Steam locomotive rumbles through Libby

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LibbyMt.com > News > October 2009 > Steam locomotive rumbles through Libby

449 4449 approach Libby westbound as it passes under the haul bridge. Photo Credit: © 2009 Duane J. Williams All Rights Reserved

Milwaukee Hiawatha The Milwaukee Hiawatha Observation Car. Photo Credit: © 2009 Duane J. Williams. All Rights Reserved.

Steam locomotive rumbles through Libby
by Duane Williams, KLCB 1230 AM Libby News Radio
October 20, 2009
The Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad Steam locomotive Number 4449, owned by the City of Portland, Oregon, barreled through Libby Monday on its way home under its own steam power from a train festival in Owosso, Michigan. The engine was originally the famous Southern Pacific "Daylight" locomotive.

The antique steamer pulled a consist of classic, vintage, passenger coaches including cars from the famous Zephyr and the Milwaukee road Hiawatha. The Hiawatha traveled the "southern route" through Montana.

Number 4449 was traveling the "northern route" of the Empire Builder, Monday across Montana's highline, and was dubbed for routing purposes of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, as "Amtrak-Special", although the train has nothing to do with Amtrak.
Number 4449 was the locomotive of the American Freedom Train in July 1975- December 1976 criss-crossing the country for nearly 26,000 miles.

Photos by Duane Williams, KLCB 1230 AM Libby News Radio

LibbyMt.com > News > October 2009 > Steam locomotive rumbles through Libby

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