The Milwaukee Road #261 website is back on line (Thanks, Doug!!) and is available at www.261,com for ordering tickets for the May 21 and 22, 2005 roundtrip from Minneapolis Junction to Duluth and return. Super Dome #53 will make its first trip behind the steam locomotive on these dates. Premium class (Dome and Skytop) seating is almost sold-out as of this writing. Coach (adult) is $129.00 - (children 3-14) is $89.00. First class is $229.00 and premium is $329.00.

The website also offers tickets on a diesel excursion the evening of May 21 which will include the Dome #53 and Skytop #186 on the North Shore Scenic RR, the former DM&IR lakefront line between Duluth and Two Harbors.

This trip is being operated in conjunction with Amtrak, BNSF and the Lake Superior Railroad museum. There will be an Amtrak diesel along to satisfy the operating contract and to provide HEP for the trailing consist.

This appears to be the first mainline steam excursion of the year and may very well be one of the few to operate this year. As it will be necessary to trip-lease Amtrak compatible coaches and first class cars for the trip, I would suggest making reservations early so you are not disappointed. It will not be simple to provide additional equipment to accommodate last minute passengers. I hope all of you turn out to support this operation. Thanks.

Don C.