Steam Doubleheader Here in Milwaukee, WI

Trains Magazine General Discussion
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That title may have gotten some attention. And for the most part it is true. However the Steam Doubleheader was on the 15 inch gauge Milwaukee County Zoo Train Saturday April 21, 2007.

On April 21st the Zoo Train crew was proud to reintroduce #1916 4-4-2 steam locomotive back into service after a 3 year rebuild, including a new boiler. Handling much of the rebuild was Zoo employee Ken Ristow, who many people might know better as the engineer of the Soo #1003.

After the Zoo closed Saturday night the steam engines came out to play. Both of the Zoo’s steam engines looked very nice with fresh paint jobs and sparkling rods. Some crewmembers from other steam locomotives including Soo #1003, Milwaukee Road #261 and Whiskey River Railway were there to help Ken with final touches.

The big event was a doubleheader with #1916 leading the way out of the servicing area. Following behind is #1924 4-6-2. Below are some photos of the two locomotives that will be running at various times this summer at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Here the #1916 sits near the service facility on Zoo grounds breathing steam for the first time in 3 years.

#1924 4-6-2 joins sister #1916

#1916 and #1924 coupled for a doubleheaded run from the service area to the depot

Pulling cars for the first time in 3 years #1916 steams up the grade towards the mainline with #1924 behind.

With the sun setting #1924 prepares for a photo run-by on the Zoo Line

There were a few minors problems with #1916 as the evening went on. However it was nothing major so look f

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I am sorry I missed it but both engines look just great. Thanks for posting the photos Keith

Dave Nelson

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oh cool. i’m going to Milwaukee on may 11th. i’ll try to get the chance to ride that train. i forgot what they had for diesel power. it’s been a while. but wasnt it a smaller version of the ATSF super chief and i think i remember a green hood unit of some sort. i could be wrong

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As far as diesels, the one that was running Saturday was a Milwaukee Road painted unit. Kind of looked like a switcher of some sorts. There was another diesel shell/frame on blocks that could have been a “warbonnet” at one time. It is now being painted in Wisconsin Central colors.

Keith

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At one time the Milwaukee County Zoo Railroad had a generic looking GP painted rather close to C&NW colors. The passenger cars were also painted close to CNW style (makes sense since the CNW freight line is more or less the western boundary of the zoo property). When the zoo railroad first opened up they had a beautiful 4-4-0 painted and striped in elaborate 1870s type colors. What was fun was that the engine would often slip its drivers leaving the depot.

Dave Nelson