Train Festival 2009: Update

[TrainWatcher]

I am curious when the 4449 runs on the 110mph section between Porter and K-zoo just how fast they will run. This may be the one shot to see steam at high speeds. While they won't hit the full 110, I believe Doyle will let her stretch her legs through there. A runby at 80+ would be pretty thrilling to say the least.

I FORGOT but that... Porter to Kzoo at 110 because of AMTK's signal upgrades... Even at 85... WHEW BOY!!! THATS a PHOTO Opportunity there.....

[leo28150]

Until they put an ITCS box on the steamer---and I seriously doubt that will happen---fastest speed on the Michigan Line with non-ITCS-equipped trains is 79. When the ITCS is in operation, Amtrak has to get a waiver from the FRA to run a train up here without a ITCS leader; right now that isn't a problem....

[J T]

Mr. TSB,

The 4449 will be under her own power for the entire trip.
As for the "mountain of coal" SRI has discovered underneath their property a seem of perfect coal to burn in steam engines!!! They have enough for 100 years!!!! Our coal suppliers have been notified and are ready to deliver as much as necessary for the event.

DR,

I sold them that property. No coal under it and I am sure noone wants to dig up what is down there.

I HOPE this response was as tongue-in-cheek as Dane's comment.

[RailCanon]

I am curious when the 4449 runs on the 110mph section between Porter and K-zoo just how fast they will run. This may be the one shot to see steam at high speeds. While they won't hit the full 110, I believe Doyle will let her stretch her legs through there. A runby at 80+ would be pretty thrilling to say the least.

I FORGOT but that... Porter to Kzoo at 110 because of AMTK's signal upgrades... Even at 85... WHEW BOY!!! THATS a PHOTO Opportunity there.....

The line COULD handle 110 MPH, but for right now the top speed is 95 MPH on a segment near Niles. And, as Lee mentioned, that's only when the ITCS is operational.

[TSB]

Mr. TSB

I HOPE this response was as tongue-in-cheek as Dane's comment.

Oh, yes, right.

[CSX_CO]

I'm wondering if the locomotive will acutally be 'leading' or have the AMTRAK diesel in the front. I know CSX doesn't mind having a steamer deadhead on their railroad, as long as a diesel is the leading unit. There was a CP unit that went from Buffalo to Chicago a few years ago via CSX with a CP leader infront of it. They'll need pilot crews, and it is my understanding that CSX wants the CSX crews in control of the train.

Definately be an AMTRAK locomotive or two 'in consist' to provide the HEP, no?

Be interesting to see how they manage the move.

Practice Safe CSX

[railohio]

If 4449 is being operated cross-country as an Amtrak special over routes that already host Amtrak trains why wouldn't they just use Amtrak crews on it in addition to the guys necessary to babysit the teakettle?

[leo28150]

You can bet the house that if our name is on the move , there will be some of our crewmembers acting as pilots to handle the train.

Any bets that the 4449 will be leading with probably 2 of our slugs for protect and supplying HEP for the cars???

Any steam engines out there wired for HEP run-thru??

[SD80MAC]

Every Amtrak/Steam special I've seen run with 261, 3751 and others has the steam engine leading with a P42 or two behind. Don't see why this one would be any different?

[TrainWatcher]

Well I had heard of a story awhile back bout 4449 out on the old SP somwehere, it was in one of those Trains Mag "Stories". Said the 4449 counted 52 "Runs" so-to-speak, compared to a diesel which has 8. Anyway the AMTK foreman (on board) was worried bout them making a steep grade and was wondering if they should bring the diesels to help 4449 with the train.

The engineer opened her up full throttle and soared at 79 mph over the steep grade with no diesel help. The foreman was amazed...

So I think 4449 could handel her own unless there was a MAJOR problem with it.

CSX_CO... I Thought CSXT Was kinda "Anti-Steam" as they REALLY put a squeeze on all of them running on their lines.... IDK, I was really wondering the policy myself. 765 I would BET would not come CSX (I HOPE IT WOULD) and go through AA just beacuse the AA to GLC to Owasso is faster and less interchanging....

[SD80MAC]

Well I had heard of a story awhile back bout 4449 out on the old SP somwehere, it was in one of those Trains Mag "Stories". Said the 4449 counted 52 "Runs" so-to-speak, compared to a diesel which has 8. Anyway the AMTK foreman (on board) was worried bout them making a steep grade and was wondering if they should bring the diesels to help 4449 with the train.

The engineer opened her up full throttle and soared at 79 mph over the steep grade with no diesel help. The foreman was amazed...

So I think 4449 could handel her own unless there was a MAJOR problem with it.

CSX_CO... I Thought CSXT Was kinda "Anti-Steam" as they REALLY put a squeeze on all of them running on their lines.... IDK, I was really wondering the policy myself. 765 I would BET would not come CSX (I HOPE IT WOULD) and go through AA just beacuse the AA to GLC to Owasso is faster and less interchanging....

Diesels are there for liability reasons. Besides, P42's are needed to provide HEP.

[CamasChris]

I plan on riding from Portland to Spokane, Wa. It figures I leave the area and all the fun starts

[EJ&ESDM809]

Yeah, they'll probably have to have one or two Amtrak units tacked behind the 4449. Whenever I've seen any Amtrak sponsered excursion, there is always a Amtrak unit behind the steam engine. The 4449 will most likely be leading the train though. I'm curious to know if there are enough cars in Daylight colors to make a good looking Daylight trainset. Also, when they pick up 261's cars I would think those would blend in pretty well with 4449.

[sd70accsxt700]

Should be enough cars to make a daylight set. Last I seen there was 8 or 12 cars in Daylight colors. Still think the protect unit should be the PA.

[GLC 392]

getting ready for new paint. http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=277743&nseq=1

[signmasters]

I don't know if this would figure in but starting in May there is major track work between CP183 and CP190 (Dowagiac and Niles) rail replacement. With them working around Amtrak and B05 I'm not sure if that might slow the work down than there will be track restrictions speed after that I believe. I have no idea how long something like this takes or even if this would be a fact.

[sd70accsxt700]

They dont need the Amtk units for HEP. They will probilly use it but they dont need it. How do you think all the other trips years past were ran with out HEP.

[PAT.C]

4449 IS BRINGING A TRAINLOAD OF HEMP TO OWOSSO ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

WOW, I HAVE A PAIN IN MY LOWER BACK SO CAN I HAVE SOME FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES ???

[TrainWatcher]

Pat C:

Anyway in regards to Steve's Pic... I never knew she was painted that way when she was out at old MSU... I would be secure to guess that the trackwork probably does have something to do with upgrades in general if not for 4449...

[UncleRaul]

WAIT, there's going to be this crazy train going through east lansing? WHEN?