Operating Mainline Steam Locomotives in the United States
Mainline Steam is where to find the largest operating steam locomotives in the United States.
"Mainline" refers to the busy mainline railroads which required the largest and most powerful steam locomotives.
As you'll see each railroad had it's own style when designing the powerful machines.
Operating these locomotives in modern times requires a lot of planning and special permission so every time an operation occurs it is a special event.
Check this page regularly for updates to Mainline Steam locomotive operating schedules and click on each locomotive in this list for more information and for photographs and trip reports from excursions I've taken over the years.
Also please note - there are some Steam Locomotives that have operated in Mainline Service in the past, that are not included here because their current operations are more in line with those on the "Steam by State" page.
"Mainline" refers to the busy mainline railroads which required the largest and most powerful steam locomotives.
As you'll see each railroad had it's own style when designing the powerful machines.
Operating these locomotives in modern times requires a lot of planning and special permission so every time an operation occurs it is a special event.
Check this page regularly for updates to Mainline Steam locomotive operating schedules and click on each locomotive in this list for more information and for photographs and trip reports from excursions I've taken over the years.
Also please note - there are some Steam Locomotives that have operated in Mainline Service in the past, that are not included here because their current operations are more in line with those on the "Steam by State" page.
We provide all schedules as information only.
Be sure to contact the Railroads directly for up to date event information, schedules & ticket availability.
2024 CALENDAR OF MAINLINE STEAM OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
As of January 25, 2024
Canadian Pacific #2816
"Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour"
Calgary, Alberta Canada - Mexico City, Mexico
Public Events Schedule
Calgary, Alta. | April 24
Moose Jaw, Sask. | April 28
Minot, N.D. | April 30
St. Paul, Minn. | May 3
Franklin Park, Ill. | May 8
Davenport, Iowa | May 10
Kansas City, Mo. | May 18
Shreveport, La.| May 24
Laredo, Texas | May 28
Monterrey, Mexico | May 31
Mexico City, Mexico | June 4
Trains rides are not offered or available on this tour - public events will offer the public a chance to see the locomotive up close and learn about the history of the locomotive.
More information - www.cpkcr.com/en/community/final-spike-steam-train
Reading & Northern #2102
Reading, Pennsylvania
Reading & Northern Iron Horse Ramble
Reading, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA - Saturday, May 25, 2024Nesquehoning, PA to Tunkhannock, PA - Saturday June 22, 2024Nesquehoning, PA to Pittston, PA - Saturday August 17, 2024
For Tickets and More information - www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/rambles
Reading & Northern #2102
Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. Reading, Pennsylvania. |
Union Pacific #844
Union Pacific Railroad Steam Shop
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Union Pacific #4014 - the Big Boy
Union Pacific Railroad Steam Shop
Cheyenne, Wyoming
China Railways #7081 Central States Steam Preservation North Liberty, Iowa China Railways #6988 Central States Steam Preservation North Liberty, Iowa |