The Lake Superior Railroad Museum UPDATED Steam Team Plans

– as of September, 2025 –

The long awaited mechanical reviews of DM&IR #332 and SOO #2719 steam locomotives have arrived and are being reviewed by our steam team. Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services representative Brendan Zeigler spent two days examining the engines over the pit in our shop and made a thorough report on their condition.  There were no real surprises.

What we did learn was that some of the areas of concern on #332 were more critical than originally thought. The steam team is reviewing this information and working up a plan for prioritizing necessary repairs and whether the work is something the museum can do or if a contractor is necessary.

The report on the #2719 was very encouraging. Again, that was not a surprise.  The engine was in solid running condition when it was acquired and has been stored protected from the elements since its Federal Railroad Administration boiler time expired.

Decisions by our Board of Directors are going to be made concerning the next steps for the steam program at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. To make workable recommendations to the board, museum management and the steam team need more information and have scheduled several work days to assess other aspects of the #332. As that work progresses we will have future updates.

Management and the steam team are committed to making the right decisions and are currently planning on having a working steam locomotive as part of the museum’s mission to; preserve, interpret and present to the public the history of railroading, especially as it relates to our area.

You can help by making a donation to the Steam Team at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Tax deductible donations (FEIN 23-7312204) can be made to:

Lake Superior Railroad Museum
c/o Steam Team
506 West Michigan Street
Duluth, MN  55802

Thank You for your ongoing interest and support!