Restoring a 4-6-2 Pacific

Soo Line 2719 was built in 1923. She is an ALCO H-23 class 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive. The steamer was used by the Soo Line in passenger train service until its retirement in 1959. In 1960, the Soo Line then donated the 2719 to the city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin where it proudly sat on display in Carson Park.

In 1996 the Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund took on the task of rebuilding this beautiful locomotive to operating condition. This video covers the fascinating stages of the two year restoration that brought this steam locomotive back to life. The highlights include: last run in 1959 and move to Carson Park in 1960, wintertime removal from Carson Park, highway transport from Eau Claire to Altoona, various stages of rebuilding in the Altoona Roundhouse, Roundhouse and operating turntable scenes with Soo 2719 & the Soo 1003, 2719 steam-up and test runs at the Altoona yard, ferry trip and more break-in runs on the WC at Osceola, Wisconsin.