Firing Up the Hanson Express!
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Michigan Flywheelers Museum to Fire Up Historic House of David Steam Locomotive No. 902 for Track Ballast Demonstration
SOUTH HAVEN, MI — Volunteers at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum will be firing up the historic Hanson Express No. 902, on Saturday, July 11, as they push to complete the final stretch of the Black River Railroad.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to watch the 15 inch grand scale steam locomotive as it pushes ballast —the stone gravel bed that stabilizes railroad ties—through the newly constructed track tunnel. The tunnel is on the final stretch of the track loop which was started three years ago.
The No. 902 locomotive—originally built in the mid-20th century to pull thousands of vacationers at the famous Eden Springs Amusement Park in Benton Harbor—was donated to the museum by local businessman Merlin Hanson. Now, it serves as the crown jewel of the museum’s ambitious Black River Railroad project.
Community members, history buffs, and train enthusiasts of all ages are invited to not only watch the engine in motion, but to jump right in along side the track crew to help spread and pack the stone ballast under and around the track. No prior railroad or construction experience is required to help out. Volunteers will be on-site to demonstrate track construction.
Participants looking to help lay ballast should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and work clothes. Work gloves are highly recommended.� The special event marks only the second time the iconic engine has been started up for the public to see in the last 50 years.
“Firing up the House of David engine is an incredible unique experience that few people get to see in modern times,” says Patrick Ingalls, president of the Michigan Flywheelers Museum. “We wanted to share this special event with the community that has supported this project.”
Located east of South Haven, the Michigan Flywheelers Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of antique gas and steam engines, tractors, and historic farm machinery. Spanning over 80 acres, the museum features operational historical displays, a 1920s "Olde Town," and special events.
The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located at 06285 68th Street, South Haven, MI. For more information/updates contact [email protected], 269-639-2010 or Facebook.
SOUTH HAVEN, MI — Volunteers at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum will be firing up the historic Hanson Express No. 902, on Saturday, July 11, as they push to complete the final stretch of the Black River Railroad.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to watch the 15 inch grand scale steam locomotive as it pushes ballast —the stone gravel bed that stabilizes railroad ties—through the newly constructed track tunnel. The tunnel is on the final stretch of the track loop which was started three years ago.
The No. 902 locomotive—originally built in the mid-20th century to pull thousands of vacationers at the famous Eden Springs Amusement Park in Benton Harbor—was donated to the museum by local businessman Merlin Hanson. Now, it serves as the crown jewel of the museum’s ambitious Black River Railroad project.
Community members, history buffs, and train enthusiasts of all ages are invited to not only watch the engine in motion, but to jump right in along side the track crew to help spread and pack the stone ballast under and around the track. No prior railroad or construction experience is required to help out. Volunteers will be on-site to demonstrate track construction.
Participants looking to help lay ballast should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and work clothes. Work gloves are highly recommended.� The special event marks only the second time the iconic engine has been started up for the public to see in the last 50 years.
“Firing up the House of David engine is an incredible unique experience that few people get to see in modern times,” says Patrick Ingalls, president of the Michigan Flywheelers Museum. “We wanted to share this special event with the community that has supported this project.”
Located east of South Haven, the Michigan Flywheelers Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of antique gas and steam engines, tractors, and historic farm machinery. Spanning over 80 acres, the museum features operational historical displays, a 1920s "Olde Town," and special events.
The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located at 06285 68th Street, South Haven, MI. For more information/updates contact [email protected], 269-639-2010 or Facebook.
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Where is it happening?
06285 68th St, South Haven, MI, United States, Michigan 49090
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherMichigan Flywheelers Museum
