Former AT&N/Woodward Iron 2-10-0, at Mid-Continent Ry. Museum in Wisconsin. Nice web page on this seldom seen locomotive.http://www.midcontinent.org/collectn/steam/wi41.html

I was there a few weeks ago to check out their progresson the WC&C #1. At the time, I of course stopped by the Woodward Iron 401 and all of their locomotives for that matter. The 2-10-0 is in rather poor condition and really needs a new home. I remember some years ago talking to a museum worker there at the time and it was explained to me that she really does not fit into the mission statment of the museum, (to replicate a branch line railroad shortly after the turn of the century). I certainly can't speak for them, but I would'nt be too suprised if they couldn't be talked out of her. Of other interest is the planned cosmetic restoration of their Shay locomotive, (badly needed), and I was also told that plans are in the works to reassemble and cosmetically restore Louisana Cypress #2 which has been laying aside in parts for many years. That would be great to see, along with CIPS #6, and UPRR 440 too. (The UP 2-8-0 #440 was traded to the former owner of Copper Range #29. If the new owner does not remove her from the museum within a certain time, the ownership will revert back the Mid-Continent.) Un fortunately the 440 is in really sad looking shape. They have really put their act together in recent years and I fully support them. They had for far too long had too many "exploded view" locomotives on site, too many projects started and then dropped when the extent of repairs exceeded their expectations, or they had fractional groups that each had their pet locomotive. When these groups fell apart, the locomotives suffered. I know that they realized that need to put some of their collection back together. The only way that can happen is for others to support the museum and help them with funding. Nothing is ever free.Steve

I'll bet the folks at Strasburg would know what to do with it.. Much as I would have liked to see the 90 stay in Colorado, it is far better off where it is than rusting in a Loveland park. I'm sure they could do the same for the Woodward Iron engine.

That would be great to see her get to a good home. I can't think of a better place for her. We can only hope, and like I said, they are to be commended for the recent turn of events and also for recognizing that perhaps this engine does not fit into their mission statement and to act accordingly. If anyone has had the chance to take a look at some of their wood car restorations lately, you will know what I mean. The term breathtaking comes to mind. Steve

I can only speak for myself, certainly not MC, but one pesons opinion does not mean the engine is on a desposal list. I too heard it from a person within the group, but I do not know if his opinion is the same as MC. As for the mission statement idea, if that were criteria for disposal, then most of the engines would be going away. The Polson and Montreal are not native mid west shortline engines. They are both privately owned though. The D&R #9 in not from here either. I don't know if the engine is really for sale or disposal, I just hate to spread rumors. The cost of moving an engine is much higher now, probably more then the cost of the engine itself. As for the condition of the #41 or 401 respectively, it is in need of paint, the actual condition is the same as many engines across the country. What I mean is if it were to be restored to operating condition, it would need everything done to it, and the cosmetic condition wouldn't mean much. I personally hope when the painting/cosmetic restoration is done on the CR #29 and the Shay, that the decopod will be next. Regards, John

All good points, and of course my speaking to someone there doesn't mean that what he stated is the museum's position. Even if it had been at the time, it may not be now. In any event, I don't think they ever stated that they were trying to replicate a "Mid-west" branch line, so those other locomotives are all candidates, in fact all of the rest of their collection fits the bill. Besides, lots of branch line locomotives served for many different roads as they were sold or traded over time so one that worked in West Virgina for some time went to the west coast and back. That was much more prevalent with smaller locomotives and small roads than with a class 1. The Polson #2 is a rather small 2-8-2 with flangeless center drivers, and all the other power there is either consolidateds or smaller. I still think that the 2-10-0 would be better served at a new home. When a collection gets too large, everything suffers. In any case I will still continue to support them. Steve

If the loco was up for relocation, if Strasburg had an interest in her, and assuming they had the funding in place to fix her up, it would be grand to see two locomotive of the same design, and Decapods at that, operating side by side. Strasburg is talking seriously about reviving their sweet little 0-4-0 Camelback and they have CPR 972 to restore. Somehow, acquisition of another Dec seems like a remote possibility. Even Strasburg has to have some limitations, wonderful as they are.

If the loco was up for relocation, if Strasburg had an interest in her, and assuming they had the funding in place to fix her up, it would be grand to see two locomotive of the same design, and Decapods at that, operating side by side. Strasburg is talking seriously about reviving their sweet little 0-4-0 Camelback and they have CPR 972 to restore. Somehow, acquisition of another Dec seems like a remote possibility. Even Strasburg has to have some limitations, wonderful as they are.

I appreciate any support for any musuem and the artifacts that they try to save. I have always had a soft spot for the #41 ever since I was a kid, so I appreciate your positive thoughts about her too. You can't save everything, but just like at home, I try. Stop by the shop and look me up if I am around. I was wondering if you were the guy with long hair that stopped in a couple of weeks ago when Skip and I were working on the #2 over the pit? Didn't catch the guy's name, but was a knowledgeable fellow, and had some intelligent things to say. Regards, John.