Bicentennial on Tour: The American Freedom Train
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- The social and political challenges of the 1970s set an awkward stage for America’s 200th birthday. With no national events being planned for this major milestone, a dedicated group of people set out to create a traveling showcase of American historical artifacts. This documentary explores the story of the American Freedom Train, the nation’s largest Bicentennial event that brought together millions of Americans at a time when they needed it most.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
2:09 - Chapter I: A Postwar Predecessor
8:53 - Chapter II: A Handshake With the Duke
17:24 - Chapter III: A Race Against the Clock
25:11 - Chapter IV: The Journey Begins
31:36 - Chapter V: Daylight in the West
37:21 - Chapter VI: Keep On Keepin’ On
44:09 - Chapter VII: End of the Line
47:51 - Epilogue
53:22 - Credits
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Music playlist:
• Music from "Bicentenni...
This video is for educational purposes and is distributed for non-commercial use. It is not monetized or sponsored. All video footage, images and audio recordings are the property of their original owners and are used in accordance with Fair Use principles.
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Visit the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland:
orhf.org/
Learn about the Friends of SP 4449:
www.4449.com/
Visit the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore:
www.borail.org/
See more photos & information about the Freedom Train:
www.freedomtrain.org/
In 2017 I was riding the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago and ended up sitting in the dining car across from a super nice guy who was telling me all about this fascinating train tour he'd done with a steam locomotive. It was Ross Rowland! What a unique special person he is.
Sounds like the time I heard of an airline pilot tell a story about this nice conversation with an older gentleman....who he found out later to be Buzz Aldrin the astronaut
ross isn’t my favorite person, but that’s pretty lucky
No. 1 steaming in right as the train was about to leave is something straight out of a movie!
Fantastic documentary. Learned so much from this! What a sight it must've been to see 4449 and 844 double heading. If only we could go back in time...
Hey! Unlucky Tug! Fancy seeing you here
Thanks man, that's high praise coming from you!
And it wouldn't be the last. Both engines would double head excursions in the Seattle area in 2007. This was the last time they met up.
It's friggin Tug!! *Thomas theme starts playing*
Cool to see two legends interacting
14:50 This was due to the efforts of a man by the name of Jack Holst. He would go to the park and oil the journals on the locomotive as it sat. Sadly, he would pass before they got the 4449 operational again, but he left behind an incredible legacy.
He should have been mentioned in this video.
My class was able to tour The Freedom Train in Wichita in 1976. I recall it was amazing and our country could sure use something like this to bring us back together again.
The AFT was in Wichita, KS, March 19 - 23, 1976
The High Iron Company led by Ross Rowland somewhat is one of my preservation heroes, The fact that he restored a locomotive within 30 days and also create the traveling museum was a miracle.
I regard the volunteer hours I spent restoring the 2101 to be be one of the best things that I ever did in my entire life.
It's always a good day when Peter Dibble uploads a documentary on his channel, and I've been looking forward to this one. The American Freedom Train, while covered in the past by others, is still a greatly undertold story. Kudos to you for deeply researching this historic event in American history.
Yes
This is an amazing video
Great video 👍. You can never teach people to much about America
that beginning soo its pretty much like today except we are not just out of a war, record inflation, and dissillusinment yes, perhaps its time we need to be reminded, something to bring us togather, someone that can bring our nation togather, we have excursion and show trains though, but nothing on this scale, of the freedome train of the bicentennial, though around here it was quite a bit adue since our downs centanial was just 2 years before the bicentennial of the nation, but many have forgotten who we are and each thinks they are the one that is saving the union from the other, kindness is nothing without trying to understand, that said, the project by russ rowland for the bicentannal freedom train was very loved, and I come from a railroad town, infact I help at a historical railroad currently helping staff the trains and working on the locomotive in the shops. but people have forgot who we are, or unwilling to do what we once did to get the job done, many have never even seem a steam loco as they dont even go to theme parks that would have them but was so ubiquitas for me growing up in the north east indiana area.and an hour from lima where our engine nickleplate 765, 614, and 4449 were built in ohio, and they were the smallest of the big three steam loco makers but the cadillac of steam engines and well made. and all the stuff restoring we can absolutely do today but its a few less people and costs more money obviously.
