Milwaukee road 261
261 is a 4-8-4 built by the American Locomotive Company in 1944 for the Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and Pacific railroad. The engine was used in both freight and passenger service. The engine had a relatively short career, 261 was retired in 1954 after only ten years of service. The engine was restored by North Star Rail in 1993. The engine is now stored in the Minneapolis area and powers excursions through out the midwest.
I chased 261 from Orchard Park New York to The Pennsylvania border when it was returning from a trip to steamtown. The trip was run over the Buffalo and Pittsburgh line and in the few chances I have had to chase mainline steam I never saw this many people chasing a train. I couldn't believe how many cars were following this engine.