A trip to remember! In August 1976, the American Freedom Train toured the country in celebration of the nation's bicentennial. The primary power for the trip was ex-Southern Pacific 4449, painted in a special red/white/blue scheme. Having just visited the Southern Steam Shops in Irondale, Alabama (just outside Birmingham), the GS-4 needed to be reunited with the Freedom Train. Southern Railway decided to operate a steam special pulled by the 4449, which ran from Atlanta to Salisbury, NC on Saturday, August 28 and from Salisbury to Alexandria on Sunday, August 29. This was a grand trip, which folks still talk about today. Train speed hit 70-79mph on a number of occasions during the weekend. This image shows the train in Atlanta, about 20 minutes north of Peachtree Station, at the Winters Chapel Road crossing.
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!
