Laona and Northern Railway facts for kids
Laona and Northern No. 4, 1960s era
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Laona, Wisconsin |
| Reporting mark | LNO |
| Locale | Northeastern Wisconsin |
| Dates of operation | 1902-present– |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Length | 8 mi (1902-1983) 1.2 mi (1983-) |
The Laona and Northern Railway (its special code is LNO) is a fun heritage railroad located in Laona, Wisconsin. A heritage railroad means it's a train line that helps keep old trains and railway history alive for everyone to enjoy!
The Railway's Early Days
The Laona and Northern Railway started way back in 1902. It was created for a company called R. Connor Company, which was based in Marshfield, Wisconsin. This company needed a way to move lots of wood.
The main job of this railway was to carry lumber from the forests to the company's big mill in Laona. After the wood was processed at the mill, the trains would then take it about 8 miles north to a place called Laona Junction. At Laona Junction, the lumber could be transferred to another, bigger train line called the Soo Line, which would carry it to other towns and cities.
From Steam to Diesel Power
For many years, the railway used powerful steam locomotives. These are the classic trains you might imagine, with smoke coming from their chimneys and a loud whistle.
In the mid-1950s, the Laona and Northern Railway started using newer, more modern diesel engines. Diesel engines are powered by fuel, similar to how a car works, and they are often more efficient.
Even though they switched to diesel, the company decided to keep one special steam locomotive. This was Engine No. 4, also known as "4 Spot." They kept it just in case they needed extra power, or sometimes they used it to burn weeds that grew along the tracks!
A New Journey for Engine No. 4
By 1965, Engine No. 4 was still busy! The Connor Company started using it for "mixed trains." This means the train carried both goods (like lumber) and passengers. People could hop on for a fun two-and-a-half-hour ride to Laona Junction.
In 1983, the Connor Company made a wonderful gift. They gave the Laona and Northern No. 4 locomotive to the Camp 5 historical society. A historical society is a group that works to preserve and share history.
Today, this amazing steam engine still pulls the "Lumberjack Steam Train." It takes visitors on an exciting trip to the Camp Five Museum, where people can learn all about the history of logging and trains in the area. It's a great way to see history come alive!
