Bicentennial on Tour: The American Freedom Train

[@TheUnluckyTug_official]

No. 1 steaming in right as the train was about to leave is something straight out of a movie! Fantastic documentary. Learned so much from this! What a sight it must've been to see 4449 and 844 double heading. If only we could go back in time...

[@dillontrainvids25]

Hey! Unlucky Tug! Fancy seeing you here

[@peterdibble]

Thanks man, that's high praise coming from you!

[@metalheadrailfan]

And it wouldn't be the last. Both engines would double head excursions in the Seattle area in 2007. This was the last time they met up.

[@yungsagegaming8577]

It's friggin Tug!! *Thomas theme starts playing*

[@natethegreat5968]

Cool to see two legends interacting

[@pi-sx3mb]

In 2017 I was riding the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago and ended up sitting in the dining car across from a super nice guy who was telling me all about this fascinating train tour he'd done with a steam locomotive. It was Ross Rowland! What a unique special person he is.

[@doubleutubefan5]

Sounds like the time I heard of an airline pilot tell a story about this nice conversation with an older gentleman....who he found out later to be Buzz Aldrin the astronaut

[@MiddletownBranchProd.]

ross isn’t my favorite person, but that’s pretty lucky

[@OutaTimeFPV]

14:50 This was due to the efforts of a man by the name of Jack Holst. He would go to the park and oil the journals on the locomotive as it sat. Sadly, he would pass before they got the 4449 operational again, but he left behind an incredible legacy.

[@davidmihevc3990]

He should have been mentioned in this video.

[@chesapeakedproductions3009]

It's always a good day when Peter Dibble uploads a documentary on his channel, and I've been looking forward to this one. The American Freedom Train, while covered in the past by others, is still a greatly undertold story. Kudos to you for deeply researching this historic event in American history.

[@AlexDaDermahurr]

This is an amazing video

[@TrainBandit]

Great video 👍. You can never teach people to much about America

[@manga12]

that beginning soo its pretty much like today except we are not just out of a war, record inflation, and dissillusinment yes, perhaps its time we need to be reminded, something to bring us togather, someone that can bring our nation togather, we have excursion and show trains though, but nothing on this scale, of the freedome train of the bicentennial, though around here it was quite a bit adue since our downs centanial was just 2 years before the bicentennial of the nation, but many have forgotten who we are and each thinks they are the one that is saving the union from the other, kindness is nothing without trying to understand, that said, the project by russ rowland for the bicentannal freedom train was very loved, and I come from a railroad town, infact I help at a historical railroad currently helping staff the trains and working on the locomotive in the shops. but people have forgot who we are, or unwilling to do what we once did to get the job done, many have never even seem a steam loco as they dont even go to theme parks that would have them but was so ubiquitas for me growing up in the north east indiana area.and an hour from lima where our engine nickleplate 765, 614, and 4449 were built in ohio, and they were the smallest of the big three steam loco makers but the cadillac of steam engines and well made. and all the stuff restoring we can absolutely do today but its a few less people and costs more money obviously.

[@manga12]

