On Sunday I rode MILW 261 from Minneapolis, MN to Gaylord, MN. Departed Minneapolis at 9:00 am. I rode the dome car for the first time. The view was wonderful except for the persistent rain which spotted the windows. The 25 mile run from Norwood to Gaylord was on the M&StL main line to SD. There were plenty of folks chasing the train and trackside all down the line. From Minneapolis to Norwood we were on the MILW Pacific Extension. At Norwood we took the M&StL line towards SD. The track was in pretty good condition and we kept a steady pace of 25 mph. We had a photo runby in Hamburg We stopped west of Gaylord, about 4 miles short of Winthrop, MN, the intended terminus. I could see folks on the top of the tender with shovels enthusiastically working. After about 10 minutes we started backing up. We had reached the end and were heading back, arriving about 5:30 pm. It was a fun trip and The Friends of 261 did a grand job.
With so many non-railroad owned steam locomotives sidelined, I'm really pleased to see the 261 in service. Such a beautiful machine. Thanks for the post!
Absolutely beautiful and I am jealous. There is really nothing more spectacular or recognizable than the sound of a big steam locomotive laboring to move a train. Doug
Last summer when I was on my bike I found 261 on the track next to the trail. This summer I made sure I was on the train. The line from Norwood to Gaylord is the old M&StL line to Watertown, SD. At one time it crossed MILW at Norwood. The portion from Hopkins to Norwood was abandoned. The remaining line is owned by MN Valley Regional Railroad Authority and operated by MN Prairie Line. I also lament the diesel behind the Skytop. There's no way to turn the train so it gets pulled back to Minneapolis. Thanks to Twin Cities & Western, and MN Prairie Line for allowing 261 to operate over their lines.
I think this is the first time I've seen video of the 261. Magnificent! As far as having to pull the train back to Minneapolis, I can't think of a classier way to accomplish that than to use a classic passenger diesel. Almost two for the price of one.
At least it's a locomotive that somewhat matches the era of the steam engine. I am so very envious as well.
I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm and sharing perspectives. I feel a deeper appreciation for Friends of 261 running the excursion, and TCWR and MPLI for making their lines available. I took a bunch of pictures but most of them are less than watch-worthy due to the rain spotted windows and my photographic inexperience. Here's a few more that highlight some of the sights. At one time MILW here was all two track. At Norwood we're leaving MILW and running on legacy M&StL track. All along the line I saw MOW equipment and hoppers with ballast. More than a few railroad customers as we roll through the towns along the way. Stopped just beyond Gaylord. I heard there was a problem feeding coal. Someone thought the damp conditions were the cause. On the return trip it was harder to get pics since I was at the wrong end of the dome. The staff flopped the seats around so we didn't have to sit backwards.