No it’s good day for train
I'd love to see another run in 2026. What a nice, wholesome, and inspirational project and video. Thanks!
You know that at least as of a few years ago, Ross was trying to get support and funding to do it, right?
I would love to see it happen
I love how 4449 became Doyle's baby after this. I loved growing up with him and his engine. Same with Steve Lee and 844
I met 844 in 2007 Saw him in Denver four years in a row Hung out with the engine all day each time A real live choo choo
Excellent as ever, Peter. I think a Freedom Trin would be just the thing for 2026. With 4449 at the head and even 4014 where it can be used as a backup.
If Union Pacific would let them use the "Big Boy" X4014 that would be one hell of a coup. I would bust my ass to get to where I could see it, maybe in Omaha or Sioux City I live in Iowa those are both about 6-7 hours drive from me. But those two Loco's running that train would be a miracle.
I’m not entirely sure about using UP 4014, mainly because SP 4449 already had issues running in the East Coast due to its size and weight, which limited it largely to the Western half of the AFT’s route. What more with a larger locomotive like the Big Boys?
Ok no offense.. but seeing 4014 in freedom train scheme would be kinda cursed for me
The best part of this video is learning that the 250th will not pass without a freedom train, if there is one thing that the US will need it's that.
Best of luck to all involved.
I hate that Peter Dibble only has around 58K of subscribers
I've seen the American Freedom Train many times on my I Love Toy Trains #12 VHS, but seeing this full documentary gave me a new experience and has so many things I learned from that I never knew about. A few parts of it remind me a bit of Flying Scotsman's USA Tour which feels like a British version of said-train a few years later.
Out of all the engines that pulled the Freedom Train, I think Daylight stood out among the rest as it really is glamorous in its patriotic paintwork.
Saw the Freedom Train and went through it when it came through New Jersey. I was out of the Marine Corps about 3 years and in my second year at Georgetown.
I still, to this day, have my ticket stub from when it came to our town. Unfortunately we never got to see the steam engine, as it had broken down along the way and had been transported to the yards for service. The Freedom Train rolled into our town pulled by a plain freight engine. I was 9 years old at the time and had broken my left ankle (hairline fracture) and had to visit it on crutches. There was no handicapped accessibility to speak of, so, much to my surprise, a U.S. Marine, in full dress uniform, picked me up and stuck me on the train :) I still have the picture of me standing beside him on my crutches just before he picked me up. :)
I was seven years old when I saw the Freedom Train with my parents in Madison, WI. My dad especially loved it because he was also a huge rail fan. A few months ago he passed away and in going through pictures the Freedom Train pictures came up and a flood of memories opened up. Also in the picture album was one of our ticket stubs from the exhibit. Thanks for this great video showcasing this. Always wondered why we went to Madison to go see it and why it never came to Milwaukee. Now I know!
The AFT was in Madison Aug 20 - 25, 1975
I didn't know that my favorite locomotive from my childhood would have never been restored without this project. That's pretty cool.
A bit of trivia. The entire month we traveled through the State of Texas, the Lone Star Brewery provided unlimited free beer, and every city we set up for display welcomed us with a big BBQ. Setting up at the Lone Star brewery in San Antonio was like the "Greatest show on Earth". I was only 17 years old and was hired by Frank Kora to run the Hot Dog Concession from Yuma to Kansas City. Hot dogs were 60 cents in those days. This was a great adventure for a kid prompting me to join the U.S. Navy and travel the world. This is a great documentary, thank you.
