I got up at 5:30 AM and after picking up some do-nuts, I got the keys to the Depot Inn & Suites Van and took off for Mount Pleasant, Iowa. I took US Highway 63 north to Ottumwa where I took US Highway 34 east. I spotted an eastbound BNSF coal train and after getting gas in Fairfield, I caught up and passed the train getting far enough ahead when I took Benton Ave to a bridge across the tracks. I could see the headlight coming and set up for the pictures.
The eastbound BNSF coal train passing my location. From here I headed into Mount Pleasant following the signs to the grounds of the 60th annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion Grounds and parked the van in the parking lot. I walked across the street to the gate where I bought my entrance ticket for a single day visit and went inside.
60th annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
The first thing I saw was this steam tractor.
This is one interesting piece of farm equipment.
Views looking around the grounds.
The Tower and Water Tower of the Midwest Central Railroad.
The Midwest Central North Station.
Looking towards the Midwest Central North Station.
Cars on display as I went in search of steam engines.
Interesting things every where you look.
Westside Lumber Company Three Truck Shay #9.
The 1951 built Henchel Switcher 0-4-0 Erzbergbau Salzgitter #16.
A narrow gauge diesel.
White Pass Caboose 903.
D&GW 6210 Flat Car with a tractor onboard.
Flat Car 1163.
Inside the Midwest Central Shop.
Flat car with a tender on it.
Rio de Janeiro 1779
Trolley 1945.
Trolley 381.
The steam train headed over to the Midwest Central North Station.
Views of the Westside Lumber Company Three Truck Shay #9.
After this picture, I went to the Midwest Central North Station where I bought a ticket and boarded the train for my trip on this unique railroad.
The train after it took the first curve on this railroad.
Outside of the Depot Inn & Suites they have one of these machines.
Our train took this curve on this unique railroad.
This steam tractor really caught my eye.
Interesting things abounded here to be seen from the train on its trip on the loop.
Our train after stopping at the Midwest Central South Station took this curve and the engine blew down towards the outside of this curve.
Our train took another curve.
A Wig Wag Crossing Signal.
Our train took the final curve back into the station.
The train has returned to where we started.
The train back at the Midwest Central North Station.
Westside Lumber Company Three Truck Shay 9.
The rear of the steam train.
I waited for the train to come back so I would have a good picture to use for the story.
Along came the 1951 built Henchel Switcher 0-4-0 Erzbergbau Salzgitter #16.
I passed through the Antique Car/Truck Building on my way to the other loading area of the steam train.
The train came into the Midwest Central South Station. I would now show you the consist of this train.
Westside Lumber Company Three Truck Shay 9.
Denver & Rio Grande Combine.
Midwest Central Coach.
Midwest Central Coach Mt. Pleasant.
Midwest Central Caboose. I would now go and ride the trolley.
