Our Mission
History in Action
Project 1355
The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association in partnership with American Heartland Railroad Society has the mission of restoring Great Northern Steam Locomotive #1355 back into operation for excursions.
By bringing this historic locomotive back to life and with the Sioux City Railroad Museum as its home, we hope it will serve as a catalyst for limitless opportunities. As it stands, G.N. 1355 is the last of its H5 Class in existence, and once fully restored it will be the only Great Northern steam locomotive in operation.
Another vital component of this project is to construct a new maintenance and repair facility on the grounds of the museum complex so that the locomotive can be properly housed and serviced for its operations.
This modern facility would certainly open the doors for any number of locomotives, railcars, and other equipment to be housed and restored in the future as well.
Last but not least, in addition to G.N. 1355 we also intend to pursue the opportunity to cosmetically and operationally restore another one of our steam locomotives in Florida & Alabama #18. Due to its inherent nature and feasibility as small workhorse engine, it would be utilized for events and demonstrations routinely.
In order to accomplish this mission, additional funding and resources will be needed to facilitate this project and to ensure continued success.
Great northern #1355
We hope by bringing G.N. 1355 back to life will be just the start. Originally built and further modified for passenger service, this locomotive was meant for lengthy excursions.
The mission is to not only have this locomotive be in operation within museum grounds, but to take it on the road so that countless others will have the chance to ride the rails in historic fashion or simply see this once marvel of ingenuity in action.
When back home at the Sioux City Railroad Museum, it will serve as catalyst for numerous educational and entertainment opportunities.
Our current fundraising goal $500,000 to complete the restoration process.
FLORIDA & ALABAMa #18
Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1920, this 2-6-2 "Prairie" locomotive was able to be added to museum's collection in the fall of 2021. Its primary purpose was to haul freight and be a workhorse, typically operating within railyards or industry tracks.
Later serving as a logging locomotive for the Mobile River Sawmill Company, it then had a second career on tourist railroads, the Reese Central Railroad and the Dry Gulch & Tombstone Railroad.
After its last two stops, it was purchased and cared for by the Pellet family. Hoping to see the locomotive be returned to its former glory, arrangements were made to bring it to the Sioux City Railroad Museum.
Together we plan to pursue cosmetic and eventually fully restore the locomotive for exhibition and to be utilized for demonstrations and routine ridership.
At this time, we still working on estimates for a fundraising goal.
Maintenance & Repair Facility
While the size and location of the facility are yet to be determined, there is plenty of land and infrastructure to accommodate.
The remaining 6 stall roundhouse will be sufficient to utilize for the time being. However, it is primarily purposed for exhibit space and therefor lacks the ideal modern equipment and proper privacy needed for the project.
The goal for this facility is to be able to house, maintain, repair, and restore locomotives, rollingstock, and other railroad equipment. We also hope to include office, classroom, and training space for volunteers and staff.
This would undoubtedly create unique and fulfilling opportunities for continued growth and involvement for current and future generations.
Our fundraising goal is $2.5 million for the cost of construction for the new facility and necessary trackage.