I have a piece of the Freedom Train got a ticket and some other papers that I found at a antique store in North Carolina
Great documentary there is further info of 2101's life after the american freedom train as it hauled Chessie Steam excursions for a couple years but then there was a roundhouse fire near Russell, Kentucky. Chairman Hayes Watkins of the Chessie wasn't legally responsible but was helpful in repairing or replacing the 2101. After some time, Ross Rowland picked C&O 614 from the B&O Railroad Museum for the Chessie Safety Express for the 1980 and 1981 seasons. From 1982 onwards it was hauled by diesels, since the crowds turned out to see the steam engine more than learning about grade cross safety. Despite that, C&O 614 would go on to haul coal trains in WV for the ACE 3000 project in January 1985 and from fall 1996 to spring 1997 would haul the Erie Limited from Hoboken to Port Jervis for funding of a NJ Museum. The Chessie Safety Express, Winter Coal Trains, and Erie Limited are what I call the "614 Trilogy". What about SP 4449? Well she would participate in Steamfest 90 on the Washington Central with SP&S 700 and Great Western 2-8-0 #51. The 4449 hauled excursion trains from Portland, Oregon to Kennewick, Washington with a run to Yakima and Cle Elum and later participated in the 1992 San Jose NRHS convention with UP 3985 and SP 2472. It also steamed to LA with then numbered 8444 in 1989 to celebrate the LA Union terminal's 50th anniversary. I did visit the B&O Railroad Museum a few years back and saw 2101, though sitting outside when I saw her and not looking too spiffy.
A sad fate in the end for the majority of the consist. Only 6 cars remain today and 3 cars are unknown. The others are gone for good. I love the train videos you've done, and the SPSF merger one is the best of the info I've found on the subject.
I was 11 when the 2101 brought the train to Columbus Ohio. The displays were cool, especially the moon rover and moon rock. And Dorothy's ruby slippers! On the departure, 2101 pulled her out of Columbus about 5:30 AM going west on the Panhandle. Laying in bed from about 1.5 miles away, I heard the whistle wailing continually in farewell to us all as the chuff rate increased and she picked up momentum. I Never heard anything like that! I remember I got chills, then overwhelmed, I teared up. 48 years later and it just got dusty in here...
The AFT was in Columbus from May 22 - June 4, 1975. It moved to Cincinnati on June 4th.
I was 4 or 5 years old and I remember the Freedom Train coming to my hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. The only thing I can remember was the moving walkway, a sea of people showing up for the event and my family enjoying the occasion. Thanks 4 the memories.
I am not from the US and I have never heard of this before, but what an amazing story! Incredibly told and put together. Such a cool idea as well to have a museum train touring the country with some of its most precious items aboard. 🚂🗽
In the very early 1990's Skyfire Productions documented the 4449 on a journey from Oregon to California to meet up with other steam engines as part of a convention. I had the VHS as a kid and I remember watching it over and over, naturally becoming fascinated with "America's Train" and the history of it. I was born and Raised in Pennsylvania and although having never seen the 4449, I still loved what it did and what it stood for. It was probably a very good reason why I ended up working for a railroad this past year. Loved every second of it.
You mean very early 2000s?
@@TrainsAreReallyCool negative. I meant 1990's
@@doubleutubefan5 You typed it as 1900s.
@@TrainsAreReallyCool I did. And that was a mistake. I appreciate you pointing it out cuz I fixed it now
Fantastic job! I’m also glad you mentioned what happened to the engines after the AFT! Fun fact: 4449 in 2009 made a cross country trip from Portland to Michigan for train fest 2009 in Owosso, MI! I’m also interested in seeing a Freedom Train in the coming years especially in 2026 as I want to see how Rowland or others can pull this off in these more modern times!
I never hadn't really even heard about the freedom train but what a fascinating story. Hopefully, they can make something similar happen in 2026. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Peter Dibble delivering us another absolutely fire documentary, and as a fan of the AFT it was really cool to get an in-depth look into what was one of the most memorable moments in American railroading history.
When the train arrived in Chicago with #1, they displayed it at Navy Pier. They tried backing the entire train down the CNW Navy Pier Industrial Lead, But #1 derailed underneath the Merchandise Mart. So the passenger cars were displayed on Navy Pier while #1 was parked on a spur near CNW station. The handoff with 4449 occured at CNW Proviso yard in the west suburbs.
I'm about as cynical as they come, but standing aboard a steam train next to a piece of the literal actual moon... Man that would be powerful. Here's hoping I'm still around to see 4449 do it again for the Tricentennial!
Oh man are they considering it?
