Milwaukee Road 261 will be on the move this week

Trains Magazine Steam & Preservation
1

This is the week that 4-8-4 #261’s trip to Milwaukee will take place, rescheduled from June due to the floods at that time.

http://www.railserve.com/events/railfan_excursions.html has information.

On wednesday August 13 261 and train will make its way from Minneapolis to Milwaukee, with stops scheduled at Red Wing, Winona, La Crosse, Tomah, Wisconsin Dells, Portage, and Columbus – essentially an Amtrak-like schedule.

Friday night, Aug. 15 there will be a round trip to Sturtevant WI and back to Milwaukee. Given the shorter days the return trip is likely to be in the dusk and not great for photography. Which is not to say we won’t be out there trying!

Saturday and Sunday Aug 16-17 are round trips from Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells and back.

On Tuesday Aug 19 261 returns to the Twin Cities from Milwaukee.

There are some fall excusions in Minnesota planned for 261 in September, but after that the engine is due to be torn down for flue replacement and other mandatory maintenance.

Dave Nelson

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I heard it go through Pewaukee earlier tonight.

Does anyone know where they are keeping it overnight?

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Does anyone know the schedule for the dinner train trips on Friday? I’m wondering if I will have time to get to Milwaukee from Chicago in time to possibly ride.

Thanks for any info provided.

Tom

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Look on the www.261.com website for details and tickets.

5

My understanding is that it is due to leave the downtown depot area around 6 pm. Friday. If prior history holds, it should take a while to turn on the wye at Sturtevant. In prior years it got back downtown after 8 pm. CP Scanner frequency 160.770 should give you all the info you need although there might also be some info on 161.520

Dave Nelson

6

Thanks for the info Dave. I am going leave work early and try to get up there in time to ride,if not sold out. If it is ,then I guess I’ll get a couple of pics on my way back to Chi. Thanks for the radio info also,it might come in handy.

Tom