BS&GEC Railroad on the Grounds

BS&GEC has had railroad ambitions for many years. Around 2013 a Railroad Committee was formed and did lots of work to bring railroad to BS&GEC grounds. You can see BS&GEC Historical Railroad Information below. This committee procured 1800’ of rail among many other items. Their endeavor did not come to tuition because of the difficulty of finding a steam engine and funds. 

On September 22 2024 The Railroad on BS&GEC grounds became a reality with the arrival of a WWII 20 ton Witcom Switch Engine.  The standard gauge (4’8.5”) engine is named Rosie after Rosie the Riveter. Built in 1941 for the US Army Corp of Engineers. She was built with a 6 cylinder Gas engine using chain driven wheels. The Army used it in Burma in WWII.

After the war the engine worked in a banana plantation in South America. In 1950 the engine was sold to Dresser Industries in Muskegon Heights MI. They effected many changes. Largest one was converting it to LP, hence the 500G LP tank in the cab when she arrived.  When Dresser switched from rail transport in favor of trucking the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society (MRHS) came to the rescue. In 1989 MRHS ended rail operations and sold the engine to Brad Anderson for use as a yard switcher for Coopersville & Marne Railway in MI.

Chaze Meade working in Michigan heard of Rosie and found funding to buy her.  With his persistence he coordinated trucking to bring her to the grounds on September 22 2024. Placing Rosie on our club’s rail, and donated ties and ballast. At present the club has not incurred any costs.

She currently has a seized drive motor.  However there are cummings or murphy diesel motor options along with a new torque converter. She needs new paint.  The plan is to remove the radiator, motor cover and cab to sandblast and paint this winter.  The current engine can then be replaced.  The time frame is to have her running by our 2025 show.

Follow her restoration on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/people/BSGE-Railroad/61570313138819/

Any questions or comments may be sent to the Railroad Committee.

Address:

P.O. Box 329,
Baraboo, WI 53913

Email: Railroad@badgersteamandgas.com 

BS&GEC Railroad Committee

• Steve Roudebush
• Tanner Brethorst
• Robert Matson
• Chaz Meade
• Rob Brinkman
• Tyler Roudebush

BS&GEC Railroad Historical Information

• 2013 Railroad Project
• Narrow Gauge in Wisconsin
• From 2013 First Proposed Track Layout