The Steam Locomotive
"The smoke and the fire and the speed, the action and the sound, and everything that goes together, [the steam engine] is the most beautiful machine that we ever made, there's just nothing like it..."
O. Watson Link, pioneer, and inspiration for the hobby of railroad photography
Steam locomotives almost seem "alive," like a living, breathing organism. There’s a raging fire that instinctively draws us in. And most of the moving parts are visible, making it fascinating to watch. Also, the chuffing and plaintive wail of the whistle create a symphony of appealing sounds. Finally, the smoke and aroma of burning coal seem irresistible.
The last steam locomotives plied the rails in the late 1950s. They were scrapped and replaced by more reliable, but mundane diesel-electric locomotives. A few steam locomotives were donated to local communities for display instead of being scrapped.
Soo Line No. 1003 was one of those engines that escaped the scrapper’s torch.
No. 1003 was built in 1913 as part of an order for 10 engines (1001-1010) by the American Locomotive Company. The engine powered mainline freight trains for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (Soo Line) until it was taken out of active service in 1954. It was maintained in standby service until 1959.
Argonne, Wisconsin in 1934. Ed Wilson photo, Bill Raia collection.
In December 1959, the railroad donated the locomotive to the city of Superior, Wisconsin where it was put on public display, slowly deteriorating.
In the mid-1970s, efforts began to restore the locomotive to operations. I remember donating money in 1984 for the restoration effort. 1003's first public excursion after restoration occurred in 1997.
The locomotive made its final journey under its Federal Railroad Administration mandated 15-year boiler certificate on November 13, 2010. Shortly afterwards, the operators raised funds to have the engine overhauled and certified for another 15 years. No. 1003 returned to service in November 2014.
The Shot
Trains Magazine sponsored a railfan photography day featuring No. 1003 on November 14 of this year. Photo buddy Jon Christofersen and I chased the train to a dozen locations in Wisconsin. After reviewing all my shots, this was my favorite.
The cold made for a great display of steam. And the snowflakes just added to the feel of a late fall day. That almost living, breathing machine seemed to be on a perfect stage.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus