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The 261 Makes Some History
https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26138
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Author:  Schuylkill Valley [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  The 261 Makes Some History

This was copied from Trainorders.com
I feel we over here should see it too.
Len.

Date: September 16, 2008 14:50
The 261 Makes Some History
Author: train671
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The 261 just completed it's final trips of the year and achieved a real
"milestone"......operating steam 15 years in a row. Lots of hard work involved
with this "milestone" including the "blood, sweat and perhaps a few tears" along the way but having seen the 261 run each year for the past ten years is
just an amazing feat. I had the pleasure to ride both of the trips this past
weekend and though there were some rain drops along the way and lots of clouds
too, it was so enjoyable to see ALL the smiles on board the train on the faces
of the passengers and the crew not to mention the many folks along the way who
chased and were just fortunate enought to see some "railroad history" pass by.

It has been mentioned the 261 will be going through some pretty significant
work with a boiler overhaul, the wheels will be removed and shipped to an outside contractor to be turned and the list goes on. The estimated costs to
bring the engine "back to life" is approaching $500,000. If you love live steam
and have chased or ridden the 261 please consider sending a contribution to ensure the 261 operates for the "SIXTEENTH YEAR" in a row. I just sent my
check to the friends. If everyone on this Trainorders site sent just a $10
check to the "Friends of the 261" it would go along way to "making it happen."

Below is the address to send any level contribution you deem appropriate:

Friends of the 261
4322 Lakepoint Court
Shoreview, MN 55126

By the way, I am not part off the crew or organization but rather just a very
appreciate fan of the 261 and all of "it's magic."

Author:  Steven Ashley [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The 261 Makes Some History

While I must admit that the 261 is not one of my favorite steam locomotives, I respect the Friends of 261 for being able to keep a 4-8-4 in steam in 2008 and am thankful they have been able to continue to operate where as mainline steam here in the southeast has been non-existent for the last 14 years.

I have not been able to see the 261 operate in person myself, but hopefully will get the chance, bearing that nothing catastrophic is found during the overhaul over the course of the coming year.

Best of wishes with the 261 overhaul and I look forward to hopefully hearing news of her return to steam in 2009 and beyond.

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