Woo-Hoo.... Woooo-Woooo.... Choo-Choo.....

I am a fan of old stuff, especially the Steam Locomotives. A couple of days ago, I discovered a very thin reference on the INet that this coal fired locomotive was scheduled for a trip from Minneapolis to Milwaukee on June 21.
I could not find any corroboration in the Media or elsewhere, but I took the chance and waited on the tracks under Mounds Bluff this morning. By 10AM I was almost ready to give it up when ...




The locomotive slowed as it approached....



...and stopped directly across from me. I couldn't believe it.
I could see one of the men in the cab talking on a radio.
Apparently, they needed to wait for about 5 mins. for clearance.



This must be the Steam Locomotive equivalent of Releasing the Parking Brake, because immediately after this blast of steam,



the engine started chuffing and shooting balls of smoke and steam into the air...



...as it slowly accelerated down the tracks!

Do not pass up a chance to see this in person!


Engine 261 is currently housed in Minneapolis (somewhere close to the U), and will be returning in a few days. She makes occasional unscheduled trips to various destinations around the country. She is well maintained, and should be around for a long time.
Another Steam Locomotive is currently being restored at the Jackson St Roundhouse.



"The 261 was manufactured in July of 1944 by American Locomotive Company's (ALCO) Schenectady, NY facility. The Milwaukee Road used this 4-8-4 engine for various routes over its 10 years of service. In 1954, the 261 was retired to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI. In late 1991, North Star Rail, headed by Steve Sandberg, negotiated a lease arrangement with the museum to restore and run the 261. In September of 1992, the 261 was towed to Minneapolis for the start of its restoration. The 261 was ready to be fired up for the first time in 39 years on July 30, 1993."
http://www.geocities.com/farmengines/261Page01.html

And can never seem to get a good shot of them. These are great. Especially the first two shots. The steam is perfect in the first, and the conductor's orange clothing really draws the eye in the second. Well done!
:applause:

http://www.261.com/ "Friends of the 261"

I'd be willing to bet that they'd love your photos.

It's in Milwaukee today and for the next three days, running excursions and stuff.

Bravo!:toast:

I love trains too, and these shots are GREAT!!! :)

I was recently in narrow gauge country in Colorado. I used to live across from the narrow gauge gold train that ran to Cripple Creek. On the final run, the train stopped and the engineer brought a photograph of train and crew signed by all the crew across the road to me.

On another note, anyone near Sacramento should stop in at the train museum in West Sacramento. I was there for the opening many moons ago. It's a fine museum.