1003 Operations LLP

The Restoration of SOO LINE 1003 and Beyond

Following the presentation of 1003 to the City of Superior on December 30, 1959 for a park display the condition of the locomotive began to worsen.. After a considerable amount of this deterioration there was an attempt to restore the engine. The first attempt failed, but a second attempt was  mounted in 1994. Work was completed in about two and a half years at a cost in excess of $300,000.00, a contrast to the original price of the locomotive of $25,654.63 in 1913. The restoration work was accomplished in Superior, Wisconsin and the engine made its initial test runs at the Duluth Transportation Museum in November of 1996.

   1003 Operations, LLP. MAINTAINS SOO LINE 1003 in an operable condition in accord with FRA regulations.  A considerable effort is required to keep the engine at this level of repair. Volunteers and professionals cooperate in dealing with the complex array of tasks that need to be performed to keep a steam locomotive running well and safely. This work enables the locomotive to operate on mainline rails hauling trains of various kinds and making appearances in a variety of  public events. SOO LINE 1003 allows children and adults of all ages the opportunity to witness the sights, sounds, and smells of the steam era of railroading. The locomotive becomes a live EXAMPLE reminding EVERYONE of the history and importance of rail transport in this nation.........in an era when railroads seem less woven into our lives THAN IN EARLIER DAYS.