@@evan12697 It's probably a bit early for them to be making plans. I mean, 4449 is located in Portland after all, and I think there's a decent chance that city could be abandoned and reclaimed by the wilderness before 2076. But yeah aside from restoring an original Saturn V and taking it up to the parking lot of the Lunar Hilton, idk what would be more appropriate for a Tricentennial.
These railroad videos are very underrated.
My family arrived on the continent in 1639 and fought in every conflict we’ve faced as a country so it’s interesting to consider what each family member was dealing with over the generations and how they overcame obstacles. As a retired Infantryman, I added my service to the long list.
Added: I was 9 years old when I saw my first operational steam engine in Dunsmuir, CA which was the Freedom Train led by SP 4449. We lived a 100 yards from the main tracks at the northern end of the Dunsmuir yard so I saw and heard the train coming into town so I hopped on my bicycle and went to the yard where I was amazed. I’m thankful that the retired SP employee regularly lubricated the SP 4449 as it sat in the park in Portland, OR, he made the restoration a bit easier in critical spots. My dad also worked for SP then UP before he retired in 2009. The display cars on the train had a moving floor so you couldn’t stand in one spot too long and more people could see the exhibits. I wish younger generations could experience what I did.
It's crazy to think that a steam locomotive restoration could be completed from junkyard hulk to fully operational in 90 days, but 30 is mind boggling. If the same group of people tried to do that these days, the FRA would have a cow. Thanks, Gettysburg.
I was 11 when this came to Portland OR. It remains one of my favorite childhood memories. Thank you Peter for your excellent work.
Came down the tracks near my house in Reisterstown MD. What a wonderful time. I miss America so much.
That would have likely been on Sept 17, 1976, when it arrived in Baltimore from the Philly area.
Thank you for this my Dad was a boy when my Grandfather took him to see it when it stopped in Louisiana great train and great story both freedom trains
Another absolutely fascinating video Peter!
Anyone who has a passion for trains has heard of the Freedom Train.
How I would’ve loved to see it.
My mother went through the train at its last stop in Miami.
4449 will always be my absolute favorite steam locomotive.
It was nice to relive the journey. I was with the Foundation from 1973, eventually becoming advance person once the Train began, handling the final stop in Miami. The route depicted left it out, so this is a shout-out to the wonderful people of Worcester, Mass where the local carpenter's union volunteered to build an amazing exit ramp to surmount a steep embankment on Norton Company's industrial site. We called it the pinball wizard. Also, here's to West Kansas City, KANSAS. Kansas City, Missouri is a great city, just not the display site of the American Freedom Train. There are a great many stories attached to this remarkable undertaking and it's nice a few of them have been preserved on this film.
You know, my notes even said it was Kansas but it must've slipped my mind when I was labeling the map. Thanks for sharing those interesting details!
Once again, just proves trains really are the solution to just about anything. Timing couldn't be better on this video. I recently restored a Lionel HO AFT a friend bought for twenty bucks, the diesel looks a lot like the Preamble Express, but is lettered American Freedom Train, and at the museum I work at, a gentleman from the Fort Wayne Historical Society visited, and we got talking trains, and he LOVED the Lionel 1949 Showroom Layout. Another excellent video Mr. Dibble!
My two favorite steam locomotives of all time the 4449 Southern Pacific GS4 Daylight and the 4014 Union Pacific Big Boy! Thank you for putting together this documentary about the bicentennial era. It was nice to see the Daylight come out of retirement for this cross country train trip in 1976 to pull the American Freedom train 🇺🇸
Awesome documentary! We most definitely need another Freedom Train! AFT ‘26!
And considering how many operational steam engines out there on heritage lines, a number of them can pull it, perhaps each steam engine from their proper region can pull it and hand it off, like passing the torch. But I doubt that could happen
This documentary is amazing! What an epic to celebrate this upcoming g 4th. Why haven’t we been telling this story in US public, private schools, and history books yet? It is a deserving must that we do, especially for those not into trains to remind us all of what they do for our country and how they still keep it together in spite of what the industry has been through.
