85 minutes
In
2007, Canadian Pacific steam locomotive 2816 traveled from its home in
Calgary, Alberta to the US Midwest. This was only the second visit to
the area following restoring 2816 to operation in 2001.
Our
coverage of this historic trip begins at the Canadian border at Noyes,
MN as 2816 traveled to Minneapolis via Thief River Falls and Glenwood.
We also accompanied 2816 to the Chicago area for high speed trips
between Franklin Park, IL and Sturtevant, WI. After spending a few
nights at Bensenville Yard, 2816 returned to Minneapolis. The route
crossed Wisconsin to La Crosse, then followed the Mississippi River to
the Twin Cities.
Shorter
journeys from Minneapolis included a day trip to Glenwood, MN where the
engine was turned on a very old turntable, and a visit to Osceola and
Dresser, WI.
The
highlight of the three weeks was the double-header with Milwaukee Road
261 along the Mississippi River to Le Crescent, MN. The two steam
locomotives pulled a long train with no diesels or auxiliary tenders.
Our
coverage of this historic journey concludes with an all-day fast trip
to Thief River Falls where we bid this beautiful 4-6-4 goodbye.