SUGARCREEK, Ohio — Former McCloud River Railroad and Yreka Western 2-8-2 No. 19 is slated to return to full operation in 2026, according to its owner, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum. The Mikado, famous from its appearance in the movie Emperor of the North, was last under steam in 2020 before undergoing its Federal Railroad Administration-mandated 1,472-day boiler inspection and rebuild. With the extensive work nearing completion, the museum is preparing to host a three-day celebration in April, culminating in a christening.
The festivities will commence April 9, with No. 19 traversing Genesse & Wyoming’s Ohio Central Railroad from the roundhouse to the nearby Village of Sugarcreek for the christening. The public ceremony will feature speeches by dignitaries including the mayor of Sugarcreek and museum officials. Attendees can view the locomotive from 5 to 7 p.m., with the official christening scheduled for 6 p.m. No. 19 will return to the roundhouse shortly thereafter.
On April 10, the celebration continues with a diverse lineup of activities. Visitors can enjoy hourly train rides behind No. 19 on the museum grounds from 10:50 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., with tickets available for $6. Guided tours of the roundhouse will also be offered. The day will conclude with a free movie screening hosted by America 250–Ohio, titled Ohio Goes to the Movies. Festivities are scheduled to wrap up on April 11 with additional train rides and tours, culminating in a night photo shoot session from 6 to 10 p.m.
Tickets for all activities, including the photo shoot, are available on the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum website, and attendees are encouraged to purchase them early due to limited availability.
