Historic Simpson locomotive

Rain pelted sideways inside Simpson Lumber Company's former Stillwater yard as Corry Wheeler activated the windshield wipers on a 900-horse-power diesel electric locomotive that has traveled Simpson tracks since 1954.

Wheeler smiled. "Hey, it even works!" he exclaimed.

"OK, let's go back and grab the caboose," said Dale Campbell with the Peninsular Railway and Lumbermen's Museum.

Along with a handful of fellow volunteers, their task that day was to find out whether Locomotive 900 is in suitable shape to transport passengers during the annual Easter Bunny Special event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for kids.

Attendees can get their photo taken with the Easter bunny, enjoy hot chocolate, collect eggs, and get a temporary tattoo - and of course ride in a restored caboose behind a restored locomotive.

Saturday's trip around the yard at 6 or 7 mph was Locomotive 900's first spin on this part of the track in about 30 years, Campbell said. The new propulsion is made possible by the purchase of new batteries courtesy of a $3,500 Mason County Heritage grant.

"This is a true museum restoration," Campbell said.

The locomotive had last moved about a year ago, with the help of a rented generator. "We had to jumpstart it, which isn't easy to do," Campbell said.

The locomotive was pulling another historic vehicle, the restored Caboose 1201. The locomotive successfully made the loop around the yard.

"It looks fine to me," Campbell said.