Last January, I made a calendar as far into 2016 as I could see, consisting of events that had my interest. I figure that it’s time for an update, and maybe even a look into 2017. A lot has happened, and there’s a lot more to go. As always, we’ll be updating these stores on News Wire at www.TrainsMag.com and in the pages of our magazine. If you want to catch news live, check out our noon Central Time every Friday video review of the week’s events.
July
19-24 National Railway Historical Society convention in Denver Why it matters: Lots going on in Colorado, from opening of the commuter train line to the airport, waffling freight traffic on the Moffat Route and Joint Line, etc.
23 Union Pacific’s annual Frontier Days train is supposed to run behind 4-8-4 No. 844 for the first time since 2013 when the engine was withdrawn for boiler work.
Why it matters: No. 844 is the only steam locomotive that was not retired after dieselization. It’s also the sole public excursion each year for UP. The steam crew completed a hydrostatic test in May and a steam test earlier this month. Can they do it?
26 Trains’ 20th Century Limited DVD is released in conjunction with documentarian Rich Luckin. Why it matters: 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the last run of this great American train. Details: Purchase online at https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/railroading
August 13 Big-time eastern photo spectacular Summerail moves to Marion, Ohio. Why it matters: Great train watching site and great show. Details: http://heyevent.com/event/ycjrrpgtfdorea/summerail-2016
28-31 AREMA – meeting of the MoWay folks in Orlando.
Why it matters: A chance to see what’s going on in the world of track.
September TBA Amtrak’s new president takes office. Why it matters: New leadership for the nation’s passenger carrier. 20-23 and 24-25 InnoTrans, the world’s largest railroad trade show. Why it matters: The global marketplace just gets bigger and bigger, and here’s where the new stuff starts. If you want to see 2 miles’ worth of new trains on display, there are two public days at the end of the show. Details: www.innotrans.de/en/ 27 Locomotive 2016 goes on sale. Why it matters: Great reading about motive power of today.
Fallish Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309’s anticipated debut. Why it matters: One big brute of a coal-burning, coal-hauling early 20th century-design built in 1949 comes back to life on a regular run on the famous Western Maryland main line. It will shake the ground. It will shake your soul.
Most likely an excursion with Milwaukee Road 261, the Midwest’s own 4-8-4.
Why it matters: No. 261 just keeps on going, and besides, steam in the fall is irresistible.
December
TBA CP Holiday Train. Great tradition, great fun, great music. Good cause. See you there!
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