Chaski Railfan

But what average John or Jane Q. Railfan has three grand to spare for such an excursion? I sure don't.

2719 ran on the Wisconsin Central, while the Soo Line 1003 has found a haven on the Wisconsin and Southern (confound you, Canadian National...) Still, this is good news. I hope Eau Claire works out a lease arrangement with the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

Article is not behind paywall:

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/04/12-big-boy-excursion-tickets-details-3000-for-coach-5000-for-dome

The coach seating had better be exceptional for a passenger to pony up three grand for a coach seat.

They will doubtless have a "canteen" car or two along as well.

Unfortunately, Mark, I think this can only apply to Union Pacific, since they own not only their steam engines but also the lines they operate on. Outside groups like the Friends of the 261, while they own their engines, do not own the lines they operate on. Does that make sense?

Federal Railroad Administration says Union Pacific does not need waivers yet:

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/02/28-fra-says-up-doesnt-need-wavier-to-run-steam-11000-miles-in-2019

Mark, I was referring to the old Rock Island Spine Line, which runs from the Iowa border to Albert Lea to St. Paul in Minnesota, and the old Omaha Road's main line, which runs from St. Paul to Mankato and points southwest in MN. Both were long owned by the Chicago and North Western before Union Paci...

Robert, could the 4014 even traverse the old Rock Island and Omaha? I would hope so, but the "Big" in "Big Boy" might nix that.
Darn it Uncle Pete, couldn't you have upgraded all of the old Chicago and North Western to accept your steam fleet when you bought the C&NW in 1995?

I was very impressed by this little production, and the life lessons Mr. Bush imparted. I was particularly struck by his decision to get involved with the Cumbres & Toltec after breaking his hip in his twenties, realizing "You do not have to be old to be dead," and that it was high tim...

I am afraid I have no specifics, but I wager the Golden Spike 150th has a lot to do with Union Pacific's passenger car fleet being needed for other trips, especially with Big Boy 4014 making her debut this year in honor of the Golden Spike turning 150.

No speculation has come out so far, Millhouse, but a Denver news station asked Union Pacific for comment. Their reply is informative regarding their steam plans for 2019:

https://www.kgwn.tv/content/news/Denver-Post-Cheyenne-Frontier-Days-Train-to-stop-running-504705541.html

Article is not behind paywall:

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/01/21-end-of-the-line-for-cheyenne-frontier-days-train

Drat. I wanted to ride this train someday.

Article not behind paywall:

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/01/11-friends-of-the-261-acquiring-milwaukee-road-e9

Will this E-unit help the Friends open up new excursion markets?

An update on this incident (article is not behind paywall):

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/12/19-trucker-with-monon-50-on-board-says-pilot-car-took-a-wrong-turn-copy

The Indiana Transportation Museum sure has had a cursed year (article not behind paywall): http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/12/14-monons-first-diesel-decapitated-in-trucking-accident This SW1 was the first diesel the Monon bought. Hurts to see her in such shape if you ask me. Hope they repa...