@dr.trains119 today spacificly ? the fourth of july a good day for the freedom train > yes it would be too many have siloed up too many have fogotten what it means to be from the united states, they forgot what it means to fight for what you belive in, and stand for real truth, the protestent work ethic as its called, the staying the course and defende something and hold the line and never give up, too many are weary worn this day and age and the pandemic broke many people they got the wearwithall but they lost the will to fight or have changed allegances, and many young dont know that old spirit of someone told us as a contry we cant do something it cant be done, and we collectively or at least trailblazers thumbed their nose at the nay sayers and did it in the end sometimes at great cost, just like our freedom in our judeio christian guided nation, it aint free it cost the lives, blood and toil to get it there, they no longer hold the line like railroader, meaning you go the haul the hard run and go long and get it there and stay on it till you finish the unglamorous hard dirty work to get it done steadfastly like a steam engine, it aint pretty when covered in dirt but its sure tough and majestic looking and indominable looking. yes people need to be reminded we come a long way we had many long fights our ancesters were looked down on when they came here but they still did so for the operatunity for the ideals for the freedom, for those that have the power to do but wont they need to be reminded and inspired and told GET UP OFF THE GROUND DONT SQUANDER THE PRICE YOUR ANCESTORS PAID AND THE MALTREATMENT THEY ENDURED TO HOLD YOU ON THEIR SHOULDERS, PICK UP YOUR FLAG YOUR WEPON YOU FIGHT WITH, AND STAND TALL, YOU ARE AN AMERICAN WE HAVE NO KING BUT GOD, WE ONLY BOW TO HIM AND MAYBE THE DOWNTRODDEN THOSE IN NEED TO OFFER A HAND, YOU ARE AN AMERICAN NOT AN AMERE CANT. DRAW THE LINE IN THE SAND AND HOLD IT TILL YOU BREAK THAT IS WHAT WE DO, AND FIND A WAY TO GET IT DONE, NEVER FEAR DEATH, NEVER FEAR EMBARASSMENT WHEN YOU HAVE FRIENDS TO PICK YOU UP AND NEVER NEVER GIVE UP! Like this engine 4449 as long as you keep up the steam it will keep pulling and hauling and the harder it goes the better it does, it is a lima superpower engine, and so are you with the resources and people of the usa, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, AND WITH THE HOLY GHOST CHRISTIANS ARE THE MOST POWERFUL BEINGS IN THE UNVERSE BESIDE HEAVEN AND THE MORE THEY TRY TO OPPRESS IT THE HARDER IT CLINGS AND FIGHTS FOR THIS IS NO COWARDLY SPIRIT BUT THE SPIRITS OF GOD AND IF GOD IS WITH US WHO OR WHAT CAN STAND AGAINST US......NOTHING NOT EVEN THE GATES OF HELL IFGOD WILLS YOU TO ENDURE IT. sarry yes people need to be reminded we might be differant but this is the origen of our countries ideals and the hard work it took to get us here so fear not and be honored you are from here.

[@jhollister56]

Peter... Ross Rowland was my Father's Dear Friend. Ross asked me to join AFT in 1976. I was 20 years old and worked as an 'engineer', which meant I kept the fire box tended and manned the 'whistle'.... Oh, the stories I could tell you. Finally... thanks for doing this video. Ross was relentless and always was fun to be around. Horseshoe Curve... Needed help that day... James

[@alexanderkostan2488]

My two favorite steam locomotives of all time the 4449 Southern Pacific GS4 Daylight and the 4014 Union Pacific Big Boy! Thank you for putting together this documentary about the bicentennial era. It was nice to see the Daylight come out of retirement for this cross country train trip in 1976 to pull the American Freedom train 🇺🇸

[@Voucher765]

The High Iron Company led by Ross Rowland somewhat is one of my preservation heroes, The fact that he restored a locomotive within 30 days and also create the traveling museum was a miracle.

[@williamclarke4510]

I regard the volunteer hours I spent restoring the 2101 to be be one of the best things that I ever did in my entire life.

[@Arbiter099]

I'd love to see another run in 2026. What a nice, wholesome, and inspirational project and video. Thanks!

[@randomcommenterfromdownund8949]

You know that at least as of a few years ago, Ross was trying to get support and funding to do it, right?

[@kc8bdr]

I would love to see it happen

[@therailfanman2078]

Could do the run with T&P 610, 4449, 844, and 2102

[@evankowalski6259]

​@@therailfanman2078 2100 is doing it

[@g_e_o_m9369]

The best part of this video is learning that the 250th will not pass without a freedom train, if there is one thing that the US will need it's that. Best of luck to all involved.