It’s amazing they were able to pull it off in not only one of the darkest times in American history, but also in the darkest phase of US railroad history, when Penn Central(easily the worst American railroad ever) was there for most of it, and thankfully taken over by Conrail in time for the 200th birthday of this country. I don’t think trains are done keeping us together yet, and I doubt they’ll ever stop doing it.
Right on! Three of my favorite things: trains, Peter Dibble documentaries and Friday afternoons; a UA-cam hat trick!
Peter... Ross Rowland was my Father's Dear Friend. Ross asked me to join AFT in 1976. I was 20 years old and worked as an 'engineer', which meant I kept the fire box tended and manned the 'whistle'.... Oh, the stories I could tell you. Finally... thanks for doing this video. Ross was relentless and always was fun to be around. Horseshoe Curve... Needed help that day... James
this video deserves to blow up so here have a comment to give it more interaction
Before i start watching I think this is gonna be really cool as this train visited my town, and my mother actually got to see it. My local train museum has pictures of it up on the wall and thats how i learned of it
My town was a prominent train town, dubbed hub city, so it is cool to know it visited
I LOVE IT! I totally remember seeing the Freedom Train in Salem and also Santa Barbara as a kid. Such great memories, and so thankful my parents took me everywhere. Mom used to say, "If a car had gas in it, that it was meant to go somewhere". 😇 What a blessing for Peter's work... this is really top notch work. Feel like it should be on Oregon Field Guide. THANK YOU so much for your labor of love!
The AFT was in Salem Nov 15 - 18, 1975, and Santa Barbara Jan 2 - 4, 1976
@@TS-ef2gv Thanks for sharing, too! Happy 4th of July!!!
This is the best told story of the AFT that I've ever seen! Thanks for all your hard work putting this together!
Fantastic video, as always.
Very well done and probably the best of your work thus far. Truly outstanding and thank you so much for doing this presentation to bring knowledge about both Freedom Trains, and more positive light on what our railroads have done for the country. Plus getting Ross Roawland, dang! That man alongside Doyle McCormick, true legends!
High quality video as always. Really hope Portland can keep the Heritage Museum alive.
I didn't know as much as I thought I did about this tour
Thanks Peter!
39:52
The guy just swapping the numbers around is the definition of: "Work Smarter, Not Harder"
So I have a book on the 4449, and apparently, there was a guy who cared for and greased her running gear while she sat. Without that, she would have been in too bad of shape to feasibly restore. Funny that one guy had a huge part in saving that beautiful locomotive.
I got to see this near the end of the tour, in Tallahassee, right before my 7th birthday in 1976. I've even made it to one of the freedom train reunions in Portland a few years ago and got to finally meet Ross Rowland to thank him for all his work back then
The AFT was in Tallahassee Nov 26 - 29, 1976
I have gotten to ride in the cab of SP4449. Amazing.
Thanks for this fantastic look at American history! I love how well you research your topics and bring actual people from your stories on to talk about their experiences. Thank you.
Very nice video! I love these documentaries and whenever one comes out I'm watching within the hour.
Regarding T&P 610, my grandfather has video of 610 and ATSF SD45-2 5704 leading the Freedom Train through Cleburne, TX. Too bad it wasn't included, it really is a rare clip.
What I like most about your train videos are your maps. They really help visualize things, and in my home state where it took many curves and stops you drew the mainline very well. How do you do it?
Also hoping if the next one happens they get the N&W, C&O, and NKP locomotives to take turns. I was upset 611 didnt get to pull it but I understand why, and it was a good chance for 4449 to get out of her predectiment
Thanks! I basically had to compile information on the routes and plot them out on a map first, then trace them in the animation software (Adobe After Effects). It was incredibly time-consuming but I wanted it to be as accurate as possible.
Even as a non-US citizen, I would have loved to get on that train. Hopefully there will be another one in 2026. One more reason to visit again.
Thank you for this absolutely awesome documentary about a peculiarity I otherwise would have never heard of!
Yeah if they do it again they should choose 4014 for the western portion of the tour
And hay, Reading 2102 is available.
I wonder how much track is still left...
