NORTH FREEDOM, Wis. — The Mid-Continent Railway Museum, after nearly 30 years of work, has completed a successful test firing of former Chicago & North Western R1 4-6-0 No. 1385. The locomotive now moves into the final phases of its restoration, with plans to have No. 1385 operational by summer 2026.
The test was originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, but was moved to Thursday night, Dec. 4, due to the onset of colder weather. Temperatures in south central Wisconsin hovered between the teens and low 20s, with wind chills in the single digits. The locomotive was positioned with its smokebox and stack just outside the steam shop for the test. The Mid-Continent steam crew determined that conducting the test ahead of schedule was the safest way to proceed. Despite the weather, No. 1385 was moved outside on Dec. 5, so that its whistle could be tested. For the first time in 27 years, the locomotive could be heard throughout North Freedom.
“We took the test slowly, watching everything,” Museum President Andy Spinelli says. “We wanted to make sure everything on the locomotive was doing what it was supposed to be doing. We had eyes everywhere, constantly monitoring the steam up.”
No. 1385 was delivered by Alco in March 1907 — construction No. 42187. It was among 325 R1 class locomotives on the C&NW. Weighing in at 82 tons and designed for fast freight service, No. 1385 and sisters worked across the C&NW system. In addition to freight assignments, the R1s were tasked with moving secondary passenger trains, switching local industries from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Dakotas, and working around Chicago. The C&NW retired No. 1385 in 1956. The locomotive was acquired by the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in 1961 for its scrap value of $2,600. No. 1385 powered trains during the museum’s first operating season in 1963.
Before No. 1385 returns to lead the museum’s trains there is work yet to be completed. Pistons, rings, the remaining valve gear, and rods need to be installed. No. 1385 will receive new pistons. “We weighed the difference in cost between new pistons and repairing the old ones,” Spinelli says. “The cost was better with new pistons. Plus, the repaired pistons were not guaranteed. The new ones are. Having new ones built made more sense.”
Insulation needs to be applied to the boiler along with a new boiler jacket, which will require paint. Having the new boiler jacket cut and fit to the locomotive is a significant expense in completing the project.
There is plumbing and electrical work to be finished, as well. After these steps, test runs will be made along with seeking final certification from the Federal Railroad Administration.
The museum, Spinelli says, has set July 4, 2026, as its target date to have No. 1385 ready for operation.
To complete the restoration, the museum indicates it needs to raise an additional $300,000. As of Nov. 26, 4% of the goal had been raised.
For more information on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum or to make a contribution to No. 1385’s restoration, please visit the museum website.
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