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Re: SP 4449 pulling a BNSF special today
Author: Chuck in Wallowa County
Date: 04-09-2018 - 21:27
I second everything Margaret just said. (And I appreciate every time she chimes in on AP.)
I've been in love with 4449 since I was privileged to ride the LA-to-San Jose segment of the Amtrak Steam Excursion behind her when the American Freedom Train reached the end of the line after '76.
On the day before we boarded, she was on display under steam at LAUPT. An old guy who must have been a retired railroader was standing there on the platform, just looking, seemingly forever. I expected a tear or two anytime. (I thought he was old, but I'm probably older now than he was then!)
We stopped at Surf for a runby and I found a rusty old spike, which I have stored away somewhere. There was another, memorable runby on Cuesta Grade.
Ah, that deep throaty horn – nothin' like it.
I've been in love with 4449 since I was privileged to ride the LA-to-San Jose segment of the Amtrak Steam Excursion behind her when the American Freedom Train reached the end of the line after '76.
On the day before we boarded, she was on display under steam at LAUPT. An old guy who must have been a retired railroader was standing there on the platform, just looking, seemingly forever. I expected a tear or two anytime. (I thought he was old, but I'm probably older now than he was then!)
We stopped at Surf for a runby and I found a rusty old spike, which I have stored away somewhere. There was another, memorable runby on Cuesta Grade.
Ah, that deep throaty horn – nothin' like it.
