Does anyone think we should have another freedom train?
Should it be pulled by the same steam engines?
And who will to this?
The idea just popped in my head and I thought I should ask you guys.
C U All L8TER!!!
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Another American freedom train would be cool i wasent around for the last 1 back in the 70,s i think that would be ool to have another 1 of those. i wounder if the units used back in the 70,s would be useful for it. i guess well never know.
What about the 1949 Freedom Train?
We could use the 2 Olympic Torch loco’s.
T
The 4449 is alive and well and living in Portland Oregon. She was used in the West. A Reading 4-8-4 was used in the East and I do not know her status. I think the Reading engine was used in the East for clearance reasons. Those restrictions may not apply today what with clearing routes for double stack containers.
Mac
The south used a 2-10-4.I doubt if NS or CSX would allow steam excursions on their tracks now.
The 1949 Freedom Train did not use steam if I remember correctly. I think it used an Alco PA, and much of the equipment was rebuilt heavyweight with 6-wheel trucks. I thought both Freedom Trains were great, and it is the exhibits that count. Frankly, it might be better to power with matched rebuilt E-8’s and E-9’s in a slick paint scheme. This would permit servicing and operation throughout the national network, and still be a very beautiful train. Of course, an all silver train with E-5’s at the front would be even better, but that might be asking too much. But maybe not. The Nebraska Zephyr at the Illinois Railroad Museum might be the ideal train. The interior could be remodeled with the promise of a real resoration to the original beauty and configuration after the tour. Its E-5 is operational and the train is beautiful.
…I like Dave’s idea…Wonder if enough support could be pulled together now to support such an effort…It would call attention that our railroads are still here and active and serving America every day. Something many people probably don’t even realize…
How much are you willing to contribute to begin the project you siggested[?][?][?]
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Originally posted by traintownofcowee
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That would be cool to see another Freedom train. As for the Reading T1 that pulled the eastern American Freedom Train, after it ran the trains, I believe it was changed to the Chessie System Special and pulled that train, then it was in a roundhouse when it burned down, after that it was repainted to the American Freedom Train #1 and was given to the Baltimore Railroad Muesum, for I believe of the exchange of the C&O 614. So the Reading T1 is now sitting at the muesum.
I will write a letter, as a former member, to IRM at Union. It would not only be great publicity for the railroads in general, but great publicity for the Museum. Any of you who support the idea can also write them. The Nebraska Zephyr is the ideal train for the job, with many thinking that that the E5 was the most beautiful diesel ever built. I live on SS so I can’t support the project with cash, and I have do have too many local needs for what charity I can afford now. But there are plenty of foundations that should be interested in additional education of how lucky USA citizens are in the freedoms we enjoy and the history that secured those freedoms.
The address of the Illinois Railway Museum is:
P. O. Box 427, Union, IL 60180
That would be awesome. Maybe instead of the Daylight pulling it, the N & W J could, or they could be double headed, or alternate. We should have another AFT, and dedicate it in memory of 9-11.
~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~