Boyd Owens posted a report in FLIMSIES from the website of KSTP-TV about the recent move of DM&IR Consolidation #332 from the museum in Duluth to the Cloquet Terminal Railroad (ex-Duluth & Northeastern) Shops in Cloquet, Minnesota. Supposedly Cloquet Terminal and a paper company have donated the cost of a cosmetic restoration of the 2-8-0. This is good, but my question is; is there any thought being given to restoring the old 1906 Pittsburg-built engine to operation? I believe that Soo Line 4-6-2 # 2719 is due for a major rebuild and I wondered if the 332 (ex-D&NE # 28) might be being given a hard look to see if a restoration to service is possible. Just trying to get the facts. Thanks.

Les

Another news item says the 28 last steamed in 1972 for sand drying and moved around the yards. Any posted photos of this event?

Just chiming in here, I live in Duluth and am a volunteer at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

Soo Line 2719 comes due for her 1472 in 2013, and next season's excursion schedule should be released some time in the next couple months.

As far as returning 28/332 to service, I would love to see it, she's a good looking locomotive and she is probably the best chance for an operating Missabe steam locomotive. As most are probably aware, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum restored and operated Duluth & Northern Minnesota 2-8-2 #14 from 1992-1998. Evidently, before 14 was chosen for restoration, the museum inspected it, 28 and the Northern Pacific 2-6-2 in their collection, and 14 was determined to be the locomotive that would require the least expense to restore, in addition to having worked out of Knife River, MN for her first owner from 1912-1919.

D&NE 28 was operated sporadically in the late 60s and early 70s on fan trips, and if I remember correctly would need significant boiler work besides the required tear down to be restored to operation. Its running gear is also probably in need of significant work. While she was on display in the museum, a sharp eyed visitor could still make out two separate sets of DM&IR 332 numerals on the cab underneath its D&NE garb.

Another article with attached slideshow

Nick Turinetti

Also, its worth noting that the Cloquet Terminal Railroad is the successor to the Duluth & Northeastern, and still has the locomotive's blueprints and other valuable resources.

Surprised to see it moved by rail; looks like a friction bearing engine. God bless. Seth

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 5&nseq=364

Wow- and apparently at speed as well. Thanks for posting the pic link.

Things were fairly smooth, with one small hiccup:





Quote taken from here

I'd just add that BNSF in the Twin Ports at least has been very gracious in terms of working with the museum and the North Shore Scenic Railroad, 2719 is turned on their Rice's Point wye after every trip, and it has been a very smooth procedure every time I've fired.

Unoffical report is that the 28's main rods have already been sandblasted and painted

Nick Turinetti