To celebrate the American Bicentennial, a rolling museum of American artifacts was assembled to tour the country by rail in 1975 and 1976. The American Freedom Train was pulled by three different steam locomotives: Reading T-1 4-8-4 #2101, Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 #610 and, for the bulk of the trip, recently restored Southern Pacific GS-4 4-8-4 #4449. As the Bicentennial year wore on, the AFT headed back to the northeastern states to wrap up its two-year tour. Because of its size, 4449 was replaced once again with Reading 2101, the engine that began the tour in 1975. But before heading back to its home in Portland, Oregon, the former “Daylight” engine was used by steam-friendly Southern Railway on a number of railfan excursions on its lines. The 1941-built Lima is seen on an August morning in 1976, preparing for one of these fan trips in Salisbury, North Carolina, as the sun begins to rise. Soon this train, full of excited railfans and steam enthusiasts, will begin its trip north.
Displays of American pride, and spirit! Equipment painted Red, White, and Blue! With an honored salute and tribute to our veterans and troops added too! Patriots can still be found to join this gathering of Patriotic Pride!
