ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – History is on the move, as a very old train takes to the track at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon.
With a turn of a lever, the old locomotive chugs into motion. Engineers Tim Schlund and Brian Hagedorn are manning the controls.
“I think about the history of running a steam engine. What it would be like running through the woods with a load of pulp, wood or freight. Waiting for people in little towns to see you come in and waiting for their products to come in. But it’s certainly fun to run it,” said Hagedorn.
The engine is known as the “102” at the National Railroad Museum.
“Seeing the wheels of that locomotive spinning around, going around the track, it really brings you back to yesteryear,” said Ben Wideman, National Railroad Museum Marketing and Communications Director.
Wideman tells FOX 11 the locomotive was built in 1924 and was used on a rail system in Alabama, called the Sumter and Choctaw Line.
“It has a really interesting history going back to lumber and back in the day. Now, it’s used for train rides, but just being here and seeing it, you can really envision what it was like back then.”
Dozens of passengers took the ride on Thursday.
“It was really smooth. It was the perfect day for it. That was really nice being out in it,” said Steve Minnihan of Neenah. “They give a lot of interesting history and tid-bits about what’s going on here.”
Back in the engine room, Hagedorn says the experience is more than just a ride on a very old train.
“To save history. I’m a train buff but more to let people see history and try and save it. Preserve it for the next generation.”
The locomotive run continues today (Friday).
It costs adults $12 to enter the museum, and the train ride is $3 more.
The old locomotive is scheduled to return for another appearance in September.
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