The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) of Owosso, Michigan, has initiated a fundraising campaign to support the restoration of Chicago & North Western (C&NW) steam locomotive No. 175. SRI has owned the 1908 Alco 4-6-0 “Ten-Wheeler” since 2018, when it was moved to Owosso from Houghton, Michigan. Once restored, 175 will join SRI’s Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225 and be available for public steam excursions throughout Michigan or around the Midwest. Operating these historic locomotives attracts 20,000 visitors per year to Owosso and other mid-Michigan towns and allows SRI to educate the public about the impact steam railroads had on the economy and culture of the Great Lakes region.

Over the next several years, C&NW 175 will receive a complete overhaul of the running gear and suspension systems, new side sheets in the firebox, new flues, tubes and tube sheets in the boiler, a new cab, and refurbished appliances. The entire project is expected to cost approximately $1 million, using a combination of SRI paid staff, volunteers, and professional contractors.

More than half of this funding is in place thanks to a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The federal TAP program supports bike paths, streetscapes, and historic preservation projects related to transportation. This grant does require matching funds, and the “Revive 175” campaign aims to raise at least $400,000 to complete this matching commitment.

Over $70,000 towards the $400,000 goal has already been raised in leadership gifts and pledges. To learn more about the history of Chicago & North Western 175 and plans for the restoration, or to donate to the “Revive 175” Campaign, please visit michigansteamtrain.com/revive-175.