Steam Locomotive Heritage Association

10/14/2026

KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE, GENERATION AFTER GENERATION!

DID YOU KNOW? Steam Locomotive Heritage Association is home to not one but TWO different grandfather-and-grandson pairs who are both part of our crew! These family connections are a wonderful example of how a love of railroading, hands-on knowledge, and a passion for preserving history are passed from one generation to the next.

At the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association, Soo Line #1003 is more than a historic steam locomotive. It’s a living classroom where generations of crew share their skills and knowledge while helping inspire the next generation of railroaders and preservationists.

We’re proud to preserve our railroad heritage, teach future generations, and see that tradition continue within our very own crew!

Our $8,000 matching donation campaign is ongoing and helping support Soo Line 1003’s yearly operation needs. Your donation can go twice as far while matching funds remain available! Help us preserve this living piece of history for future generations.

💻 DONATE ONLINE: www.steamlocomotiveheritage.org
Click Contribute → the orange Donate icon → enter your donation. Pay by credit card or PayPal

📬 DONATE BY MAIL:
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association
P.O. Box 270594
Hartford, WI 53027-0594

10/09/2026

WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS — $2,500 RAISED TOWARD OUR $8,000 MATCHING GRANT! MAKE THE WHISTLE BLOW!

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $2,500 toward our $8,000 goal! That means we’re already nearly one-third of the way there, with $5,500 left to raise to unlock the full matching grant.

Every dollar brings us closer to securing an additional $8,000 to support Soo Line 1003’s future.

We’ve built momentum, but we still need YOUR help! Please consider donating today. Your contribution can go TWICE as far!

💻 DONATE ONLINE: www.steamlocomotiveheritage.org
Click Contribute → the orange Donate icon → enter your donation. Pay by credit card or PayPal.

📬 DONATE BY MAIL:
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association
P.O. Box 270594
Hartford, WI 53027-0594

Let’s keep this momentum rolling and raise the remaining $5,500!

Help us secure the match. Preserve history. Keep the whistle blowing!



Graphic Design by Joey Smith

10/03/2026

Happy 1003 Day!

1003 heads through Burnett, Wisconsin on September 26, 2026.

If you enjoyed seeing the 1003 in action, please consider making a donation of any size to help keep the fire burning and the whistle blowing. Every contribution directly supports operating expenses.
https://steamlocomotiveheritage.org/contribute/

10/02/2026

The Steam Locomotive Heritage Association extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Wisconsin Chapter National Railway Historical Society(NRHS) and the Soo Line Historical & Technical Society(SLHTS) for their generous sponsorship of the Soo Line 1003’s recent operation celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!

Their support helped make it possible to bring this historic 113-year-old steam locomotive to life and share an important piece of America’s railroad heritage with communities and families across Wisconsin.

For 250 years, America’s story has been built by people, communities, industry, and the transportation systems that connected them. The 1003 helped bring that history to life in a truly unforgettable way last weekend.

Thank you, NRHS and SLTHS, for your partnership to help keep America’s railroad history alive.

If you enjoyed seeing the 1003 in action, please consider making a donation of any size to help keep the fire burning and the whistle blowing. Every contribution directly supports operating expenses.

https://steamlocomotiveheritage.org/contribute/

09/28/2026

Thank you Trains Magazine for the coverage. We had a great, safe run with beautiful weather.

Next up: Santa Train!

HARTFORD, Wis. — The early-autumn weather was perfect on Saturday, Sept. 26, as Soo Line Mikado No. 1003 rambled across Wisconsin farmland between Hartford and Burnett, Wis. Temperatures in the low 70s drew hundreds out to watch the 113-year-old 2-8-2 cross country roads and pass classic Midwester...

09/27/2026

ITS RAILROAD SAFETY WEEK — STAY SAFE AROUND TRAINS!

After our run yesterday, Steam Locomotive Heritage Association wants to point out an important part of what we do - railroad safety.

