The idea is an updated version of his highly acclaimed 1975-1976 American Freedom Train. “It’s a clone of the Freedom Train,” Rowland says. That train, bearing hundreds of historic artifacts and documents, was seen by more than 7 million people.
Rowland says that the Yellow Ribbon Express has two goals. The first is “a national loud and proud thank you” to American military veterans, especially those who have served since 9/11. The second, he says, is to raise $1 billion to aid wounded veterans of the wars who have fought since 2001. “It’s a thank you from the 99 percent of us to the 1 percent of us who have done the heavy lifting,” he adds.
Rowland is currently seeking 10 corporate sponsors willing to invest $2 million a year each for five years, so that all admission income from the traveling exhibition will go directly to what he calls “A Billion for the Brave.”
The train will be steam-powered, Rowland says, so it is more than just a train. “It will be a spectacle,” he says. “Steam will draw people to the train. It will be a happening.” He is seeking support of several Class I railroads, and one, which he will not name, is already on board with the idea.
The primary locomotive will be former Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614, a 1948 Lima 4-8-4 that Rowland has owned for three decades. He revealed that he and his engineering team are considering converting the locomotive to burn natural gas. Other main line locomotives will double-head with No. 614 on the tour, according to Rowland, so that a live, steaming locomotive will be on hand every day at every exhibit site. “There are quite a few large, mainline locomotive available around the country so we can have alive locomotive on site every day,” he says.
“It’s a tall mountain to climb, and there are no guarantees,” Rowland says. “I’m modestly optimistic that we can do this.”
For more information, see www.yellowribbonexpress.com.
What class 1 is already on board? NS? What about CSX? Will they even entertain the idea of letting a steam locomotive on their tracks again, one that did power the Safety Express for predecessor Chessie System in 1980-1981. Last time steam ran on CSX was 1994 with Milw 261 on the New River train in WV.
If CSX says no, how will it be routed through the northeast? Would have to take NS through Harrisburg, PA but problems if going to NJ. Nothing other than electric locomotives can go through the Hudson river tunnels and Penn Station in NY, and the West Shore line to Selkirk is CSX. Maybe over NJT/NS through Port Jervis toward Binghamton and Buffalo, then down the old NKP toward Ohio? Maybe over the ex-PRR from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh, then to Cleveland, OH and west. Unless Michael Ward has a change of heart, and the entire CSX higher-ups and board, I can't see CSX participating in this even though the 614 is all roller, and the Chessie Safety Express in 1980-1981 with 614 was a success.
Just curious but I remember looking at a original route map and did not see any of the route on UP lines. Maybe they only let the train run if up steam is leading.
MR MCFARLANE, you're the one who needs to read the complete article. 3rd paragraph, 2nd line, "the second, he says, is to raise $1 billion to aid wounded veterans of the wars who have fought since 2001". Since 2001, That statement sounds pretty damn exclusive to me. FYI what it means or says, if you're a wounded veteran who has served prior to 2001 NONE of this money is going to benefit you or any other disabled vet. As it reads now, and after the various veterans groups learn of it, particularly the VFW nobody in the commercial world will support it. Those of who are on board now will drop it like a hot potato. And rightfully so. He'll be lucky not to lose his parking spots in Portland OR when or if this hits the newspapers like it's worded now. Excluding any support for disabled service members who have served prior to 2001 is exceedingly stupid even if you're opposed to war. I'm somewhat surprised Train's editor didn't proof read this article before allowing it to be printed. I hope for MR Rowland that this ISN'T what he meant nor is this the way he wrote it.
Steam fans may not have to worry about CSX by 2017, it will CP by then. If that doesn't CSX will say "no" They want good will to thier fans, and no good P.R. If they keep putting oil trains in rivers they may be sued out of business anyway.
614 is roller bearing equipped which would eliminate the "plain bearing" objection.
Mr. Haws – God bless you, and thank you for your service. Let's hope R.R. hears your objections and makes a point to include all wounded vets. BTW, I play bass in a band that has for many years performed for a Tet Offensive Veterans reunion held every February in Hampton, Va. It's now actually run by the Seabees; they are a great group of men & women, and I consider myself lucky to have the unique privilege of honoring them every year. You and others who served then did their patriotic duty, donned uniforms , and served in an unpopular war under incredibly difficult circumstances. You are all equally deserving of our gratitude and respect.
Enough with the "CSX will say no" stuff, have you read where they've donated $25,000 or so to a cosmetic restoration a steam locomotive in Florida? They also donated a flatcar and transported 1309 free of charge, you'd be surprised who says yes when it comes to the Military veterans CSX and other railroads almost will undoubtedly hire a Veteran on the spot. UP, and NS have obviously stated support for veterans with commercial adds and a painted locomotive. Don't doubt CSX or any railroad…they might just do it. Be I'll be optimistic about this.
Seems like the emphasis is on those who served in the wars started by George W. Bush. Getting a little political, Ross? Why not honor all those who have served on an equal basis? Mr. McFarlane seems to indicate that CSX will cooperate with this. Good for them. I still bet CN will sit it out.
To Lawrence below, reread the article, it says especially to those that have served since 9/11, not exclusively, which means all Vets, just an emphasis on those since 9/11. I think you'll find the RR already on board will surprise you, they need the good publicity and aren't strangers to Rowland.
I hope that the UP will have 4014 done so it can pull the excursion with 614.
I got to agree with Michael CSX will not want any part of this because it involves steam.
He lost any support I would have been able to give, when he limited the aid to wounded veterans who served after 2001, and then to say only to those who have done the heavy lifting. Piss on that SOB, with apologies to dogs, for not supporting ALL wounded veterans regardless of time or place of service. By singling out just a small fraction of our wounded veterans he is really FUBAR. And yes, I take offense off at his attitude, however well meaning, having just a small disability from the war in SE Asia. I also have served in SW Asia also.
This is certainly an interesting idea for a good cause, but somehow I think it will end up just like the Greenbriar Express. And I'll bet that CSX and CN will have nothing to do with it.
I'd put money on that one railroad that is "on board with the idea" being NS. I'd put even better money on CSX saying NO!
Can we expect to see 4449 get painted red white and blue for a third time? Can we dare to hope for UP to allow 4449 to run on its railroad? Or 819? (Considering that by the end of the tour UP will have 3 of its own…)