SP4449 Passing Downers Grove IL

While once commonplace, the idea of train engines powered by steam is such a rarity that hundreds of folks came out to Downers Grove IL to watch this one train pass through. The Southern Pacific 4449 is wonderful to look at, but also packs some serious power and speed.
read more at www.sp4449.com/

[@mariestick6636]

Beautiful

[@chico4449]

@BNSFandSP All off these excursions are considered as Amtrak trains, so they add the GE Genesis to show that it is an Amtrak train, they also power the passenger cars.

[@arrowguy173]

Gotta love everyone's excitement! Nothing like steam power.

[@GregHool]

Great angle & awesomr video.

[@VillageThinking]

Thanks for sharing the video, the SP4449 is on her way to my home town and I'll be out with my camera to catch some video of her.

[@Stevopedia]

@BNSFandSP Building on what chico's said, 4449 does all the pulling and the Genesis is just there for head-end electrical power (and maybe also to help with braking), since no steam locomotive that I'm aware of produces electricity to power passenger cars.

[@EeveeFans1996]

0:18 Southern Pacific 4449: (While passing Downers Grove) The Daylight of the East, Coming Through!

[@JayTheTrainFan]

0:17 Andrew(SP 4449):Yee Haw

[@jacksalvin364]

0:10

[@BNSFandSP]

Why is there always a P42 helping 4449 out? She's proven to haul freight trains solo, but why not now?

[@trainmaster844]

1.) Head End Power. Without it, the train would be left without lights, heating and air conditioning.
2.) Insurance Requirement. Since the trip is ran under Amtrak sponsorship, the diesel has to be there as part of their policy. It only helps out with dynamic braking as needed on grades and sometimes provides extra power to help the steam locomotive conserve some fuel and water.
But mostly, the diesel just tags along and provides the aforementioned HEP while 4449 does all the sprinting.

[@alishamcdonald7316]

0:19