Speaking as an American, it's incredibly unlikely there will be another Freedom Train. The politcal and economic climate is basically an exponential of what it was in the 70's. That and getting railroads to play ball with such an idea would be even more difficult. And I'm just summarizing. Also having Ross lead the project is, to put it bluntly, a pipe dream. Opinions of him have shifted somewhat, at least in the railroad community.
That said, I wouldn't be opposed to some railroads having Bisequcentennial locomotives
@@russellgxy2905 The BNSF was recently very open to the Train Time movie that just came out this year. Although the 4449 was used in the film, I heard from a later interview that BNSF officials were adamant that the steam engine in the film be of BN or SF heritage, but the director basically said, my movie, my choice. The fact that the BNSF open their ENTIRE system to film on over the course of a few months though was telling enough. Though I suppose it was more of a marketing gig
After watching most of your videos on the TV, especially of the Auto-Train, (and, of course, the AFT) I had to subscribe! Thank you very much for these documentaries! Keep it up!
Absolutely excellent documentary! I was a part of the locomotive crew from May 25, 1976, joining the crew of the T-1 working for Ross Rowland in Birmingham, AL and my last display city was Greenville, SC on November 4, 1976, and was working on the Daylight crew at the time. Most amazing experience of my 21 years of railroad service up to this point.
I remember my mom taking me to the freedom train in San Diego in 1976. I remember Dorothy's ruby slippers and her dress. I remember my mom bought the freedom tour book and I would spend time looking at it as a child ☺️
FASCINATING! ❤
Beautiful, important work.
Best wishes from England.
I saw it in 1976, at four years of age. My mom was driving home from the grocery store, in El Paso, Texas and we saw the gates come down on the Santa Fe tracks by our house. The 4449 was pulling the train. It was a life changing event for me. My dad bought a Lionel "Spirit of '76" train set (ALCO FA locomotive) for me shortly after this...I have it in my attic 😊
The AFT was in El Paso on Feb 6, 1976
We (my family) went to go see this train when it made it's stop in Syracuse New York. The only thing I remember about that trip was that my dad got a speeding ticket on the New York State Thruway while driving there.
Ross is very close to making this happen again for our 250 anniversary in 2026. We could use something like this, especially nowadays, more than we ever did then.
While this was absolutely well produced and executed (as expected from your other great works), my only nitpick is that both Reading 2100 and 2101 were part of that railroad's past excursion program know as the Iron Horse Ramblers along with a few other sisters including 2102 which is still active (the last Rambler was run in 1964 and 2100 along with 2101 were sold to that scrapyard in Baltimore in 1967). While not a major oversight, thought it worth mentioning given their previous excursion life is what helped them to survive to 1975 and eventually help with the Freedom Train
Yes, you are correct and I probably could've clarified that point.
very good video. hope you could do one on the American Orient Express
What a treat to find this treasure on the 4th of July!
I remember the Bicenntennial Freedom Train. It stopped in South Bend, IN, behind St. Joe High School the summer between my sophomore & junior year at Clay High School. I was on crutches - it was fun to get on and off on crutches!!
I met the Freedom Train in Sacramento when I was a boy. Many years later, I got to reunite with The Daylight in Portland. There's just something magical about #4449.
I shared this with my family and told them to let their kids watch it because this is Americana we should never forget!
Seeing this on Independence Day and it's a terrific doc. That said, if Ross wants to do this again, I think he could launch a grassroots campaign since it's a lot easier to do crowdfunding than it was during the 1970s. Plus, that would be a great way to build public support for Freedom Train 2.0.
Yay!!! Another Peter Dibble masterpiece! Thank you Peter for another gem of a documentary.
Amazing Documentary. It highlights all the key elements and facts of this amazing/unique train. You explain everything so well and so descriptive, and the music is spot on! Great work!!
Thanks Peter, excellent as usual.
I'm last thing from a patriot, but I would love the train would tour again and I definitely will visit it!
The rain system in the country needs major renewal so tour like this and even seasonal scenic route can happen again on the regular.
