Friends of the 1356 is a nonprofit organization in the State of Montana, 501(c)3 pending, whose mission is to support the cosmetic restoration and preservation of Northern Pacific Railway steam engine 1356, its history and stories in the Missoula community.

Mike Seitz and Jeannine Nixon are the group’s organizers.

Mike has many years’ experience working with antique engines and steam engines. He is the president of the Missoula branch of the Western Montana Antique Power Association, the Western Montana Chapter of the National Railway Historical Association, and was as far back as 2004 involved with the 1356 as the person who worked with the city to organize and execute a clean up and maintenance of the engine, including shoveling out a copious quantity of Mt. St. Helens ash.

Jeannine’s interest is in the history of the engine and its importance to the community, preserving that history and the stories surrounding the engine. Her father was railroad photographer Ron Nixon, who was an advocate of the 1356. His photographs of the 1356 have been made available for this project. 

We are currently seeking to add to our board members, and will post that information when it’s finalized.