2001 is going to be a blast. That big train rolling west on the BNSF to St. Cloud will be something to experience. The last public steam trip on that line was in the late 1950's by the Northern Pacific. The 4449 rolled that way in 1975 with the Freedom Train. No steam since.
Every dollar helps.
I know of other railfans who have done that, or even bought a ticket. Thanks, have a fun, safe summer. The locomotive has passed it's hydro test. Jacketing was being reapplied today. Most of the cars have been nicely painted up in classic Milwaukee Road colors of orange, maroon, and black.