[@danieltorgerson3593]

A bit of trivia. The entire month we traveled through the State of Texas, the Lone Star Brewery provided unlimited free beer, and every city we set up for display welcomed us with a big BBQ. Setting up at the Lone Star brewery in San Antonio was like the "Greatest show on Earth". I was only 17 years old and was hired by Frank Kora to run the Hot Dog Concession from Yuma to Kansas City. Hot dogs were 60 cents in those days. This was a great adventure for a kid prompting me to join the U.S. Navy and travel the world. This is a great documentary, thank you.

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

Came down the tracks near my house in Reisterstown MD. What a wonderful time. I miss America so much.

[@TS-ef2gv]

That would have likely been on Sept 17, 1976, when it arrived in Baltimore from the Philly area.

[@trezjr73]

What a treat to find this treasure on the 4th of July!

[@andrewludwig9052]

I was 11 years old and it was magical touring the Freedom Train I would love to see it happen again

[@kickthesky]

I was seven years old when I saw the Freedom Train with my parents in Madison, WI. My dad especially loved it because he was also a huge rail fan. A few months ago he passed away and in going through pictures the Freedom Train pictures came up and a flood of memories opened up. Also in the picture album was one of our ticket stubs from the exhibit. Thanks for this great video showcasing this. Always wondered why we went to Madison to go see it and why it never came to Milwaukee. Now I know!

[@TS-ef2gv]

The AFT was in Madison Aug 20 - 25, 1975

[@zsoren42]

I love how 4449 became Doyle's baby after this. I loved growing up with him and his engine. Same with Steve Lee and 844

[@barbaramoran8690]

I met 844 in 2007 Saw him in Denver four years in a row Hung out with the engine all day each time A real live choo choo

[@thesudriana016]

I've seen the American Freedom Train many times on my I Love Toy Trains #12 VHS, but seeing this full documentary gave me a new experience and has so many things I learned from that I never knew about. A few parts of it remind me a bit of Flying Scotsman's USA Tour which feels like a British version of said-train a few years later. Out of all the engines that pulled the Freedom Train, I think Daylight stood out among the rest as it really is glamorous in its patriotic paintwork.

[@andrewkessinger5966]

Excellent as ever, Peter. I think a Freedom Trin would be just the thing for 2026. With 4449 at the head and even 4014 where it can be used as a backup.

[@yankee_tango]

If Union Pacific would let them use the "Big Boy" X4014 that would be one hell of a coup. I would bust my ass to get to where I could see it, maybe in Omaha or Sioux City I live in Iowa those are both about 6-7 hours drive from me. But those two Loco's running that train would be a miracle.

[@xavi-kun]

I’m not entirely sure about using UP 4014, mainly because SP 4449 already had issues running in the East Coast due to its size and weight, which limited it largely to the Western half of the AFT’s route. What more with a larger locomotive like the Big Boys?

[@GoofyVirginian630]

Ok no offense.. but seeing 4014 in freedom train scheme would be kinda cursed for me

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Fantastic video, as always.

[@SwinkMcloud]

Amazing documentary. Until I saw this video I thought I was crazy because as a child two months before my 5th birthday I swore I saw the Freedom train but always remembered it with modern locomotives that were painted mostly white. This video explained my memories. I saw the train in Colorado Springs when it used the Burlington Northern locomotive.

[@ishammc7211]

I was 4 or 5 years old and I remember the Freedom Train coming to my hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. The only thing I can remember was the moving walkway, a sea of people showing up for the event and my family enjoying the occasion. Thanks 4 the memories.

[@andrewrife6253]

I didn't know that my favorite locomotive from my childhood would have never been restored without this project. That's pretty cool.

[@rebootportland6218]

I met the Freedom Train in Sacramento when I was a boy. Many years later, I got to reunite with The Daylight in Portland. There's just something magical about #4449.

[@philipreich7035]

Nice presentation about the two freedom trains. Thanks for all your work creating these videos. I appreciate not only this deep dive into a rarely mentioned or remembered event/excursion, but also your work on the various NW centered topics. Maybe you could do one on the Columbus Day Storm (which was a typhoon) that hit the NW in 1962. Thanks again, Philip

[@MillBrookRailroad]

This is the best told story of the AFT that I've ever seen! Thanks for all your hard work putting this together!

