Canadian National has donated an SW1500 locomotive [#1563] to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay in ceremonies today.

The switch engine, built in 1968, was used by the Wisconsin Central and CN in Fond du Lac, Wis., until it was retired earlier this year. It arrived at the museum in September CN performed a complete mechanical overhaul to ensure the museum may use it reliably for daily train rides and special events such as the upcoming Polar Express trains. Once at the museum, staff and volunteers completed minor body work and repainted the locomotive.

“We are extremely grateful to the CN for the donation of this diesel locomotive,” Jacqueline Frank, CEO of the National Railroad Museum, said in a press release announcing the donation. “.... CN’s donation allows us to continue to give the next generation a way to experience the past in a way that could never be learned from a book.”