The Soo Line 1003 is proud to support Railroad Safety Week in partnership with Wisconsin Operation Lifesaver.

Whether you’re watching a 100+ year old historic steam locomotive or encountering a regular freight train at a crossing, remember: Trains always have the right-of-way, and they can’t stop quickly.

REMEMBER:
1. See Tracks? Think Train!
2. Never walk around lowered crossing gates.
3. Look, listen, and stay alert near railroad tracks.
4. Avoid distractions around crossings.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Respect the rails.



Photo by Mike Raia

09/26/2026

Hartford! We are still coming!

09/26/2026

We’re up and the pressure is building!

Soo Line 1003 is getting ready to make some noise!

Every shovel of coal brings us one step closer to seeing 113 years of history become a thunderstorm on rails.

Get ready. 1003 is coming! TODAY!

#1003

09/25/2026

AMERICA IS 250! ALL ABOARD FOR A DAY OF STEAM!
SOO LINE 1003 — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

The wait is almost over! Soo Line 1003 is getting ready to move, and we want you to know when and where you can catch this historic locomotive along the route TOMORROW.

FOLLOW THE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE HERITAGE ASSOCIATION FACEBOOK PAGE for updates throughout the day.

📍 OPERATING SCHEDULE
8:30 AM — Depart / Leave Museum
8:45 AM — Run-by in Hartford
Crossing Rural, Main, Wisconsin & 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 Horicon
10:45–11:00 AM — Run Around Train & Shove to Burnett
11:30 AM — Arrive Burnett
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Coaling & 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
IMPORTANT: Soo Line 1003 will not go east of Rural Street during the afternoon.

THIS IS A PUBLIC EVENT!

Bring the family, bring your camera, and come experience living railroad history!

Whether you're a lifelong railfan, a history buff, or simply looking for something unique to do with the family, Soo Line 1003 promises to make this a day to remember.

⚠️ SAFETY FIRST!

Please remain at least 25 feet from the rails at all times. Railroad property is private property. Please respect railroad property and follow all posted instructions.

Schedules can change at any time due to railroad operations, weather, servicing requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Get excited. Listen for the whistle. Soo Line 1003 is coming!

09/24/2026

ALL ABOARD FOR A DAY OF STEAM!

SOO LINE 1003 — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
OPERATING SCHEDULE

Times are approximate and subject to change. Railroad operations can change these at any time. Follow, like, and share our page directly for updates.

8:30 AM — Depart / Leave Museum and perform Run-by in Hartford, WI
Locomotive will cross Rural, Main, Wisconsin, and Grand/4th Ave Crossings
9:00 AM — Switch Cars at West Yard (Near Lauffer Trucking)
9:15 AM — Run Tender First to Horicon, WI
10:15 AM — Arrive Horicon, WI
10:45–11:00 AM — Run Around Train & Shove to Burnett, WI
11:30 AM — Arrive Burnett, WI
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Coaling & Servicing — Burnett, WI near Peachy Brother Elevator
12:00–12:45 PM — Photo Runbys in Burnett, WI
12:45–1:15 PM — Run to Horicon
1:45 PM — Leave Horicon
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, WI
Will not go East of Rural Street in afternoon.

Get EXCITED to see Soo Line 1003 working its way along the railroad and keeping history steaming!

IMPORTANT: Follow Steam Locomotive Heritage Association's page for updates throughout the day.

Schedule is subject to change due to railroad operations, weather, servicing requirements and other unforeseen circumstances.

This is a public event for all to enjoy. Come out, bring the kids, and be a part of history! Whether you're a train enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for something unique to do with the family, this event is sure to be a memorable experience for all ages.

SAFETY FIRST!
As always please stay a safe distance (at least 25 feet) from the rails at all times! Railroad property is private property, so please stay respectful. Help us keep the celebration safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Stay safe and listen for the whistle!