If someone knows the length of the 261 (loco and tender), please post. I calculated this train at about 65 mph, which is consistent with mbsmike1's comment below. However, I couldn't find the 261's length anywhere, so I based the calculation on UP 844's loco+tender length of 114 feet, a very similar locomotive. The 261's loco and tender pass in about 1.2 seconds, 114/1.2 = 95 feet per second = 64.77 MPH.
We were doing about 60 65 here if I remember. When you se this loco at 70-80 its mind blowing, she's a whole different locomotive above 80, I hope she gets to do it again.
We put the diesel in when we switched to Amtrak for insurance reasons. It became a requirement and we used them for HEP and dynamic braking, we always prided ourselves with not needing diesels for our trips, 261 was the one of the most reliable steam engines in excursion history( due to railroad like operation attitude and maintenance). The diesels did make great air conditioned, clean, and quiet observation platforms!
True. If the train did derail you are dead at 6 feet away or 30 feet away doesn't matter. But if you are under 6 feet away, and the train is going at speed wind could suck you into the side of the train and you are toast! I'd have backed away too or shot from the other side of the tracks to avoid the trees. Either way thrilling vid!
Stupid P42, better not drag that Traction motor losin peice of junk out to willmar with her train. When she came out in '99 it had like as far as I remember (I was 5) a Geep or something, maybe it had nothing at all with it, we have a turntable so they turned it and pulled the train back to the cities.
That reminds me so much of back in 96 when the 844 came through Morrison IL. only when you highball on the Overland from Clinton IA to Chicago, it's 70 MPH all the way!
No sarcasm intended JTV261; I do look forward to 261 running again with her train!
Petemonster62 4 months ago
what was the point of this vid
jtv261 4 months ago
Looking forward to seeing 261 back on the rails on the point of that vintage varnish!!!
Petemonster62 5 months ago
@Petemonster62 lmfao sarcasm
jtv261 4 months ago
Diesel is usually a safety net in case something happens to the 261. This girl has more than enough power to handle that train on her own!
ryherdbuckmaster 1 year ago
If someone knows the length of the 261 (loco and tender), please post. I calculated this train at about 65 mph, which is consistent with mbsmike1's comment below. However, I couldn't find the 261's length anywhere, so I based the calculation on UP 844's loco+tender length of 114 feet, a very similar locomotive. The 261's loco and tender pass in about 1.2 seconds, 114/1.2 = 95 feet per second = 64.77 MPH.
nclemens 1 year ago
How could a steam locomotive go so fast
EmSTrO7x3 1 year ago
@EmSTrO7x3 They go even faster than that. The schedules of the steam powered Milwaukee Road "Hiawatha" trains was much faster than today's schedules.
boazrg 9 months ago
gah! that diesel behind it ruins it man... steam all the way!
p174208 1 year ago
@p174208 I love steam trains too but that diesel is a helper engine. Trains need helper engines sometimes, you know.
Dinosorable 1 year ago
We were doing about 60 65 here if I remember. When you se this loco at 70-80 its mind blowing, she's a whole different locomotive above 80, I hope she gets to do it again.
mbsmike1 1 year ago
We put the diesel in when we switched to Amtrak for insurance reasons. It became a requirement and we used them for HEP and dynamic braking, we always prided ourselves with not needing diesels for our trips, 261 was the one of the most reliable steam engines in excursion history( due to railroad like operation attitude and maintenance). The diesels did make great air conditioned, clean, and quiet observation platforms!
mbsmike1 1 year ago
Its cool that both 261 and 844 were featured in "Public Enemies"
ThomasRivette 2 years ago
ahhhhh fuck it another P42, BULL SHIT NOT A STEAM EXCURSION! its just an amtrak train
Saugertiesrailfan 2 years ago
I wouldn't be that extreme, but that P42dc really needs to go.
1225dude 2 years ago
very nice I have riden in the cab of this engine at 79 plus before its an hell of an expierence
gaycowboy31 2 years ago
i think thats about 77 mph
Stetsonater 2 years ago
Why don't they use a power generator car instead of the P42?
SR722 3 years ago
In case the 261 has a failure on the road that renders it helpless. The diesel is there as a safety precaution.
ThatYankeeKid 3 years ago
True.
SR722 3 years ago
yes, stepping away from the track is a good idea...
mbgphoto79 3 years ago
True. If the train did derail you are dead at 6 feet away or 30 feet away doesn't matter. But if you are under 6 feet away, and the train is going at speed wind could suck you into the side of the train and you are toast! I'd have backed away too or shot from the other side of the tracks to avoid the trees. Either way thrilling vid!
jbr69gto 2 years ago
this is great
monty5329 3 years ago
woot woot
TheGondorian 3 years ago
Stupid P42, better not drag that Traction motor losin peice of junk out to willmar with her train. When she came out in '99 it had like as far as I remember (I was 5) a Geep or something, maybe it had nothing at all with it, we have a turntable so they turned it and pulled the train back to the cities.
BNSF5608 4 years ago
I'd say that the 261 is going around 75-80 mph (it has 74inch drivers I believe)
zetaluver 4 years ago 7
Regulartions near Winona only allow 70 mph or less, as far as I remember, AMTK never runs there either
BNSF5608 4 years ago 2
Howcome I never hear of these excursions? :(
LNERMallard 4 years ago
its nice to see the Hiawatha lounge car (or atleast a few of them) still rolling
boeingLL747 4 years ago 3
very cool !!
SpeckledPerch 4 years ago 2
Bring it up to TAKEOFF!!!!!
That reminds me so much of back in 96 when the 844 came through Morrison IL. only when you highball on the Overland from Clinton IA to Chicago, it's 70 MPH all the way!
Hiei2k7 4 years ago 5
WOW! Great video clip of 261! She's highballin'!
Brandongates49 4 years ago 2
Cool shot of the 261
betsy662 5 years ago