Help is on the way for a “sinking” train display at the Museum of Mining in Chisholm, Minn. In 1954, the first exhibit at the new museum was Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway 2-8-0 No. 347. The 1907 Alco was built for the Duluth, Missabe & Northern. The museum later acquired three 1938-vintage ore cars and a caboose, and put them on display with No. 347. Other than building shelters over the engine and caboose, the exhibit has largely remained untouched. After 58 years, the ties and track under No. 347 have decayed, and the locomotive has slowly been sinking into the ground.
Now, thanks to a $10,000 grant from DM&IR successor Canadian National, the track will be rebuilt by North Shore Track Services of Duluth, Minn. To do so, the train will be winched backward, section by section, onto temporary track panels. The old soil will be dug out, the roadbed rebuilt, drainage improved, and the rotted ties and old rail replaced. The train will then be winched back into its original position and the area landscaped. North Shore has offered to do the repairs for no profit, but the labor and materials will cost $27,000.
The work is under way, but the museum is seeking grants and donations to finish the job.
To make a donation or for more information go towww.razoo.com/story/Minnesota-Museum-Of-Mining.
