The popular image associated with Mid-Continent Railway Museum is that of steam power. Like the bold images contained on these pages, people expect to see a steam locomotive in all of our promotions. But more importantly, they expect to see one of these elegant pieces under steam, in front of the depot, ready to depart with a full consist when the conductor calls out "Highball!" Steam power is also the appropriate image for the Mid-Continent Railway. Our mission is to represent the "Golden Age" of railroads in the upper Midwest. And that era was steam powered. Our collection of steam locomotives is adequate for the task. But the challenge before us is the restoration of each piece in compliance with current standards established by the Federal Railroad Administration. Three locomotives are currently under restoration for operation, with the goal of having a running locomotive in service for each day of train operations. You can monitor the progress in the shop and learn more about the locomotives' unique histories by clicking the links at the upper lefthand corner of this page. You can also help us complete this monumental task with a gift to the museum's Steam Fund. One hundred percent of each contribution is applied directly to the cost of purchasing the requisite materials, supplies and contracted services that bring us closer to the day when steam will once again dominate the experience at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. All aboard!