[@joshjosh6526]

Awesome documentary! We most definitely need another Freedom Train! AFT ‘26!

[@SONICX1027]

And considering how many operational steam engines out there on heritage lines, a number of them can pull it, perhaps each steam engine from their proper region can pull it and hand it off, like passing the torch. But I doubt that could happen

[@markrund6292]

I was 11 when this came to Portland OR. It remains one of my favorite childhood memories. Thank you Peter for your excellent work.

[@coreywilson6693]

Right on! Three of my favorite things: trains, Peter Dibble documentaries and Friday afternoons; a KZbin hat trick!

[@someslavaboo7497]

Peter Dibble delivering us another absolutely fire documentary, and as a fan of the AFT it was really cool to get an in-depth look into what was one of the most memorable moments in American railroading history.

[@rumbodeglasas2797]

i love the writing and pruduction of this mini film.i watch the whole thing and it was very entertaining,thanks!

[@modelrailpreservation]

Once again, just proves trains really are the solution to just about anything. Timing couldn't be better on this video. I recently restored a Lionel HO AFT a friend bought for twenty bucks, the diesel looks a lot like the Preamble Express, but is lettered American Freedom Train, and at the museum I work at, a gentleman from the Fort Wayne Historical Society visited, and we got talking trains, and he LOVED the Lionel 1949 Showroom Layout. Another excellent video Mr. Dibble!

[@marcellocolona4980]

Saw the Freedom Train and went through it when it came through New Jersey. I was out of the Marine Corps about 3 years and in my second year at Georgetown.

[@bmwpete65s55]

My class was able to tour The Freedom Train in Wichita in 1976. I recall it was amazing and our country could sure use something like this to bring us back together again.

[@TS-ef2gv]

The AFT was in Wichita, KS, March 19 - 23, 1976

[@sallycripe2697]

I remember the Bicenntennial Freedom Train. It stopped in South Bend, IN, behind St. Joe High School the summer between my sophomore & junior year at Clay High School. I was on crutches - it was fun to get on and off on crutches!!

[@kathylandis3395]

I remember my mom taking me to the freedom train in San Diego in 1976. I remember Dorothy's ruby slippers and her dress. I remember my mom bought the freedom tour book and I would spend time looking at it as a child ☺️

[@billdennington6007]

Absolutely excellent documentary! I was a part of the locomotive crew from May 25, 1976, joining the crew of the T-1 working for Ross Rowland in Birmingham, AL and my last display city was Greenville, SC on November 4, 1976, and was working on the Daylight crew at the time. Most amazing experience of my 21 years of railroad service up to this point.

[@teknightrider2586]

I LOVE IT! I totally remember seeing the Freedom Train in Salem and also Santa Barbara as a kid. Such great memories, and so thankful my parents took me everywhere. Mom used to say, "If a car had gas in it, that it was meant to go somewhere". 😇 What a blessing for Peter's work... this is really top notch work. Feel like it should be on Oregon Field Guide. THANK YOU so much for your labor of love!

[@TS-ef2gv]

The AFT was in Salem Nov 15 - 18, 1975, and Santa Barbara Jan 2 - 4, 1976

[@teknightrider2586]

@@TS-ef2gv Thanks for sharing, too! Happy 4th of July!!!

[@mackpines]

Another absolutely fascinating video Peter! Anyone who has a passion for trains has heard of the Freedom Train. How I would’ve loved to see it. My mother went through the train at its last stop in Miami. 4449 will always be my absolute favorite steam locomotive.

[@sericsmith5770]

After watching most of your videos on the TV, especially of the Auto-Train, (and, of course, the AFT) I had to subscribe! Thank you very much for these documentaries! Keep it up!

[@chastermief3501]

this video deserves to blow up so here have a comment to give it more interaction

[@SaturnMist09]

Very well done and probably the best of your work thus far. Truly outstanding and thank you so much for doing this presentation to bring knowledge about both Freedom Trains, and more positive light on what our railroads have done for the country. Plus getting Ross Roawland, dang! That man alongside Doyle McCormick, true legends!

