This news, just posted to our news wire, is too good not to share here too. Enjoy! Jim Wrinn OWOSSO, Mich. — Southern Pacific “Daylight” 4-8-4 No. 4449 will travel to Owosso from its Portland, Ore., home this summer for a visit to TrainFestival 2009. The Amtrak-sponsored cross-country trip will operate over BNSF Railway from Portland to Minneapolis, Canadian Pacific to Chicago, Canadian National to Lansing, Mich., and Lake State Railway to Owosso. This is the first cross-country journey for the 4449, which led the 1976-1976 American Freedom Train on a nationwide tour, since it traveled from Portland to New Orleans in 1984. TrainFestival 2009 plans to operate eight locomotives under steam, and will also include vintage and modern diesel locomotives. It’s a fundraiser to keep Pere Marquette locomotive 1225 operating. No. 4449 will be at the frestival July 23-26, and will operate a special excursion July 24. Tickets will be available on the festival’s Web site, www.trainfestival2009.com/. -
I can hardly wait . I have’nt seen 4449 in nearly 20 years . I hope for even more locomotives .
Hi all, i just got an email about this yesterday and am very excited to see this loco! does anyone know what color scheme she sports now? is it the daylight one? i thought i saw something that said she had been painted black and gray. Also does anyone know if there is a chance that a Challenger or Big Boy might make an apperance? please let us know and thank you.
Chuck & Heather
The UP’s web site lists 4 trips this year for #844 (the Northern)-- SF Bay area in April, Omaha in June, Denver in July and North Platte in September, but no mention is made of any trip for the Challenger. There is no Big Boy in operating condition.
I might try to see the engine when I go to Chicago this summer. Is Milwaukee Road 261 going to Owosso as well?
4449 is in SP Daylight colors. 261 is torn down for its 15 year overhaul and wont’ be out this year. Jim
Milwaukee 261 is down for the federally mandated inspection/rebuild. Their last comment on progress that I saw indicated it was iffy that it would be back in time for its traditional fall colors tour of the Mississippi River bluffs, I think it highly unlikelty that it will be available to go to Owosso in July.
Darn, I wished 261 was going. [:(] I think that a 4449 and a 261 doubleheader would be an excellent idea. When 4449 reaches Minneapolis, I sure hope 4449 overnights in the same shed 261 is in.
I bought my ticket for the Friday Day long excursion behind 4449. Plus an hour-long trip for Sunday. With the admission ticket, it only cost 158.00. That is a great price for a huge event. Don’t cry over the locomotives that don’t show. Be happy that someone, actually several someones, want to be part of this event. 3 of the largest operating steam locomotives (each of them a movie star *), 5 others of various sizes in one event. One of the locomotives is making her public debut. Plus a visiting diesel from North Carolina. Plus a full length dome. Plus the Cedar Rapids observation car. Plus all the models. Live Steam. Other attractions. This is gonna be one heck of a show. Maybe the 261 folks can organize the next one in St. Paul, and bring in another amazing line-up of equipment.
Oh we are very happy! both my wife and i are looking forward to this very much! does one of these happen every year somewhere? like in differnt parts of the country?
Chuck & Heather.
when will she roll thrugh fargo?
I don’t know, but if you do get a scheduled time through Fargo, make sure to plan a very generous allowence either way time wise, most schedules are obsolete by the time the ink on them dries.
You gave the route. Do you know dates of travel.
It has to go through Michigan City, In. and I will start sleeping on the tracks so I will not miss it.
the route she will take will put her though minot, grandforks, fargo, and a layover in minneapolis mn where she goes from there to owasso i dont know
Does 4449 travel Amtrak routes of just freight routes?
The most logical route (would/have to) travel through Michigan City or La Porte County Indiana.
Where can I find out the schedule of the route?
#261 may not be based in St. Paul for too much longer.
Where is it going to be moved to then?
Yes this trainfest sounds excellent. I’ve signed up for a 1225 ride and am negotiating with my wife for a trip behind 4449. I visited Owosso 2 or 3 years ago with the NASG convention and rode behind Flagg Coal #75. 1225 was having an inspection done at the time. It was great to see it again since I last saw it at MSU back in 1972. Does anyone know what is going on with the Steamtown steam locomotives that were supposed to pull the train from Scranton to Stroudsburg on May 16th. I’ve booked a ride on that one as well as a couple of small rides in upstate New York with the Southern Appalachia RR.
rather see the SP&S 700…sigh
Doubleheadder anybody??