description Milwaukee Road 261 Overview
Milwaukee Road 261 is a preserved 4-8-4 Northern steam locomotive built in 1944 for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, commonly called the Milwaukee Road. Designed for fast passenger service, it later became an excursion locomotive operated by the nonprofit Friends of the 261. Based in Minneapolis, it is used for public and private mainline trips when authorized.
help Milwaukee Road 261 FAQ
When was Milwaukee Road 261 built?
Milwaukee Road 261 was built in 1944 by the American Locomotive Company. It is an S3-class 4-8-4 Northern steam locomotive.
What does the 4-8-4 wheel arrangement mean on Milwaukee Road 261?
The notation means four leading wheels, eight large driving wheels, and four trailing wheels. That arrangement helped locomotive 261 handle long, fast passenger excursion trains.
Who operates Milwaukee Road 261 today?
The preservation organization Friends of the 261 operates the locomotive in excursion service. The group also owns passenger cars painted in Milwaukee Road's historic maroon and orange colors.
When did Milwaukee Road 261 return to excursion service?
After restoration and an FRA inspection, No. 261 returned to operation in 1993. Its first public excursions took place on September 18 and 19 of that year.
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