Photo courtesy of John Pickard Soo Line Steam Engine #730 is pictured here after it’s shelter was repainted in the fall of 2021. John Pickard, son of Soo Line retiree Kenneth Pickard, has decided to continue past efforts to maintain upkeep on Soo Line Steam Engine #730.

GLADSTONE — The effort to restore a vintage railway engine is gaining steam.

The Soo Line Steam Engine Restoration Project is inviting all community members to an organization meeting on Monday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. at 817 Delta Avenue in Gladstone.

The group hopes to gain support for the perpetual care and preservation of Steam Engine #730 owned by the City of Gladstone and located along the U.S. 2 and 41 and M-35 at the entrance to Delta Avenue.

The meeting will be an opportunity to talk, get ideas and community views and share plans to achieve a wider support group. The group would like organize and elect a core group of members who can nominate themselves to become committee members and executive officers. The group will then be able to move forward by adopting bylaws and code of conduct and applying for non-profit status and all the other requirements to ensure the engine is preserved.

Progress has been made regarding the efforts to restore and preserve Soo Line Steam Engine #730. NK Electric in Escanaba volunteered their time and labor to help replace all of the light fixtures in and around Engine #730 over the summer. Other work has also been performed over the summer and funds have been raised to aid the restoration. The Soo Line Steam Engine Restoration project began in the summer months of 2021 when Gladstone native John Pickard formed a committee to oversee the rehabilitative process.

Pickard started the Soo Line Steam Engine Restoration project after watching the engine’s condition worsen over the past 20 years. Pickard’s father, who had worked for the Soo Line Railroad for 42 years, used to look after Engine #730 every summer with several other Soo Line employees. However, as the engine’s caretakers began to pass away, the engine’s recognition and importance in the community began to fade as well.

However, continued efforts by Pickard and Jack Soderman, retired Soo Liner and one of the engine’s caretakers, has involved collaborating with city officials and local businesses.

Those looking to help preserve Engine #730 can address donations to the City of Gladstone c/o Soo Steam Engine #730, 1100 Delta Ave., Gladstone, MI 49837.