Milw Road #261 Running

[kschmidt]

Greetings,

I was just wondering if anyone on this forum would happen to be riding behind the Milwaukee Road #261 this upcoming weekend. I was wondering if they are planning on doing any photo run-by's. Or if anyone has a more detailed schedule than what is listed on the #261 webpage. I hope to be out along the Mississippi River this upcoming weekend to see the big Milwaukee Road Northern run on rails that is probably ran on many years ago.

Thanks for any info.

Keith Schmidt
[e-mail]
www.geocities.com/kaschmidt626/index.html

[Anonymous]

I am going to splurge this weekend (Thanks to my favorite nephew) and take the trip on Saturday in the Hiawatha Tail Car.

I talked to Sutherland and there will not be any runbys' due to the amount of CP traffic.

It will be a fun trip. This is the 4th one behind the 261 for me and I can't think of a better thing on a nice COOL October weekend.



Tom
GOD BLESS THE GREAT NORTHERN

[Puckdropper]

I wish I could see it. Up in Cripple Creek, CO, they have a narrow gauge passenger railroad. I have a few good pictures and many other pictures of it. Real cool.

[dknelson]

I think I might go, Keith. Do you think it is worth my while? Here is hoping the sun cooperates.
Dave Nelson

[kschmidt]

Dave,

Well Dave if you decide to head out that way this weekend I must warn you that you might meet a couple of elderly gentlemen along the way that will make your trip miserable so you better think about it a long time

Keith

[dknelson]

You are right keith it is not a good idea
Dave

[Anonymous]

Well I had a great ride this last weeken, Sat. Oct. 4th behind the Milw. 261 on Private Car "CARITAS", orginally a 14-4 sleeper on the FRISCO Texas Special.

The trip was very enjoyable, othe than CP and Amtrak holding it to 60mph.

Amtrak #8 also stuck us for about 50 minutes due to them having brake problems(would not release) at WINONA.

Tom
GOD BLESS THE GREAT NORTHERN

[Anonymous]

chased the 261 all day sat. Took my son on his first train ride on the short trip
on sun. truly a magnificent beast !!!!!!
thank you 261,Amtrack,CP Rail, and of course the crew.
R J Brantner....

[bigboy4024]

darnet i am sitting here in germany till april and i missed a run of 261!!!!! how did she run, and how did she perform? the american that has changed german railroading forever big boy

[kschmidt]

Greetings bigboy4024,

The Milwaukee Road #261 ran flawlessly. The weather was great the entire weekend. Actually the only problem was that an Amtrak train broke down in front of the steam train. So the steam crew apparently lent a helping hand to get the diesels going. If you want I can send you some photos from the trip. Just let me know your email address.

Keith Schmidt
[e-mail]

[dknelson]

Two days of train chasing and i could still go for more! The engine gleamed black in the sun (sending everyone's light meters crazy) When we weren't admiring the 261 and its train we saw bald eagles, barges on the mighty Mississippi, locks and dams, plenty of other trains, interesting small towns, lots of baseball parks near train tracks, neat bridges, some of the most gorgeous scenery in the entire midwest with the rocky bluffs along the river, and even found an old steam era roundhouse being used as a building supply center in Wabasha MN. Problem is my camera would malfunction now and then so I did not get all the shots I wanted, I assume Keith Schmidt's Powerton Report website has or soon will have his shots. I am looking forward to them. Dropped off five rolls of slides for developing last night. I wonder if Kodak ever notices the effects of a steam weekend?

Pacing the train on Sunday was the usual hair raising experience. At one point my speedomoter showed 85 and I was even with the train, so we were a hair over amtrak speeds! (The train received special orders so it could run like an intermodel, slightly faster then the usual freight). Other times I was going 80 and the train was pulling away from me. We were going through towns with posted 40 mph speed limits but the caravan did not slow down! Thank God nobody was hurt or killed.
There you are going 80 and the car behind you is about 3 feet from your bumper -- and you notice the driver has a camcorder in his hand and is looking to his right! Ditto for the car ahead of you. Heart is in your throat. People passing you on both sides -- th shoulder and the opposing lane. Insanity. That deep whistle is blowing for every farm crossing, the smoke plume is catching the morning sun, and gorgeous shiny passenger cars (including Caritas) gleam in the morning sun. People at every crossing, folks waving at the train, and folks on the train waving back.
And this went on for mile after mile after mile.
Then coming back, a gas stop in the small town of Tomah Wisconsin -- getting dark but almost time for Amtrak #7. So we go to the small town depot and there is a crowd of locals -- old men, probably retired railroaders, checking their watches and frowning as the train is minutes late in arrival -- dads with sons, moms with kids, everyone milling around waiting for train time. Then the headlight around the bend, the train arrives, ,maybe five people get off to hugs and kisses from family. The conductor yells at us "anyone getting on board?" We shake our heads no, he yells "good night!" and off the train glides. Train time in a small town just like it must have been 75 years ago -- when an ending to a great train weekend.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Everything dknelson said I totally agree with. I live in Durand ,20 miles from two big
mainlines. Chased the 261 down the BNSF last year, and down the CP this year.
The upper miss valley makes for a stunning background. Allready planing for the
Grand Excursion celebration next summer.