Howard Lake-Waverly Herald, Sept. 20, 1999

Engine No. 261 'on time' By William Deiter Galesburg, Ill. Deiter, formerly of Howard Lake, is a volunteer member of the engine service crew. For those of you who were in Howard Lake Sept. 11 and 12, you received a special treat. Not only did you have the opportunity to see the Milwaukee Road Steam Locomotive No. 261, you also witnessed firsthand the last special excursion pulled by a steam locomotive anywhere in North America on a Class 1 mainline, of this century. I have compiled some facts and figures about the locomotive for those of you who are interested. Engine stats Milwaukee Road No. 261 Engine class: S-3 4-8-4 Engine weight: 460,000 pounds Engine and tender loaded weight: approximately 855,000 pounds Tractive effort at start-up: 62,800 pounds Maximum horsepower: approximately 1,000 Cylinder bore: 26 inches Cylinder stroke: 32 inches Boiler pressure: 250 psi Wheel diameter: 74 inches Boiler main barrel capacity: 8,000 U.S. gallons Tender capacities: 33 tons of coal to the top of the sideboards; 20,000 gallons of water Approximate range: 300 miles For more information, contact Friends of the 261, 4322 Lakepoint Court, Shoreview, MN 55126.

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