Quoting Dave Brown on Trainorders


I would like to give a public thanks to everyone who contributed to the most amazing adventure in rail preservation industry to happen in the last decade.

I would like to thank Doyle. His 35 year dedication to the 4449 has done more for the machine, the industry, and for the followers of the 4449 than can be put into words.

I would like to thank Jason Johnson for having the fortitude to ask Doyle to bring the 4449 to Michigan and actually doing it.

I would like to thank the many host Railroads, Amtrak, and all of their employees for supporting this adventure.

I would like to thank the Steam Railroading Institute for taking the risk and pulling off such a wonderful event.

I would like to thank Steve Sandburg, The Friends of the 261, the many private car owners, and the car inspectors for a most amazing train set.

I would like to thank all of our passengers and supporters.

I also like to give a huge thanks to the volunteers. This trip and the Trainfestival event would not have happened without you.

The next two years are going to begin a new chapter for the 4449. After being graciously hosted on Southern Pacific property for 15 years and Union Pacific property the last 13 years, it is time to move to a new home. The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) is leading the way to create a home for the City of Portland owned steam locomotives and has made great strides in making this happen. The 4449 needs your help in creating this new home, and donations of any size are welcome. Please visit www.orhf.org for more information.

In addition to this two year challenge, the boiler time runs out on the 4449 in June of 2013. The Friends of SP 4449, the operators of the locomotive, are also in the fund raising mode for the rebuild so we can keep the Daylight in operation for future generations. Please visit www.4449.com for more information.

Job well done all. Mission accomplished Trainfestival Daylight.

Dave Brown
President
Friends of SP 4449