[@Comrad3Questi0n]

These railroad videos are very underrated.

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

I have no doubt about how tough this was for the crew, but living on an authentic steam train for two years straight sounds like my dream come true.

[@Jesusisking2785]

Thank you for this my Dad was a boy when my Grandfather took him to see it when it stopped in Louisiana great train and great story both freedom trains

[@jetsons101]

This vid gives me hope that America will make a strong comeback once the current administration is gone and forgotten. This is a great story that should be shown in schools across the country. Thanks for keeping this part of American History alive.

[@OfficialTrainzGod]

I didn't know as much as I thought I did about this tour Thanks Peter! 39:52 The guy just swapping the numbers around is the definition of: "Work Smarter, Not Harder"

[@raven21633]

I still, to this day, have my ticket stub from when it came to our town. Unfortunately we never got to see the steam engine, as it had broken down along the way and had been transported to the yards for service. The Freedom Train rolled into our town pulled by a plain freight engine. I was 9 years old at the time and had broken my left ankle (hairline fracture) and had to visit it on crutches. There was no handicapped accessibility to speak of, so, much to my surprise, a U.S. Marine, in full dress uniform, picked me up and stuck me on the train :) I still have the picture of me standing beside him on my crutches just before he picked me up. :)

[@johnsnook2358]

Thanks Peter, excellent as usual.

[@the_darkgameryt]

This is quite literally the best produced video ive ever seen from such a small channel

[@doggonedog]

A sad fate in the end for the majority of the consist. Only 6 cars remain today and 3 cars are unknown. The others are gone for good. I love the train videos you've done, and the SPSF merger one is the best of the info I've found on the subject.

[@3RedViperACe]

Ross is very close to making this happen again for our 250 anniversary in 2026. We could use something like this, especially nowadays, more than we ever did then.

[@roberthoffhines5419]

I was 11 when the 2101 brought the train to Columbus Ohio. The displays were cool, especially the moon rover and moon rock. And Dorothy's ruby slippers! On the departure, 2101 pulled her out of Columbus about 5:30 AM going west on the Panhandle. Laying in bed from about 1.5 miles away, I heard the whistle wailing continually in farewell to us all as the chuff rate increased and she picked up momentum. I Never heard anything like that! I remember I got chills, then overwhelmed, I teared up. 48 years later and it just got dusty in here...

[@TS-ef2gv]

The AFT was in Columbus from May 22 - June 4, 1975. It moved to Cincinnati on June 4th.

[@echohunter4199]

My family arrived on the continent in 1639 and fought in every conflict we’ve faced as a country so it’s interesting to consider what each family member was dealing with over the generations and how they overcame obstacles. As a retired Infantryman, I added my service to the long list. Added: I was 9 years old when I saw my first operational steam engine in Dunsmuir, CA which was the Freedom Train led by SP 4449. We lived a 100 yards from the main tracks at the northern end of the Dunsmuir yard so I saw and heard the train coming into town so I hopped on my bicycle and went to the yard where I was amazed. I’m thankful that the retired SP employee regularly lubricated the SP 4449 as it sat in the park in Portland, OR, he made the restoration a bit easier in critical spots. My dad also worked for SP then UP before he retired in 2009. The display cars on the train had a moving floor so you couldn’t stand in one spot too long and more people could see the exhibits. I wish younger generations could experience what I did.

[@NHZS]

What an absolutely beautiful video to end my evening thank you Peter

[@Lensman864]

FASCINATING! ❤ Beautiful, important work. Best wishes from England.

[@ElDJReturn]

Thanks for this fantastic look at American history! I love how well you research your topics and bring actual people from your stories on to talk about their experiences. Thank you.

[@rdanscale3416]

Awesome hope to see it Roll Again..

