The Mid-Continent Railway museum has announced that Montana and Western No. 31 will be restored to operating condition. The gas-electric motor car was built in 1925 for the Great Northern Railway as No. 2313 and replaced 2-3 car passenger trains across the network. It was donated to Mid-Continent in 1966 and did initially haul passengers up and down the line before being put on display out-of-service.
The museum will work with FMW Solutions to restore the locomotive and it will travel to FMW’s shops in Tennessee to receive work. The plan is to complete the work in time for No. 31’s 100th birthday. Work on the roof, radiator, control system, and fuel tank has already been accomplished. The original Winston engine will be restored by FMW with the help of some donated parts from Sperry Rail Service.
The restoration will is expected to cost $300,000. Donations are being accepted online to help with the cost.
Image from the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website
Learn more
Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s press release on the restoration of Montana and Western No. 31
Trains Newswire article