This autumn the "Friends of the 261" in cooperation with the "Friends of SP 4449", Amtrak and the Canadian Pacific Railway will operate fall color steam excursion trains with Southern Pacfic "Daylight" 4-8-4 steam locomotive 4449. This historic locomotive is making its first journey to the Midwest since it pull the American Freedom Train over this route in 1975. The 4449 was built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1941 to pull the Southern Pacific's famount "Daylight" trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Daylights were dubbed the "World's Most Beautiful Train" because of their brilliant red and orage colors. No. 4449 was retired in 1957 and placed on display in Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon. In 1974 it was removed from the park and returned to service in 1975 traveling the United States pulling the Freedom Train. Since the end of its Freedom Train duties No. 4449 has pulled excursions throughout the West.
On Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2009 No. 4449 will head from Minneapolis to Winona, Minnesota. After arrival in Winona, a local trip will be operated to La Crescent, Minnesota to turn the locomotive. In total, 4449 will make a 278-mile round trip each day. Enjoy high speed running behind "Super Power" steam as 4449 travels at 60-70 mph along the scenic Mississippi River as the fall colors begin their brilliant display.
All trips will include coach, first class and premium class services. Premium class includes seating in former Milwaukee Road Skytop observation "Cedar Rapids" and Super Dome car No. 53. Order your tickets now since these trips are sure to be sellouts.
Tickets are available through our online web store at https://secure.261.com/store/