[@doubleutubefan5]

In the very early 1990's Skyfire Productions documented the 4449 on a journey from Oregon to California to meet up with other steam engines as part of a convention. I had the VHS as a kid and I remember watching it over and over, naturally becoming fascinated with "America's Train" and the history of it. I was born and Raised in Pennsylvania and although having never seen the 4449, I still loved what it did and what it stood for. It was probably a very good reason why I ended up working for a railroad this past year. Loved every second of it.

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

You mean very early 2000s?

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@TrainsAreReallyCool negative. I meant 1990's

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

@@doubleutubefan5 You typed it as 1900s.

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@TrainsAreReallyCool I did. And that was a mistake. I appreciate you pointing it out cuz I fixed it now

[@keeganryan7481]

High quality video as always. Really hope Portland can keep the Heritage Museum alive.

[@Blaze06]

Fantastic job! I’m also glad you mentioned what happened to the engines after the AFT! Fun fact: 4449 in 2009 made a cross country trip from Portland to Michigan for train fest 2009 in Owosso, MI! I’m also interested in seeing a Freedom Train in the coming years especially in 2026 as I want to see how Rowland or others can pull this off in these more modern times!

[@VisableTV]

Amazing Documentary. It highlights all the key elements and facts of this amazing/unique train. You explain everything so well and so descriptive, and the music is spot on! Great work!!

[@HyperActive7]

I shared this with my family and told them to let their kids watch it because this is Americana we should never forget!

[@andrewb2281]

I never hadn't really even heard about the freedom train but what a fascinating story. Hopefully, they can make something similar happen in 2026. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[@JETZcorp]

I'm about as cynical as they come, but standing aboard a steam train next to a piece of the literal actual moon... Man that would be powerful. Here's hoping I'm still around to see 4449 do it again for the Tricentennial!

[@evan12697]

Oh man are they considering it?

[@JETZcorp]

@@evan12697 It's probably a bit early for them to be making plans. I mean, 4449 is located in Portland after all, and I think there's a decent chance that city could be abandoned and reclaimed by the wilderness before 2076. But yeah aside from restoring an original Saturn V and taking it up to the parking lot of the Lunar Hilton, idk what would be more appropriate for a Tricentennial.

[@mattfoltz7752]

Outstanding documentary.

[@motorTranz]

Outstanding documentary! Many thanks for sharing this!

[@janisburenga5872]

It was nice to relive the journey. I was with the Foundation from 1973, eventually becoming advance person once the Train began, handling the final stop in Miami. The route depicted left it out, so this is a shout-out to the wonderful people of Worcester, Mass where the local carpenter's union volunteered to build an amazing exit ramp to surmount a steep embankment on Norton Company's industrial site. We called it the pinball wizard. Also, here's to West Kansas City, KANSAS. Kansas City, Missouri is a great city, just not the display site of the American Freedom Train. There are a great many stories attached to this remarkable undertaking and it's nice a few of them have been preserved on this film.

[@peterdibble]

You know, my notes even said it was Kansas but it must've slipped my mind when I was labeling the map. Thanks for sharing those interesting details!

[@DrWatson610]

Even as a non-US citizen, I would have loved to get on that train. Hopefully there will be another one in 2026. One more reason to visit again. Thank you for this absolutely awesome documentary about a peculiarity I otherwise would have never heard of!

[@Elijah1573]

Yeah if they do it again they should choose 4014 for the western portion of the tour

[@TBone-bz9mp]

And hay, Reading 2102 is available.

[@samsam0329]

I wonder how much track is still left...

