Yo, steam fans, are you aware of what's happening in the midwest this summer? Friends of the 261 have announced steam trips starting June 20 through July 4. Some are connected with the NRHS national convention which is in Minneapolis-St. Paul from June 22- July 4. The Grand Excursion is also going on at the same time with steam river boats all over the twin cities area (in the river of course). On July 3rd the 261 will operate double-headed with CP Hudson 2816. Friends of 261 have e-orders for tickets on their site. I just ordered mine. A few weeks later the Ohio Central is having their annual Trainfest. This year, the Pere Marquette 1225 berk and hopefully the NKP 765 will be joining OC's other steamers for this event, running from July 29 (I think) through August 4, with all kinds of steam trips. (wish there was a graemlin that showed drooling). Normally I put links on these messages. If anyone is interested, let me know. OC also has e-ticketing. Just get on google and search for Trainfest 2004. This is going to be quite a summer for steam.
Where will the 261 be running? On what tracks? They once had a friendly relationship with the Wisconsin Central. But now those rails are CN, where can they go? Boxcab E50
Ken, I am not sure who owns the tracks for each of the trips, but they are going all over the place. Sunday, June 20 Minneapolis to Milwaukee (AHA, via CP it says), Tuesday 22 Milwaukee to Chicago, CP, Friday 25, Chicago to Rock Island, BNSF and Iowa Interstate, Saturday 26, Davenport to Savanna, IL, RT, IC&E, Sunday 27 Rock Island to Bureau, IL, RT, Iowa Interstate, Monday 28, Davenport to Dubuque, IC&E, Tuesday 29, Dubuque to La Crosse, WI, C&E and CP, Wednesday 30, La Crosse to Minneapolis, BNSF. Whew! Once they get to the twin cities, the fun starts. Friday, July 2, St. Paul and return via Trempealeau, WI and Winona, MN, "circle trip", BNSF and CP. Saturday, July 3, St. Paul to La Crescent, MN, RT, CP, Double headed with CP 2816, which may be why CP is so cooperative. On Sunday, July 4, Several short Minn-St. Paul round trips will be run, BNSF and CP. The 2816 is going to be in the twin city area for a while, maybe getting some shop work done?? All this info from the Friends of the 261.
