Rowland first proposed what he dubbed the Yellow Ribbon Express back in 2015. The exhibit train would hit 125 cities in three years and raise money for veterans who have been injured since 9/11. Rowland is currently looking for corporate sponsors to fund the construction and operation of the train and in an effort to bring more attention to it he has redubbed it the American Freedom Train, or “the American Freedom Train 2.0.”
“The name fits our mission perfectly,” Rowland tells Trains News Wire.
Rowland also says that in the internet age, the American Freedom Train name is easier to promote and find online than the originally proposed Yellow Ribbon Express. He says the entire effort will cost about $100 million and that all of the money raised from exhibit ticket sales will go to veterans charities.
Rowland initially had hoped to have the train running by 2017 but at this point he is hesitant to put an exact date on when it will happen. He says once the train gets corporate sponsorship it will take two years to construct and organize. While some have said it’s a lofty goal, Rowland says he will not be deterred and reminds people the he was rejected by dozens of companies before Pepsi signed on to be one of the original sponsors of the 1975-1976 Freedom Train.
The highlight of the proposed train for railroad enthusiasts will be the motive power. Rowland says the new American Freedom Train will be headed up by two main line steam locomotives, including his own Chesapeake and Ohio 4-8-4 No. 614.
“It’s going to be a steam-hauled extravaganza,” he says.
For more information on the 1975-1976 Freedom Train, pick up the September 2016 issue of Trains.
A great idea, I hope the trains would come to Florida and the Southeast for. A change.
with all the circus cars now available the consist should not be hard to build and cost would be down—the consist handed off to different steam engines and run in their area like a relay race concept just might work
I wish Mr. Rowland all the best on this venture…what a wonderful idea! If anyone can pull this off, he is the one for the job! But I don’t think NJ Transit will be receptive, given the problems that were encountered in the earlier 614 excursions. Still….
many Steam Engines can operate in the East? I remember riding the 614 in New Jersey. What about the others?
…Wonder what the other locomotive besides C&O 614 will be? I am even thinking ahead to 2026, and what special event trains might be able to occur then… Is anyone else? 🙂
what a great vision. How about coordinating military history museums in local venues? Would be great to get this running during the centenary of WWI.
Sam like your idea. 611, 4449,or 844 either one would be great. Big boy 4014 would be the topper. I think they may have problems though with 4014 on some of the other railroads. Some years back they used Challenger 3985 as Clinchfield 676 on CSX for the 50th anniversary of the Santa Special in Kentucky an Tennessee. They had some problems with curves and clearances and the 4014 even bigger could be a problem when there off the UP. But no problems with any of the others an any of them would look great .
Be Nice if UP could get involved, in their territory…844 or 4014 (?) would look pretty good in that role. If he can pull it off, I’d guess the veteran’s service organizations would get on the band wagon as well;. American Legion, DAV, Purple Hearts Assoc. Just for starters. Might even get VA in on it? Maybe, even DOD (Service Recruiting)? Just some random thoughts…
611 could be the other engineto pull it.
What a wonderful way to give back to our wounded veterans! We already know–or at least hope–that 614 is gonna be one of the engines leading the train, but what’s the second engine? Could it be 4449? If so, will 4449 wear her AFT livery for a third time?
An outstanding idea!