Join Lerro Photography for two days of winter railroad photography featuring historic Soo Line 2-8-2 No. 1003 in Wisconsin. During this exclusive charter, No. 1003 will haul a mixed freight train with caboose along the scenic rail lines departing from Hartford, Wisconsin.

Our route will showcase classic Midwestern winter scenery, including snow-covered farmland, towering grain elevators, open fields, frozen lakes, and picturesque rural communities. Throughout the weekend, the train will make numerous runbys and photo opportunities designed specifically for photo charter.

What makes this event especially significant is that No. 1003 is scheduled to be removed from service at the end of 2027 for its federally mandated 15-year inspection. With the locomotive’s long-term future uncertain, this charter will not only mark its first organized winter photo event, but may also represent the final opportunity to photograph this historic locomotive during a professionally staged photo charter.

This will be a car-chasing photo charter, and all participants must be willing to assist with carpooling. Our goal is to have three to four people per vehicle to minimize the number of cars traveling between locations, particularly given the likelihood of winter weather and snow-covered roads. Carpooling will also help ensure efficient movement between photo locations and reduce congestion at photo runby sites.