Mainline Steam is the place to find the largest operating steam locomotives in the United States.
We provide all schedules as information only. Be sure to contact the Railroads directly for up to date event information, schedules & ticket availability.
2019 CALENDAR OF MAINLINE STEAM OPERATIONS
As of October 29, 2019
Milwaukee Road #261
"North Pole Express" - St. Paul, Minnesota.
December 6-8, 2019 & December 12-15, 2019 - St. Paul, Minnesota Union Depot to the "North Pole"
Tickets and more information ----> 261.com/npe/
Southern Pacific "Daylight" #4449
"The Holiday Express" - Portland Oregon. Approximately 45-minute roundtrips through Oaks Park.
Multiple Departures each operating day -
November 29 & 30, and December 1, 2019.
December 7 & 8, 2019.
December 14 & 15, 2019.
Tickets and More information ---> orhf.org/events/holiday-express/#tickets

Fire Up 611!
Virginia Museum of Transportation, in Roanoke Virginia, operates and maintains Norfolk & Western class "J" #611.
This streamlined 4-8-4 coal burning steam locomotive
was built in 1950 by the N&W Roanoke Shops.
Locomotive #611 can also be seen on display at the
Virginia Museum of Transportation throughout the year.
Schedule of operations and more information is available at:
www.FireUp611.org
Check out TrainChasers.com photos and info about chasing #611 on the NS Mainline in North Carolina by clicking here ---> PART #1 & PART #2
Virginia Museum of Transportation, in Roanoke Virginia, operates and maintains Norfolk & Western class "J" #611.
This streamlined 4-8-4 coal burning steam locomotive
was built in 1950 by the N&W Roanoke Shops.
Locomotive #611 can also be seen on display at the
Virginia Museum of Transportation throughout the year.
Schedule of operations and more information is available at:
www.FireUp611.org
Check out TrainChasers.com photos and info about chasing #611 on the NS Mainline in North Carolina by clicking here ---> PART #1 & PART #2

Union Pacific Steam
The Union Pacific Railroad maintains an active steam shop
in Cheyenne Wyoming.
Currently operational-
Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 built by ALCO in 1944
UP 4-8-8-4 #4014 "Big Boy" built by ACLO in 1941.
Currently Stored waiting for further Restoration-
UP 4-6-6-4 #3985 "Challenger" built by ALCO in 1943
Check out more information at:
www.UPSTEAM.com
The Union Pacific Railroad maintains an active steam shop
in Cheyenne Wyoming.
Currently operational-
Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 built by ALCO in 1944
UP 4-8-8-4 #4014 "Big Boy" built by ACLO in 1941.
Currently Stored waiting for further Restoration-
UP 4-6-6-4 #3985 "Challenger" built by ALCO in 1943
Check out more information at:
www.UPSTEAM.com

Ft. Wayne Railroad Historical Society
Based in Ft. Wayne Indiana, the FWRHS maintains and operates Nickel Plate "Berkshire" #765.
This Coal Burning 2-8-4 Steam locomotive
was built by Lima in 1944.
The Locomotive is on Display in Ft. Wayne during "Open House" Special Events. The Locomotive typically travels to various railroads each year for Special Excursions.
Schedules, History and more information are found at:
www.FortWayneRailroad.org
Based in Ft. Wayne Indiana, the FWRHS maintains and operates Nickel Plate "Berkshire" #765.
This Coal Burning 2-8-4 Steam locomotive
was built by Lima in 1944.
The Locomotive is on Display in Ft. Wayne during "Open House" Special Events. The Locomotive typically travels to various railroads each year for Special Excursions.
Schedules, History and more information are found at:
www.FortWayneRailroad.org
Friends of SP 4449
The Friends of 4449, based in Portland OR, maintain and operate the Southern Pacific #4449, a 4-8-4 oil burning streamlined Steam Locomotive built by Lima in 1941. When not pulling excursions, the #4449 can be seen on display at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Downtown Portland Oregon. Check out more information at: www.4449.com Check out TrainChasers.com Review and Photos of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center by clicking ---> HERE |
Pacific Railroad Preservation Association Based in Portland Oregon, the Association maintains and operates the Spokane Portland & Seattle #700, a 4-8-4 oil burning steam locomotive built by Baldwin in 1938. The Association began an extensive boiler rebuild for the #700 in 2016. The locomotive is on display during this rebuild, and you can watch the progress in person at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland. Check out more information, and project updates, at: www.sps700.org Check out TrainChasers.com Review and Photos of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center by clicking ---> HERE |
Central States Steam Preservation Association
Based in North Liberty Iowa, the Association maintains and operates Iowa Interstate #6988 & #7081. Both locomotives are coal burning 2-10-2 "QJ" type steam locomotives built by Datong Locomotive Works in China. Locomotive #7081 was built in 1986. Locomotive #6988 was built in 1985. The Locomotives operate over the Iowa Interstate Railroad for Special Events and Excusrions. Check out more information at: www.CentralStatesSteam.org |
Friends of the 261
The Friends of the 261 maintains and operates the coal fired Milwaukee Road #261 This 4-8-4 type steam locomotive was built by ALCO in 1944. The Friends of the 261, based in Minneapolis Minnesota, also maintain a fleet of matching passenger cars. The 261 typically powers Fall Foliage Excursions and the "North Pole Express" Annually. Check out schedules and information at: www.261.com Check out TrainChasers.com Review and photos of a #261 Steam Excursion by Clicking ---> HERE |
San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society
Based in San Bernardino California, the Society maintains and operates the Santa Fe #3751, a 4-8-4 oil burning steam locomotive built by Baldwin in 1927. The Locomotive began an extensive rebuild in late 2017, so will not be operating in the 2019 Season. Check for Restoration Updates, as well as additional information and history at: www.SBRHS.org |