What an absolutely beautiful video to end my evening thank you Peter
The American Freedom Train represents the best of America at it's core. While our country's history isn't perfect, there's still alot of things to be genuinely proud and patriotic of, and this train showed us that.
Of course, the extensive restoration of 4449 and 2101 is also something to be proud of, especially with how they were completely refurbished within just barley two months!
Having lived in Portland when the Engine 4449 was being dusted off and sent on it's adventure, I have a really good memory of this event. Also that I graduated high school in 1976 so my tassel had a liberty bell on it as well as the 76. so the Freedom Train became a symbol for my launch into adult hood. Good thing I was already an avid history buff at the ripe ol' age of 17 so I paid attention to the Freedom Train events. Thank you for putting this together. It makes my old heart go pitter patter. Even though I have lived in other parts of the nation, I live in the Portland area now. And am excited to pay attention to the efforts for 2026 Freedom Train excursion.
At 31:24, to get there the train had to be reversed underneath a large part of downtown Chicago. It would've backed east across the old bascule bridge over the north branch of the Chicago River at Kinzie Street, onto now-abandoned tracks that immediately enter an underground parking garage, passing through the basements of buildings and underground alleyways and through parking garages, underneath Merchandise Mart, the Wrigley Building, and many others, before heading out onto Navy Pier where you see it facing the city. There's a photo of the bright windows of the shiny railcars casting light onto some dimly-lit concrete columns.
An enthralling masterpiece. Well done Mr. Dibble. 👍
Thank you so much for posting this. I started volunteering at ORHC a little over a year ago and had no knowledge of SP4449 before then. There is a large display board exhibit of the Freedom Train there but this gives me a much deeper appreciation for everything that went into it. Very well done production.
Knowing the history of that Oldsmobile, that explanation is doing ALOT of heavy lifting!
Given all of the high-quality, wonderfully informative documentaries that you have done on several railroad-related topics, I knew that it was only a matter of time before you would delve into the story of the American Freedom Train and its highly successful two-year journey that certainly led to a rebirth of mainline steam excursions being seen as a popular means of drawing the public back to the rails and preserving the past (at the same time).
Thanks Peter, yet another fantastic video! I never got to see the Freedom Train run, but I do remember the Bicentennial. Difficult for my brain to comprehend that was almost 50 years ago! I am hoping to see a video from you on that wagon train!
Wow!- what a good subject.
It would be awesome to see the exibit brought back together and rolling again.
You have that ability to make history interesting- the forgotten parks, incomplete infrastructure, faded roadside attractions, and now this- outstanding!
ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!
Glad to see an indepth documentary on this train! Never knew it had a moving walkway onboard, but I guess it makes sense.
Amazing documentary about an amazing feat pulled of by regular people.
What a fantastic story and documentary.... love the history and the fact that old locomotives were rescued to take part. I particularly enjoyed the part about the renumbering of the exhibition cars... a stroke of genius by one of the team.
Thanks for the painstaking work of piecing all these film clips together.
My mother took me to see this in Portland Oregon. I was nine at the time.
The AFT was in Portland Nov 11 - 14, 1975
@@TS-ef2gv I’m an old man now. Lol
I remember doing the Freedom Train tour when it stopped in Emeryville, CA back in 1975 when I was 10 years old. This video brought on such fun tears of nostalgia like most of your videos do Peter. I always look forward to your videos Pater, you create them so well!
Excellent documentary. I never knew the full story on this train before. When it stopped at Morristown, NJ, near where I grew up, I was 13, but somehow we didn't know it was there. I never heard of this train till sometime in the late 90s or early 2000s. What an amazing story. Thanks for the upload.
This is a great video.
Outstanding documentary! Many thanks for sharing this!
I was just telling a friend on July 4th about visiting this train in Santa Barbara when I was young, super cool!
Amazing composition of the story of this great venture! I personally have seen Reading 2101 in person at the B&O railroad Museum, which is how I learned about AFT in the first place.
What a fantastic story!
Beautiful, thank you!
This is quite literally the best produced video ive ever seen from such a small channel
You've outdone yourself again. I'm always amazed at the quality of your content. Thanks for putting together such a great video. Keep up the fantastic work!!