[@russellgxy2905]

Speaking as an American, it's incredibly unlikely there will be another Freedom Train. The politcal and economic climate is basically an exponential of what it was in the 70's. That and getting railroads to play ball with such an idea would be even more difficult. And I'm just summarizing. Also having Ross lead the project is, to put it bluntly, a pipe dream. Opinions of him have shifted somewhat, at least in the railroad community. That said, I wouldn't be opposed to some railroads having Bisequcentennial locomotives

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@russellgxy2905 The BNSF was recently very open to the Train Time movie that just came out this year. Although the 4449 was used in the film, I heard from a later interview that BNSF officials were adamant that the steam engine in the film be of BN or SF heritage, but the director basically said, my movie, my choice. The fact that the BNSF open their ENTIRE system to film on over the course of a few months though was telling enough. Though I suppose it was more of a marketing gig

[@jjxtwo1]

I saw the train in Roseville, CA. It wasn't giving tours in Roseville. You had to go over to San Francisco for that. But it made a long stop in Roseville and hundreds of people came out to see the train.

[@fredevad]

Thank you so much for posting this. I started volunteering at ORHC a little over a year ago and had no knowledge of SP4449 before then. There is a large display board exhibit of the Freedom Train there but this gives me a much deeper appreciation for everything that went into it. Very well done production.

[@southsidediy]

When the train arrived in Chicago with #1, they displayed it at Navy Pier. They tried backing the entire train down the CNW Navy Pier Industrial Lead, But #1 derailed underneath the Merchandise Mart. So the passenger cars were displayed on Navy Pier while #1 was parked on a spur near CNW station. The handoff with 4449 occured at CNW Proviso yard in the west suburbs.

[@alexf4500]

This was an amazing video and story. Thank you for this.

[@dfwrailvideos]

Very nice video! I love these documentaries and whenever one comes out I'm watching within the hour. Regarding T&P 610, my grandfather has video of 610 and ATSF SD45-2 5704 leading the Freedom Train through Cleburne, TX. Too bad it wasn't included, it really is a rare clip.

[@brianhepke7182]

What a fantastic story and documentary.... love the history and the fact that old locomotives were rescued to take part. I particularly enjoyed the part about the renumbering of the exhibition cars... a stroke of genius by one of the team. Thanks for the painstaking work of piecing all these film clips together.

[@AndrewTheRocketCityRailfan4014]

This documentary is amazing! What an epic to celebrate this upcoming g 4th. Why haven’t we been telling this story in US public, private schools, and history books yet? It is a deserving must that we do, especially for those not into trains to remind us all of what they do for our country and how they still keep it together in spite of what the industry has been through. It’s amazing they were able to pull it off in not only one of the darkest times in American history, but also in the darkest phase of US railroad history, when Penn Central(easily the worst American railroad ever) was there for most of it, and thankfully taken over by Conrail in time for the 200th birthday of this country. I don’t think trains are done keeping us together yet, and I doubt they’ll ever stop doing it.

[@EMTevjorgensen]

I remember doing the Freedom Train tour when it stopped in Emeryville, CA back in 1975 when I was 10 years old. This video brought on such fun tears of nostalgia like most of your videos do Peter. I always look forward to your videos Pater, you create them so well!

[@islanduck]

Yay!!! Another Peter Dibble masterpiece! Thank you Peter for another gem of a documentary.

[@KingofCrusher]

Excellent as always.

[@Diptera_Larvae]

Amazing video! The love and care you put into these videos really shows!

[@atlantaman]

An enthralling masterpiece. Well done Mr. Dibble. 👍

[@Heavy_weapons07]

Without this train. Sp 4449 and reading 2101 would have been a rust pile today. Happy 4th of july, and thank you sp 4449 and reading 2101. The freedom train would never be the same without them, and steam on you two legends

[@RevN3]

Amazing work Peter. I'm always excited when another of your documentaries is posted. This was another great one! Thank you!

[@Tolono]

At 31:24, to get there the train had to be reversed underneath a large part of downtown Chicago. It would've backed east across the old bascule bridge over the north branch of the Chicago River at Kinzie Street, onto now-abandoned tracks that immediately enter an underground parking garage, passing through the basements of buildings and underground alleyways and through parking garages, underneath Merchandise Mart, the Wrigley Building, and many others, before heading out onto Navy Pier where you see it facing the city. There's a photo of the bright windows of the shiny railcars casting light onto some dimly-lit concrete columns.

