How about the PTRA? Not that it is not busy. But just for discussion.
I’d guess that diesel in the consist is probably a condition of allowing 261 to operate on the TC&W’s line, “Just in case.” I very much doubt 261 has any trouble pulling a 13 car train by itself.
Also, if the diesel’s on the trailing end it’s most likely because there’s no place to turn 261 around and the diesel pulls the train back to the starting point. The Western Maryland Scenic’s been doing that with the 1309 excursions.
'76, you are correct about MILW E9A 32A (which is a beauty).
There is no wye or turntable on the Twin Cities & Western so 261 leads west from Minneapolis and 32A leads back.
261 “barely breaks a sweat” with 13 cars on the 30 mph railroad but it is still great to see it out on former home rails with most of the route being welded rail and all of the roadbed well-ballasted and well-maintained.
I am a donor to 261. We are fortunate to have 261 and 32A up here on the Polar Plains of Minnesota.
Absolutely! It’s a stunner! Jaw-dropping gorgeous!