Soo Line 0-6-0 No. 346 is "preserved" at Wheels Across the Prarie in Tracy, MN and looks like this:


The locomotive was operational at Koppers Coke in the Twin Cities until the early 1960s. The following images were taken with a folding 828 roll film camera by a 12 year old boy (me) in August of 1961. It pains me to see what has become of this wonderful little machine.

wow, whats with the balloon stack and 1800's pilot?

the other shots show the real classic steam workhorse on the go.

Whose idea of preservation and steam is that? What buffoonery!

The general public unless we can teach them differently.

On the plus side, the equipment appears to be well maintained. If the pilot and stackzilla generates more interest in the locomotive among the local citizens, then perhaps that interest will result in them continuing to care for it and the cars. Just playing devil's advocate here.

Here's what it looked like in August. Now lettered C&NW. The original stack was torched off by the Depot House Restaurant.

I doubt that the general public wanted this outlandish display. These things are typically the marketing assumption of a few local “experts” of what the public wants. At least they left the engine painted all black, but it is not too late for a garish blue, red, green, and yellow paint job to set it off. It is amazing how bad a phony cowcatcher can look.

I too remember that engine operating circa 1961, and made several trips over to Koppers to take photos and movies. That whole complex was quite interesting.

Note the unusual attachment of the union link, to the main rod rather than the crosshead. Never saw that before-- is that a Soo Line trademark?

Really dopey stack, and "engine engine number nine" front plate. S there's no way to educate those people as to proper display and interpretation ?? Pity.

Howard P.

I like these threads where some locomotive is featured and discussed. Thanks to Steaminfo for posting.

That's a really handsome 0-6-0 and tender. I wonder how it sounded under steam?

Interesting that so many great SOO locomotives are around, especially when compared to a larger road like the Milwaukee. This 0-6-0 is a new one for me so a pleasant surprise. Thanks again.

It was in pretty sad shape at the end of its life at Koppers. It had a soft, almost mushy exhaust, and there was a lot of clanking and banging as it ran. Kind of gave it character.

I seem to recall this was called a "Ripkin link", and the patent was held by someone employed by the Soo.

Take a run out to Rollag, MN, where the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion runs sister 353, also a refuge from Koppers. Here's a link to Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEU_iDu7RQ

Neat video although I wish it was a bit more stable. Couldn't help but notice that the 353 gained a cowcatcher as well. Wonder if the cows appreciate that?

.

Actually, what is going on here is probably the work of well meaning folks. Unfortunately i am guessig they do not have the professionalism to do better at their disposal.

The locomotive and car should be undercover. Outdoor storage is no longer an acceptable way of handling artifacts. If the museum wants these to survive in a relatively intact condition for future generations, better conservation is imperative.

As for the smokestack and pilot, they should be removed. Does the ATRRM publish any maintenance and preservation standards or guidelines for preserved equipment? If so thus could be a helpful tool for those looking to avoid the present situation.

Steve