By Railfan & Railroad Staff
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is embarking on the operational restoration of Great Northern 2313, a historic and one-of-a-kind gas-electric motor car originally built in 1925 to connect the rural communities along the GN. Deemed a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 2003 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, it will carry passengers over the museum’s seven-mile heritage railroad once restoration is completed. The restoration is expected to cost $300,000.
The car was built in 1925 and ran in Washington and British Columbia. It was then sold to the Montana Western and ran between Valier and Conrad, Mont. It was donated to Mid-Continent in 1966.
“Great Northern 2313 is already an important display piece, but we want to provide visitors with an immersive and moving experience that tells the story of railroad technology through the last century,” said Project Manager Rusty Schramm. “We have recently undertaken repairs to the roof, radiator, control system, and fuel tank, but the antique Winton engine has not operated since 1987, and will be our first major undertaking.”
A precursor to the modern diesel locomotive, the motorcar was constructed in a partnership between Winton Engines and the Electro-Motive Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Mid-Continent has contracted with FMW Solutions, a rail preservation firm with experience in repairing vintage locomotives.
“As someone who has spent my career dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of EMD locomotives, having the chance to oversee the restoration of this historic engine is a distinct privilege,” said FMW Senior Mechanical Associate and Winton Project Lead Allen Rider. “The engine/generator arrived at the FMW Tennessee machine shop earlier this month, and we will begin the initial disassembly and inspection in the coming weeks.”
After completing the initial inspection and assessment, FMW will work with Mid-Continent to formalize a restoration plan. The restoration will take place at FMW’s Soddy-Daisy facility, which hosts a complete machinery and fabrication shop that can handle the restoration work. The restoration of the engine is further aided by a large cache of original, new-old-stock Winton Engine components that have been donated to Mid-Continent.
“Our goal is to have her up and running in time for her centennial in 2025,” Schramm said. “It’s a worthwhile goal and achievable with donations and volunteer help.”
Donations are welcome at midcontinent.org.
