(From the Chesterton Tribune Voice of the People)

The former Southern Pacific steam locomotive 4449 is slated to head a 30 car train due to leave Chicago Union Station at approx 8 a.m. Sunday morning July 19. The route of travel is to leave Chicago and travel to Owosso, Michigan for a special steam locomotive festival.

The 4449 is expected to use the Norfolk Southern ex Conrail main to Porter and switch over to the Amtrak line into Michigan. The expected time for the train to be seen coming into town is around 9 a.m. This same locomotive is the one that pulled the well known American Freedom Train in 1976, the train used throughout the country as part of the bicentennial celebrations that took place from coast to coast.

The information naturally came from railfan websites posted all over the web. Amtrak will be assisting the train with one of its locomotives as the special makes it way into Michigan. So bring your camera trackside and get a spot early (I will) to witness the passing of this famous locomotive. Anyone needing clarification can call me Craig Cloud at 728-1304 (home) or cell 728-9790.

Thank you for reading.

Craig Cloud