Dropped by Harrison Street on the way home from work Friday to see how things were going with Milwaukee Road 261. In a word: excellent. One of the people working on the locomotive remarked, "Hey we're doing great! We have more pieces on the locomotive than on the ground."

The backhead has been painted, much of the plumbing is back in place, and things are looking good. She passed her hydro with flying colors a couple of weeks ago. And assembly is proceeding at a good clip.

They're adding an MU control stand to the cab as well. The people said they're very hopeful that they'll move under their own power this fall.

[sarcasm]...yes, I'd certainly hope they would, but, how about the locomotive?[/sarcasm]
Seriously, this is great news!

Jeff

I can't wait to see YouTube videos of her in steam. Most, if not all, are low SD quaility. I'd like to see her in person, but unless she comes to the Ohio River Valley, it's unlikely.

This is great news Doug! Thanks for keeping us updated on how every thing is going! I wish I could get down there to help out more often but work and personal life always gets in the way. Sounds like the crew is really getting some work done and it will be wonderful to see it up and running again as there was a time when we didn't even think it would ever run again!

Brandon