Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261: Schedule, Whistle, Photos
Last revised: February 26, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The Milwaukee Road 261 is a 4-8-4 "Northern" type steam locomotive in
which the railroad once owned nearly fifty such designs.
Like most late model steam locomotives, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific's (Milwaukee Road) 4-8-4's had a relatively short life span, all were retired after less than twenty years.
Today, two of the Milwaukee Road's 4-8-4s remain preserved; #265 on static display at the Illinois Railway Museum and the most famous, #261.
The big Northern was in danger of being put on static display permanently in 2008 when its owner, the National Railroad Museum, along with the Friends of the 261 could not agree on a new lease.
After a two year period the museum finally agreed to sell the locomotive back to the Friends. In 2013, #261 returned to excursion service. Since that time the big 4-8-4 has once again been awing the public as it hosts excursions across the Midwest.
Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261 was photographed here at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin during August, 1992 as the big Northern awaits restoration. Note the banner: "Moving from the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI to Minneapolis/St. Paul for a full rebuild by North Star Rail, Inc. Look for us in 1993." Author's collection.While several railroads had different names for their 4-8-4 designs the Milwaukee Road stuck with the traditional "Northern" designation. Purely on looks the Northern Type, in general, was one of the most beautiful steam locomotive designs ever developed.
While some of these handsome locomotives would receive streamlining even without such enhancements they were still a fine looking piece of machinery with a “streamlined” tender and centered headlight.
This steam locomotive gained its name from the Northern Pacific Railway due to the fact that to burn the low-grade coal found along the railroad the steamer needed a larger firebox.
One particular feature that made the 4-8-4 wheel arrangement so successful was its versatility where it was just as capable of pulling a time-sensitive passenger train clipping along at 70+ mph as it was at lugging a heavy freight train over stiff grades.
This versatility, along with the locomotive being equipped with some of the latest technology, made the Northern Type one of the most successful designs of all time with over 1,000 built for 36 different railroads.
Perhaps the most well known Northerns to ever operate including the Norfolk & Western’s handsome J Class, Southern Pacific’s Golden States, and New York Central’s Niagaras just to name a few (there were many others).
For the Milwaukee Road its use of 4-8-4s began in 1930 when the railroad's motive power department, well-known for developing or enhancing steam locomotive designs, worked in conjunction with the Baldwin Locomotive Works to construct a Northern, which originally received the road number 9700 but was later changed to #250 upon the railroad receiving more such designs.
Milwaukee Road's 4-8-4 Northerns
| Class | Road Numbers | Date Built | Builder | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-1 | 250-251 | 1930, 1938 | Baldwin, CMStP&P | 2 |
| S-2 | 201-240 | 1937-1940 | Baldwin | 40 |
| S-3 | 260-269 | 1943 | Alco | 10 |
The Milwaukee Road 261 was the railroad's most advanced 4-8-4 design, and one of the most advanced steam locomotives in general having been built in 1943.
Following the railroad's original #9700, designated as Class S-1, it placed either no interest or no need for any future 4-8-4s until the late 1930s when Baldwin completed an order of thirty for the railroad in 1937.
This group of 4-8-4s, with road numbers 201-230, was designated as Class S-2 and was the most powerful and heaviest Northerns the Milwaukee would ever own exerting 70,800 pounds of tractive effort with a boiler pressure of 285 pounds-per-square-inch (in comparison the railroad's two other Northern classes could produce tractive efforts of only between 60,000 and 62,000 pounds).
In 1940 the Milwaukee Road return to Baldwin for more 4-8-4s, which also were Class S-2s and road numbers 231-240.
In this view of the same train seen in the top photo, #261 rolls past the CSX yard at Willard, Ohio. The terminal is named for legendary B&O president Daniel Willard. Wade Massie photo.The railroad's final order of Northerns came in 1943 and were needed for the wartime traffic boom. This time the Milwaukee contracted with the American Locomotive Company (Alco) for ten more 4-8-4s classed as S-3s with road numbers 260-269.
They were less powerful than the S-2s but were more efficient as the S-3s featured the latest in steam locomotive technology such as roller bearings.