[@dukeloppnow2877]

I was just telling a friend on July 4th about visiting this train in Santa Barbara when I was young, super cool!

[@THEBACKSTER]

My mom recalls visiting the freedom train in Virginia.

[@ChristiesThisnThat]

Love all of your videos! They are about very interesting subjects and are extremely well researched and well written. Keep up the great work!

[@peterdibble]

Thanks a lot!

[@jeffreyhunt1727]

You've outdone yourself again. I'm always amazed at the quality of your content. Thanks for putting together such a great video. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@ThePCPitStopInc]

I have a piece of the Freedom Train got a ticket and some other papers that I found at a antique store in North Carolina

[@Willysmb44]

I got to see this near the end of the tour, in Tallahassee, right before my 7th birthday in 1976. I've even made it to one of the freedom train reunions in Portland a few years ago and got to finally meet Ross Rowland to thank him for all his work back then

[@TS-ef2gv]

The AFT was in Tallahassee Nov 26 - 29, 1976

[@danielpirone8028]

Incredibly well done! Thank you!

[@StLouis-yu9iz]

Sorry it took me a week to watch your newest documentary, but it was an amazing video as usual! Thanks for sharing :]

[@dantupper1784]

Wow!- what a good subject. It would be awesome to see the exibit brought back together and rolling again. You have that ability to make history interesting- the forgotten parks, incomplete infrastructure, faded roadside attractions, and now this- outstanding!

[@RickardFriman]

What a fantastic story! Beautiful, thank you!

[@theodorevoltin9414]

It takes awhile for you to release a new video but it is always worth the wait. I can tell you take great pride in your work. I always appreciate it. Keep up the great work.

[@spikeworks]

Before i start watching I think this is gonna be really cool as this train visited my town, and my mother actually got to see it. My local train museum has pictures of it up on the wall and thats how i learned of it

[@spikeworks]

My town was a prominent train town, dubbed hub city, so it is cool to know it visited

[@chasehudson7063]

What I like most about your train videos are your maps. They really help visualize things, and in my home state where it took many curves and stops you drew the mainline very well. How do you do it? Also hoping if the next one happens they get the N&W, C&O, and NKP locomotives to take turns. I was upset 611 didnt get to pull it but I understand why, and it was a good chance for 4449 to get out of her predectiment

[@peterdibble]

Thanks! I basically had to compile information on the routes and plot them out on a map first, then trace them in the animation software (Adobe After Effects). It was incredibly time-consuming but I wanted it to be as accurate as possible.

[@tevinwms1104]

Given all of the high-quality, wonderfully informative documentaries that you have done on several railroad-related topics, I knew that it was only a matter of time before you would delve into the story of the American Freedom Train and its highly successful two-year journey that certainly led to a rebirth of mainline steam excursions being seen as a popular means of drawing the public back to the rails and preserving the past (at the same time).

[@Mark-jz5ye]

Excellent as per usual. Looking forward to your next video

[@mjgobet5601]

Having lived in Portland when the Engine 4449 was being dusted off and sent on it's adventure, I have a really good memory of this event. Also that I graduated high school in 1976 so my tassel had a liberty bell on it as well as the 76. so the Freedom Train became a symbol for my launch into adult hood. Good thing I was already an avid history buff at the ripe ol' age of 17 so I paid attention to the Freedom Train events. Thank you for putting this together. It makes my old heart go pitter patter. Even though I have lived in other parts of the nation, I live in the Portland area now. And am excited to pay attention to the efforts for 2026 Freedom Train excursion.

[@Thagarr]

Thanks Peter, yet another fantastic video! I never got to see the Freedom Train run, but I do remember the Bicentennial. Difficult for my brain to comprehend that was almost 50 years ago! I am hoping to see a video from you on that wagon train!

[@PowerTrain611]

It's crazy to think that a steam locomotive restoration could be completed from junkyard hulk to fully operational in 90 days, but 30 is mind boggling. If the same group of people tried to do that these days, the FRA would have a cow. Thanks, Gettysburg.