A cosmetic restoration of a Northern Pacific S-4 class 4-6-0 is underway in Missoula, Mont. Locomotive 1356 has been on display next to the former NP (now BNSF Railway) yard near downtown Missoula since the 1950s, and now a local group is spearheading an effort to freshen the locomotive up. 

Locomotive 1356 was one of 40 S-4 class 4-6-0s that the NP purchased in 1902 from Baldwin. The engine was assigned to the Rocky Mountain Division and worked everything from express passenger trains to log trains. The engine was also used to rescue people during the infamous Big Burn of 1910, a wildfire that tore through eastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana, scorching 4,700 square miles and killing at least 87 people. 

The locomotive was retired in June 1954, after working as a helper over Evaro Hill west of Missoula. The engine was later sent to Tacoma, Wash., where it was nearly scrapped before being selected to be put on display in Missoula. Local railroaders tasked with finding a locomotive for the city were quick to select 1356, and one of them, roundhouse forman Harry Larson, later recalled that the 4-6-0 was the “best doggone engine for her size that ever worked out of Missoula.”

Over the years, the engine had received some cosmetic work to maintain its appearance. But a few years ago, a local group called Friends of the 1356 was organized to help protect the engine for the future. Presently, the group is working towards rebuilding the locomotive’s cab and making repairs to the tender. Eventually, they would like to have an informational kiosk and allow visitors to look into the cab (the engine is presently gated off). For more information, visit missoula1356.org. 

Locomotive 1356 is not the only one of her class that is receiving attention this year. Last month, the Northern Pacific Railroad Museum in Toppenish, Wash., fired up sister locomotive 1364 for the first time in 73 years. 

—Justin Franz