(Owosso, MI - 2/27/09) TrainFestival 2009 is excited to announce that 7 operating steam locomotives have signed contracts to attend America’s Largest Railroading Event in 2009. This July tens of thousands of railroad enthusiasts from around the world will travel to the town of Owosso, Michigan. Along with these 7 operating steam locomotives will be diesel locomotives, train rides, huge model train layouts, miniature train rides, caboose rides, railroad vendors, cab tours, food, family fun and much more.

Newly added to the website is a list and description of the 7 operating steam locomotives as well as tickets for a night photo session and your hand on the throttle. A limited number of photographers will have the chance to photograph all of the trains after dark with special flash lighting. If you are into photography, you will want a ticket to this special event. Space is limited to the first 50 people. A special ticket will be required. They are available on the website.

If it has been your dream to run a steam locomotive, your chance is now! Flagg Coal Company 0-4-0 #75 steam locomotive will be letting visitors to the festival pull the throttle, run the locomotive, blow the whistle, shovel coal and ring the bell. Let everyone at the festival see you in the engineer’s seat! Tickets and time slots are available on the website. Tickets will sell out fast and are first come, first serve.

Visit http://www.trainfestival2009.com for more information and to purchase your tickets.

Well, geez, thanks for telling us which ones!

They can be found here:

http://www.trainfestival2009.com/event-attractions.php

Of course, we all expected PM 1225, Flagg Coal 75, and NKP 765. The others are somewhat of a surprise, including the "newest steam loco" in the nation!

No kidding! I didn't even know it was finished yet.

Thanks for posting!

I am not sure, but I think the photo on the SRI page of "Leviathan" is a Photoshopped pic of the Jupiter with its "old" paint job.

Steve

Well said... The background scenery is definitely more Utah than urban West Chicago, but since Leviathan hasn't quite come together enough, a work in progress photo wouldn't wow the crowds as much as this "stand in."

Since the website of the 63 project gives no information beyond the work in progress, does anyone know why this engine is being built? Is there an intended mission? I think she would look nice at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, IL, but since the NPS isn't funding it, they probably wouldn't feature her for a long stay. Does the FRA even have a policy on "new heritage" equipment, to allow her to run, even alongside 20th Century steamers? This will make for an interesting story when she finds her place.

Just a reminder ---- this is just the steamers. Remember also that diesels will
include FP-7 #6133 from Spencer (NCTM), at least two-ex AA (now painted GLC) GP-35's (on ALCO trucks from FA's no less), and possibly something from RailAmerica (still waiting to hear about this). This doesn't include GLC's or our GE 25 ton units either.

All-tolled, your talking about 12 loco's in and out of the event at different times, and by my count, six manufacturers. Many thanks to everyone who is helping us to make this happen!

Sincerely,

TJG

Not to over simplify, but the Leviathan is being built because her owner wanted to...Seriously. Some build 1.5" to 12" live steam, he chose to go 1:1. He even went so far as to get his own "S" stamp after he became unhappy with the work being done by code shops.

Yes, Steve's observation was correct. The photo is the Jupiter photoshopped to the Leviathan. They are just waiting on the weather to clear before they take her out. Look for that in the next few weeks. (This winter has lasted long enough!!!) Once they get it outside, a builders photo will be taken and we will replace the image on the site. For now, that is what she'll look like. I just love a funnel stack!

FYI since adding the night photo tickets last week, nearly all of them have been sold. It is a shame that we can't fit more photographers in.

The "Run a Steam Locomotive" tickets have been hot as well with quite a few sold. I am sure neither of these will last very long.

With the all-day tickets getting close to sell out and one-hour trips starting to pick up, things are looking very good as far as attendance. We started to get a little worried last October, but so far we have not seen any sign of the recession effecting the event. I guess people want to spend a little less than say ... go to Disney! That's good for the industry.

Jason

Jason,

Quick question about the proposed Amtrak trip coming in from Chicago: Will that be a chartered train with all Amtrak equipment, or include some privately owned cars with a pair of P42s?

So I think Leviathan answers all those questions about whether we will/can build "new" steam locomotives in the U.S.!

Help!

The hourly train ride tickets are specific to a time, but the description leaves the steam/diesel option open. What if you wish to ride behind a specific engine?

Here is how the trains will be pulled: All hourly trips will run behind Little River Railroad 4-6-2 #110. The Saturday all day trip will be behind Pere Marquette 4-8-2 #1225 and Sunday all day trip will be behind Nickel Plate Road 4-8-2 #765. Both the all-day trips will have photo runbys. The hourly trips will be roughly 45 mintues round trip, no photo runbys. (They leave on the hour)

There will be no trips behind the other locomoitves. They will be on display chugging around the event. The Flagg Coal 0-4-0 #75 will be available for "hand on the throttle". (Tickets are selling out quickly for that as over half of the time slots have sold in the last 5 days since putting the tickets on sale)

I hope this helps.

Jason Johnson
http://www.trainfestival2009.com

So, does this mean that 1225 & 765 will be backing up on their trips?...................:)
(Sorry, I just couldn't resist)