Friday, August 22, 1997. The SOO 1003 was out on the road again. Originally built in 1913 this 2-8-2 steam locomotive remained in service for 46 years and then was retired in 1959. The restoration was started in 1994 and successful testing had been done in late 1996. On this day the 1003 was making a ferry move to Osceola, Wisconsin to join another steamer, the Northern Pacific 328, for the Osceola Steam Fest.
As the 1003 approached New Richmond, Wisconsin where they planned to take on water, they found that they would be delayed by a Wisconsin Central freight that was parked with no crew. When the WC crew showed up they found out that the freight train had to deliver some empty pulpwood cars to Dresser and that the 1003 would have to hold up at Withrow until the freight train returned from Dresser. Where upon the 1003 crew suggested that, since they were going to Dresser anyway if the WC would let the 1003 move the empty pulpwood cars, then everyone could save time. The WC gave their blessing to that move and their freight train went west and got out of the way. The 1003 pulled into New Richmond, took on water at Mary Park, dropped their gondola and caboose, picked up the freight cars and the rear of their train and for the next 15 miles into Withrow looked just like the old days. At Withrow the train was reconfigured, but with no way to turn the power the 1003 had to run tender first up to Dresser, not nearly as picturesque.
Slide # 24147-07