The steam locomotive pulling the Freedom Train In the Eastern United States is former Reading Railroad engine 2101. |
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The American Freedom Train, loaded with memorabilia and artifacts of the nation's growth, recently steamed out of Alexandria, Va., to celebrate a birthday. The train was assembled by Southern crews at Cameron Station, Va., as the exhibit cars arrived from around the United State" for final preparation. And a Southern train crew handled the first movement of the train to Washington, D. C., on its initial run to Wilmington, Del.
During the next 19 months, the 24-car, red-white-and-blue train will commemorate the 20Oth birthday of the United States. A 400-ton steam locomotive will pull the train on its 17,000-mile journey with visits to several cities in Southern Railway territory. An estimated 10 million Americans will see the exhibits and priceless documents.
The steam locomotive pulling the Freedom Train In the Eastern United States is former Reading Railroad engine 2101. |
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The estimated cost of building and operating the train is over $18 million. Expenses will be shared by communities the train will visit and through ticket sales.
In the 10 exhibit cars, visitors stand on moving walkways with transistorized sound units playing narrations coordinated with the exhibits. Travel time is 20-25 minutes at the rate of 1,800 people per hour, 14 hours daily.
One of two glass enclosed display cars deals with transportation and the progress of wheeled vehicles. |
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This project is the brainchild of railroad buff Ross Rowland, who formed the High Iron Company, Inc., in 1966 at age 26. This company restored and operated steam locomotive 759 and ran some public excursions, including the Golden Spike Limited to Promontory Point, Utah, that marked the l00th anniversary of the linking of this country by rail.
His idea of the American Freedom Train steamed ahead when it caught the ear of the chairman of Pepsi-Cola Company, who agreed to donate one million dollars. Three more corporations donated a million dollars each and the American Freedom Train Foundation was formed.
The Freedom Train, steaming out of Alexandria, promises to be one of the most colorful and exciting of all Bicentennial activities. |
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Aboard the Freedom Train, 760 display items - 550 are original-reflect American achievements in nearly every aspect of life. Included are the first Bible printed in the U.S., Ben Franklin's draft of the Articles of Confederation, George Washington's copy of the Constitution and a moon rock.
Workmen prepare to load the Freedom Bell onto a showcase car of the American Freedom Train. The bell is a gift of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. |
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In addition, there are two "showcase cars," one carrying the Freedom Bell, which is twice the size of the Liberty Bell. The other car displays rare vehicles in transportation history.