Not sure if there will be any discernable end to the current tensions in this country, but in the spirit of patriotism, here's an idea.
A new "Freedom train", just like those before it-
touring the country, powered by steam. There was something seriously American about that train, I could feel it even at 13 years old.
The awesome power of mainline steam would be up-lifting, and rejuvenate optimism for our future.
Just a thought.

sjhussar@aol.com

Adding more to that thought ..... if this ever did happen it would be awesome to see the Southern Pacific Daylight # 4449 or the Reading Company T-1 # 2101 to be used as power. What kind of railroad would be able to promote such a program? It would be a kool program, but this is only a thought. This would probably never happen again. Maybe even major railroads could paint their locos in schemes such as they did for the bicentennial. Only a thought!

Aaron

norfolk_western_611@hotmail.com

Intersting thread concept.....

As some may or may not remember, there was a brief resurgence of the "patriotic loco" theme during desert storm. As I recall, Union Pacific even painted one unit up in camofluage colors of varying browns to show their support. I believe Wisconsin Central had a unit as well, although U.P. was the only railroad that did anything more than adding a few flags here and there.

As to a Freedom train happening again; one can only dream. I think the closest we have come recently is the U.S. Post Offices' special about a year or two ago. As far as it being pulled by steam; I don't think ANYBODY has enough money to back the insurance for that kind of trip, especially after the beating the industry is going to take in the wake of the twin towers coming down.

TJG

peremarquette@hotmail.com

Lacking steam, an A-B-A consist of covered wagons would be almost as nice.

steamnut@ptd.net

nothing beats steam - nothing.

However, the PA's in AT&SF colors would be the closest we could come.

JimLundquist55@yahoo.com

Burlington Northern painted a then new SD60M in red/white/blue (similar to the BN bicentennial trio of the 70s) and numbered it 1991 to honor BN employees that served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. It lasted in the R/W/B scheme until about a year or so ago.

I would love to see a 2001 style AFT, but with security concerns being what they are these days (I am in the Navy, I could tell you all about it), coupled with insurance rates and several railroads that are not steam friendly, I don't see it happening anytime soon. In this day and age, it just isn't practical.

Regards from San Diego,

Burlington John



The Burlington RouteHistorical Society
CBQJohn@hotmail.com

> Not sure if there will be any discernable
> end to the current tensions in this country,
> but in the spirit of patriotism, here's an
> idea.
> A new "Freedom train", just like
> those before it-
> touring the country, powered by steam. There
> was something seriously American about that
> train, I could feel it even at 13 years old.
> The awesome power of mainline steam would be
> up-lifting, and rejuvenate optimism for our
> future.
> Just a thought.
...where is the rest of that original train? I'd love to see a Freedon Train run again...GREAT IDEA !!! ...we'll get the national media to cover the trip...it'll be another way to unite the nation...I'm behind you 100%!

backlineguy@yahoo.com