"All aboard" for a day of steam.

The Steam Locomotive Heritage Association, The Wisconsin Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and the Soo Line Historical and Technical Society announced the return of the historic Soo Line No. 1003 steam locomotive. It will return to operation on Saturday, September 26 as part of the national celebration commemorating America's 250th Birthday.

Built in 1913, the Soo Line No. 1003 is one of the few operational mainline steam locomotives remaining in North America.

It will travel from Hartford, to Horicon and Burnett. This is a public event and is free to the public, so residents are encouraged to bring the family and your camera to capture living railroad history.

Soo Line No. 1003 operating schedule, according to the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association and is subject to change: 

 

8:30 AM — Depart / Leave museum in Hartford

8:45 AM — Run-by in Horicon

Crossing Rural, Main, Wisconsin and Grand/4th Ave

9:00 AM — Switch cars at West Yard

(Near Lauffer Trucking)

9:15 AM — Run tender First to Horicon

10:15 AM — Arrive in Horicon

10:45–11:00 AM — Run Around Train and Shove to Burnett

11:30 AM — Arrive in Burnett

11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Coaling and Servicing

(Near Peachy Brother Elevator)

12:00–12:45 PM — Photo runbys in Burnett

12:45–1:15 PM — Run to Horicon, WI

1:45 PM — Leave Horicon, WI

2:00 PM — Photo run-by at Noble Road

2:15 PM — Iron Ridge / County Road S or along the route

2:45 PM — Photo runs — Rubicon

3:30 PM — Arrive Back in Hartford

 

Members of the public are reminded to remain at least 25 feet from the railroad tracks at all times. 

The operation of the Soo Line No. 1003 is made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generous support of donors. 

Photo by the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association.