Here is the history of the unit from the Friends of 261 web page:
https://261.com/2020/07/26/2020-summer-northern-lines/
CSSHEGEWISCHSince Amtrak's management did not have a crystal ball, they selected a fleet based on their needs at the time. Stainless steel construction was preferred, which placed the MILW equipment lower on the list.
I think it had more to do with standardization on Budd and Pullman vs Stainless Steel and the standardization also went to limit floor plans. So that they were more compatible with a computerized reservation system as well as a common pool of spare parts.
Since Amtrak's management did not have a crystal ball, they selected a fleet based on their needs at the time. Stainless steel construction was preferred, which placed the MILW equipment lower on the list.
BaltACDThe video stated it was built for the MILW in 1956 - if that is infact the case, I suspect it was bought to handle the City trains for the UP when MILW got them from the CNW.
Probably, that whole story was a shame on how it turned out. Milwaukee came more a partner with SP than UP after the BN merger. So it didn't lose completely but still the UP not following up with a large freight haulage contract was a shame.
So was Amtrak's almost wholesale rejection of Milwaukee's passenger equipment.
CMStPnP NP Eddie Was the locomotive on of the last E-9's that the MILW purchased without steam generators, mainly for commuter service? It was sourced from WSOR which I think got it from Scenic Rail Dining which I believe got the E-9 from the reserve METRA Commuter fleet, I don't know if it was ordered for that fleet you would have to look that up. It has HEP.
NP Eddie Was the locomotive on of the last E-9's that the MILW purchased without steam generators, mainly for commuter service?
It was sourced from WSOR which I think got it from Scenic Rail Dining which I believe got the E-9 from the reserve METRA Commuter fleet, I don't know if it was ordered for that fleet you would have to look that up. It has HEP.
The video stated it was built for the MILW in 1956 - if that is infact the case, I suspect it was bought to handle the City trains for the UP when MILW got them from the CNW.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
261 has relatively frequent excursions on the Twin Cities & Western.
261 typically leads westbound, and as there are no turning facilities on thr TC&W, the train is usually towed back to Minneapolis Junction.
32A will look great leading the eastbound moves.
BaltACDUnique horn placement. Is the fan in the steam generator location for dynamic braking or to cool the HEP generator?
It has HEP. I don't think it has dynamic brakes. The horns I do not think are a Milwaukee Road placement. Either METRA, WSOR or Friends of 261 relocated them. Milwaukee placed it's E-9 horns on the cab roof.
NP EddieWas the locomotive on of the last E-9's that the MILW purchased without steam generators, mainly for commuter service?
Unique horn placement. Is the fan in the steam generator location for dynamic braking or to cool the HEP generator?
The "Friends Of The 261" organization is a class act! That E9 is stunning!
And yes, I saw the Hiawatha emblem! Nice touch, very nice touch!
The paint scheme is growing on me as I did not see the MILW maroon after 1955. Was the locomotive on of the last E-9's that the MILW purchased without steam generators, mainly for commuter service?
They wanted a custom paint job to match the rest of their Hiawatha cars. Look carefully and you can see the Hiawatha Indian emblem in gold towards the rear of the locomotive in the lower orange band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au-O-Q-fUcc
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