I just checked out a bunch of the websites containing information and all the truly wonderful pictures that have been posted of 4449. I've come in on a lot of this story a little late,it seems, and would like to have more information. I've read the posts detailing the many problems with getting 4449 very far east but I'm wondering if there are any plans to take her out of the Pacific northwest and how close any of the appearances may be to Ohio? I'd love for my daughters to have the once in a lifetime experience of seeing an American Freedom Train on tour, but going to Washington or Oregon is just financially unfeasable. Any information would be appreciated. I've just read up on the history of the Freedom Trains and think it would be a real morale booster for the country. Wish I'd known about this in '76 but I was living in Way-Up-In-The-Booniesville, Wisconsin and we never heard a word of it. Such a shame the FA from the 1947 train was scrapped, and that others had such unlucky fates, we should have remembered them better. Still, those that were well kept left a lasting mark and I'd like to see 4449 well loved and remembered for her contribution to American Spirit. And I'd like to see the light in my daughters' eyes to see living history.

Just Train Crazy,

-Angie

Ladypardus@cs.com

At this time we have no plans for future operations, as we can't find insurance. We cleaned her running gear yesterday, and sealed it up in cosmolene.

She's all dressed up with no place to go.

It would be sad to have the 4449 go out of steam the way she came in, wearing AFT paint.

And it's a shame that this possible last run has had so much negative press from the people who claim to be "railfans".

Smokebox

> And it's a shame that this possible last run
> has had so much negative press from the
> people who claim to be "railfans".

Everything I've seen about the trip has been very favorable. Am I missing something?

Also, curious about your comments about not being able to get insurance and the applicability of that situation to SP&S 700 (upcoming October trip). Why could they operate and not 4449? Is that a last trip until further notice situation too?

Link to Article
hkading@rypn.org

The SP&S 700 trip is a "locomotive for hire", thus they aren't providing the insurance, the tour operator is. As far as I know, the Portland to Sandpoint (?) run is a dead head move only. The tour operator's policy may infact be multi-year, or the minimum requirement the host railroad is asking for is such that it allows for a trip to be run with a projected profit. A check on ticket prices will show you that these aren't $65.00 rides.

The "negative press" was on one of the other boards, and it boils down to the fact that we contracted with a high end video company who used a helicopter to chase the train, thus "ruining" some pictures the ROW photographers wanted. The video companies history goes back to when the SP contracted with them to do a video of the RF 91 run, and later they did a contract with us in 98. Proceeds from the sale of these videos has always gone to the locomotive, and the video company has always sent us a check, no matter how small, when they've sold 4449 tapes. The two previous tapes have also been show on PBS, and were regulars during "pledge drives".

Smokebox

I hope you folks are NOT going to let the opinions of the disgruntled FEW negate all that work and planning. There were literally thousands along the way that totally enjoyed the experience!


lamontdc@adelphia.net

Gents:

Regarding the SP&S 700 Sandpoint ID--Billings MT roundtrip in October.

The Tour operator, Rail Quest aka Montana Rockies Railtours and its forbears, has been operating passenger excursions since the mid 1990's. These excursions have settled over the last few years into a weekly weekend operation, much along the lines of the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada.

MRRT pays Montana Rail Link leases on the locomotives, pays full operating crew expenses and an additional per mile fee. With all this, they still appear to be able to pay the bills. The company owns (or has long term financing) for most of its passenger equipment.

With the 700 excursions in October, there is certainly a tremendous amount of risk, but the operator has succeeded thus far because people pay a considerable amount for the experience of riding in the style of the streamliner era. The company has also worked out a successful formula for customer service that keeps 'em coming. Yes seats are running in the $1400+ range, but I know that one (of three!) dome cars has already been reserved.

Because of the working relationship between the operator and host railroad, this could well happen again, or with different engines. (so, unless there is some reason for 4449 not to hire out maybe 4449 could visit in 2003?)

The equipment on the SP&S excursions in 2001 was provided by Montana Rockies Rail Tours, so it is quite possible for passengers to be carried on the Portland-Spokane leg of the run--it will be a matter for the 700 organization to resolve.

There is rumor of another large steamer to be running hereabouts (Montana) sometime this summer, but I've not heard anything solid about it just yet.

Michael Seitz
Missoula MT

> The SP&S 700 trip is a "locomotive
> for hire", thus they aren't providing
> the insurance, the tour operator is. As far
> as I know, the Portland to Sandpoint (?) run
> is a dead head move only. The tour
> operator's policy may infact be multi-year,
> or the minimum requirement the host railroad
> is asking for is such that it allows for a
> trip to be run with a projected profit. A
> check on ticket prices will show you that
> these aren't $65.00 rides.

> The "negative press" was on one of
> the other boards, and it boils down to the
> fact that we contracted with a high end
> video company who used a helicopter to chase
> the train, thus "ruining" some
> pictures the ROW photographers wanted. The
> video companies history goes back to when
> the SP contracted with them to do a video of
> the RF 91 run, and later they did a contract
> with us in 98. Proceeds from the sale of
> these videos has always gone to the
> locomotive, and the video company has always
> sent us a check, no matter how small, when
> they've sold 4449 tapes. The two previous
> tapes have also been show on PBS, and were
> regulars during "pledge drives".

> Smokebox


SP&S 700 Montana Excursions
mikefrommontana@juno.com