This is a progress report of the ‘MIDWEST CENTRAL
RAILROAD’. We ask your indulgence while we tell you what has
transpired to date. Stock sales have passed the $9,000 mark, and as
chairman of this committee, I wish to thank each and every one of
you for the great support you have given us on our initial drive to
raise funds to purchase ‘Old No. 6’.
As many of you know, we did purchase ‘No. 6’ as well as
her little sister, ‘No. 2’. Both engines were purchased on
sealed bid, No. 6 for $5001.00 while No. 2 along with the section
cars pictured here plus a truck load of parts and accessories were
bid at $2175.00. We checked around and contracted with the lowest
bidder for the transportation. Heavy Duty Haulers of Columbia,
South Carolina, loaded and delivered both locomotives for $3035.00.
Both engines now reside at the Mathews place next to the shop for
rebuilding. Not pictured is a Ford ‘T’, equipped with
flanged wheels and was used by the track foreman as an inspection
car. This unit has not been in operation for 20 years.
It is hard to visualize the magnitude of this project. ‘The
Midwest Central’ will be the only steam operated Narrow Gauge
Railroad in the radius of nearly 1000 miles. It will take a little
over one and a half mile of track, or for our weight rail, it will
take over 100 ton. New ties will cost another $4000.00, rail will
take about $8000.00. we have two coaches lined up which will be for
sale in July, one of which was a private coach and because of its
history will probably command a rather high price. There is also
another standard passenger coach of 36′ gauge which seats 44
persons. This plus the fact that there are always many smaller
expenses is why we have set $50,000.00 for a goal to put this road
into operation. With the help of all of you, this will be an easy
matter. We have the main part, the oldest narrow gauge locomotive
available in our possession. If after a year or so it appears that
No. 6 can handle the job alone, we may sell No. 2.
‘Midwest Central’ is now in the process of incorporating
which explains the fact why you have not heard from us on your
stock ‘shares and passes. You will receive them later this
season after the legal work is completed. We are incorporating to
protect the stockholders from any liability which may arise in the
future.
We have come a long way in so short a time but we need your help
to complete the job and get this railroad operating. Let’s see
if we can’t reach the goal real soon. Remember, you are a
Life-Time pass holder if you own a share of stock. If the railroad
prospers, and by all rights it should, your investment
will come back to you and your lifetime pass will remain valid.
This is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in this
area. Let’s all get behind and push a little harder and really
give the people something to see when they come to Mt.
Pleasant.
MIDWEST OLD THRESHERS, Box 102, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
