FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOINT EFFORTS BEGIN TO RESTORE GREAT NORTHERN STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 1355

Sioux City, IA July 3, 2024 - Today, the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association, Sioux City Railroad Museum and American Heartland Railroad Society announced the beginning of joint efforts to restore Great Northern Steam Locomotive H-5S 4-6-2 1355 to operation.

Larry Obermeyer, President, Siouxland Historical Railroad Association: "The Sioux City Railroad Museum is partnering with the American Heartland Railroad Society, pooling our resources, knowledge, and expertise, to bring the steam locomotive known as "Chief Iron Horse", or Great Northern Railway 1355 and Tender 1451, back to an operational condition…This organization has a lot of young people who have studied the heritage crafts involved with locomotive restorations and they bring together what resources and knowledge and expertise that our volunteers do not have. So we’re very excited about this project.”

TJ Obermeyer, Museum Director, Sioux City Railroad Museum: “What this will do for the community here in Sioux City and the region and quite frankly nationally…So this will be a treat for Sioux City and it’s something that they can rally around and really be proud of. That’s really the goal.”

Logan Stilwill, President, American Heartland Railway Society: "“We are going to restore the engine (Great Northern 1355) back to operation with the goal of bringing business and tourism to Sioux City. To maintain the heritage of the Great Northern and their steam engines. To help preserve railroad history in the Siouxland area and not just the Siouxland area, but the American Heartland itself. I think that's an important thing for younger generations to experience…To have this come to fruition, it means a lot. I could not have done this without my team. I'm very thankful for the Obermeyer family for giving us this opportunity, and to the community for standing behind us after this horrible flood."

Donations can be made to aid this effort and flood recovery efforts at...
Sioux City Railroad Museum
https://www.siouxcityrailroadmuseum.org

Seems like I remember hearing that engine has a seriously froze and broke cylinder block, IIRC, in the area of the exhaust passages inside the saddle, so not noticeable from outside. Not necessarily a project killer if true, they just need to be prepared for major expense that most restorations don't have to deal with.

Again, I'm not sure this is the same engine that I was told about.

Okay not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, but where exactly would they even operate the locomotive? I did a quick look at a satellite view of the museum grounds, and while close to live track; I don't see a connection. Trackage on the grounds is at most good for some back and forth shunting.

Okay not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, but where exactly would they even operate the locomotive? I did a quick look at a satellite view of the museum grounds, and while close to live track; I don't see a connection. Trackage on the grounds is at most good for some back and forth shunting. I would also question how or where they are planning on doing the restoration work. Doing the work inside the roundhouse would make it ill suited for museum use and activities, and doing the work outdoors or in a tent shelter like MEC 470; puts you at the mercy of the elements and temperatures.

From the Railfan & Railroad Magazine article:

"Over a decade ago, a group nearly completed a 15-year overhaul of the locomotive’s boiler but it was never run. Stilwil said he’s hopeful the group will be able to test fire the locomotive before its tube time runs out later this year. However, because of how long ago the boiler work was done, another 1472 overhaul must be completed. The firebox will also need attention before it can run again."

"While Stilwil said it was too early to say where the locomotive could run, his group is currently exploring different opportunities in the region."