discussed. The board and officers, elected last year, were unanimously re-elected for the 1999 season.
#2719 - October 1998
#2719 Inaugural Runs and Ferry Move
#2719 Inaugural Runs
September 10, 1998 - Special Excursion Announcement
September 19th and 20th, and September 26th and 27th, 1998. All trips originated in Chippewa Falls, WI.
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August 3, 1998 - Movement Pictures
Pictures of #2719 getting ready to depart, and departing Altoona, Wisconsin on July 30, 1998, under its own power, for the first time in 39 years.
Preparation photos - SOO Line #2719 Photo Gallery - Page 19.
Departure photos - SOO Line #2719 Photo Gallery - Page 20.
July 31, 1998 - Movement Report
On July 30th, SOO Line #2719 and SOO Line #1003 were moved from the Altoona, WI Roundhouse to the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway in Osceola, WI. The engines were moved from Altoona to a transfer point with the Wisconsin Central in Chippewa Falls, WI.
After arriving in the CF Yard, #2719 underwent a rigorous series of service and safety checks concerning the running gear and other items before proceeding to Osceola. The double headed train consisited of #1003 on the lead, #2719 second, with the six recently purchased coaches and two gondolas of coal bringing up the rear. The train departed Chippewa Falls at 1:00 P.M.
During the journey stops were taken for short intervals to check the drive gear and monitor bearing temperatures. A 45 minute stop was made in Coulfax to wait for an eastbound freight train. A 60 minute stop was made in New Richmond to fill the tenders of both engines. The train had a final wait of 20 minutes for an eastbound intermodal train in Somerset, WI.
The train arrived in Withrow at 7:30 P.M. and was then coupled up to the WC GP-40 diesel that is painted for the Wisconsin Sequicentenial and Wisconsin Central's 10th anniversary Celebrations, seen below in a recent photo taken in Chippewa Falls, WI.
Final arrival time was 9:45 in Osceola, WI.
July 29, 1998 - Final Restoration Status Report
The restoration of SOO Line Pacific #2719 has been completed. Thanks to Diversified Rail Services, the tireless restoration volunteers, the state and community leaders and especially the "Friends of #2719" who made this all possible.
SOO Line #2719 will be attending the "Steamfest in the Valley" on August 1 & 2, 1998. Pending final arrangements with the Minnesota Transport Museum and barring any unforseen mechanical difficulties, #2719 will be used in excursion service that weekend.
We are looking for interested parties wanting to help out on any scheduled excursions this summer. If you can volunteer your services, we have openings in coach maintenance, coach attendants, snack car attendants, operations schedulers, logistics coordinators, customer service personnel and event guides. Please contact us by clicking here to e-mail the #2719 Organizing Committee. Thank You...The Friends of #2719.
June 3, 1998
April 30, 1998
March 30, 1998
February 27, 1998
Soo Line #2719 has been popular in the press the last few months. The engine appears in the February 1998 "Railroad Model Craftsman" on page 76 and in the March 1998 "Trains" magazine on page 16.
February 13, 1998
February 6, 1998
January 30, 1998
The L&TPF,Ltd now is the owner of six 66 seat passenger coaches. Click here for a photo of one of these coaches.
January 23, 1998
Agenda for the 3rd Annual Friends of #2719 Meeting February 24th, 1998 at 7:00 P.M.
January 16, 1998
The Annual Public Meeting of the Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund Ltd.
will be held Tuesday, February 24, 1998 at 7:00 P.M.
The location is the State Regional Arts Center at 316 Eau Claire St. in Eau Claire, WI.
The annual project status along with slides and video presentations
are tentatively scheduled for this event.
January 9, 1998
A special thank you to all the volunteers that came out to help during the holidays.
December 19, 1997
December 12, 1997
December 3, 1997 - Annual Meeting of the "Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund, Ltd." held at the American Legion Post on Water St. in Eau Claire, WI. The yearly election of officers and board members was held. The results are displayed in the tables below.
It was announced that #2719 is nearing completion of the restoration phase and will be transitioning into the operational phase within the next few months. Committees are being formed to address important issues such as locomotive maintenance, excursion scheduling and arrangements, acquisition of rolling stock, financing and advertising.
| 1998 Officers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| President | David Peterson | Vice-President | Fred Kappus
| Treasurer | John Suppon
| Secretary | Dave Noland | |
| 1998 Board Members | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Barnier | Robert Barnier | Paul Belland | Robert Boettcher |
| William Boettcher | Gene Dahlstrom | Andrew Doney | Jim Egan |
| Nathan Harris | Dick Hajek | Randolph Lambertus | Adam Lorge |
| Paul Miller | Dennis Myhre | Hans Olsen | M.C. Ruid |
| David Voss | |||
November 22-23, 1997 - This weekend saw dramatic progress for #2719. The boiler was hydro tested to 250+ PSI. After correction of leaks discovered during this test, #2719 had a fire started in her firebox.
#2719 spent most of Saturday afternoon and evening at very low pressures while further leaks were addressed. On Sunday morning the pressure was increased to 100 PSI. After lunch a test of the safety valves was started. The pressure was increased to 200 PSI, at which time the pop valves operated as expected with a tremendous roar and a huge cloud of steam!
The low temperatures in Altoona, Wisconsin Sunday afternoon created quite a spectacle with the billowing steam clouds and coal smoke from two SOO Line locomotives. See the #2719 Photo Gallery for photos of this event.
Following the tests, #2719 and #1003 were both prepared for the long winter storage period by draining the tenders and blowing out all water and steam lines.
This page updated on March 23, 2001
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