It should be noted that the Milwaukee Road's own shop forces constructed a 4-8-4 in 1938. It was listed as Class S-1 with the road number 251 and had a similar rating to its earlier sister, #250 (ex-#9700) built in 1930. In general the railroad used all of its Northerns in freight service, particularly its powerful S-2s.
During this time the Milwaukee Road was an innovative and forward thinking railroad. As such, it wasted little time embracing the diesel locomotive and purchased many before wartime restrictions forbid construction of diesels.
After the war the railroad picked up its pace of replacing its steam fleet and for the 4-8-4s, their time was short. In the case of Milwaukee Road 261 and its sister Class S-3s, they saw barely a decade of service before retirement in 1954, around the time virtually all of the Northerns were retired.
For Milwaukee Road 261 it was one of the survivors as the railroad donated the locomotive to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1958, the first piece of equipment the museum ever owned.
Here it sat for more than 30 years on static display until a group known as the Friends of the 261, which was formed in 1991 to preserve and restore the locomotive back to operation. In just two years Milwaukee Road 261's restoration was complete and it immediately began to see use in excursion service.
Milwaukee Road #261's Whistle
When Milwaukee Road #261 returned to operation in 1993 the big Northern was initially equipped with a Hancock 3-chime whistle. This particular model was later replaced with a Santa Fe 6-chime whistle that came from 2900-series 4-8-4 locomotive. Interestingly, the Friends Of The 261 group also retain its original whistle, utilized on Milwaukee Road's S3 class Northerns.
Since its restoration #261 has become a celebrity across the country operating both east and west, in conjunction with Class Is and Amtrak, and for numerous promotional events. This success can be mostly contributed to the Friends of the 261, now known as Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, Inc.
The RHMA is headed by Steve Sandberg and it is operated as a quasi-business although it is technically a non-profit organization.
This philosophy has allowed the #261 to prosper, enabling it to be properly maintained year-after-year and even feature an entire consist of restored passenger cars (virtually all of which are of Milwaukee Road lineage), which are maintained to Amtrak standards.
Of course, the operation also would not be successful without the large group of volunteers who take pride in maintaining the 4-8-4.
Another scene of #261 heading towards Chicago as it passes the Baltimore & Ohio's old VN tower in Nova, Ohio. Wade Massie photo.In late 2008 the locomotive was in danger of never running again. The 261 had always been operated on a lease agreement by the Friends as the National Railroad Museum remained owner of the locomotive.
When the 4-8-4 went down in the fall of 2008 for its normal FRA boiler inspection a renewed lease, which expired at year's end, remained unresolved.
This carried through 2009 until it was learned that the two groups could not negotiate new lease terms and it was feared Milwaukee Road 261 would return to static display in Green Bay. Then things heated up in early 2010 when it was reported the locomotive was to be sold to a private collector for return to operation by the Friends.
While this deal was never completed on National Train Day, May 8, 2010 that the Friends would purchase the locomotive themselves for a little less than a quarter-million dollars.
Recent Articles
-
The "Flexi-Van": NYC's Revolutionary TOFC Service
Aug 11, 26 10:10 PM
The so-called "Flexi-Van" was New York Central's trademark service. While far ahead of its time the railroad failed to lure the industry as a whole. It had died out by the Penn Central era. -
New York Central Railroad: Map, History, & The Water Level Route
Aug 11, 26 08:35 PM
The New York Central, known as the "Water Level Route," was pieced together by Cornelius Vanderbilt and battled rival Pennsylvania for generations. -
Alco C430 (Century 430): Specs, Production Roster & History
Aug 11, 26 05:55 PM
The C430 sold very poorly for the builder. Read about who purchased them and those that remain preserved today. -
American Orient Express: History, Tours, Cost & Equipment
Aug 11, 26 03:43 PM
The American Orient Express was an ultra-luxurious private passenger train that operated from 1994 until 2008 in conjunction with Amtrak. It featured different routes for maximum scenic views; unfortu… -
Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 Switchers: Specs, Production Roster & History
Aug 11, 26 03:10 PM
The DS-4-4-1000 was one of the Baldwin's most successful diesel models it every produced, replacing the earlier VO-1000 in 1946. -
B&O Color Position Light (CPL) Signals: History, How They Work, Legacy
Aug 11, 26 02:48 PM
The CPL was Baltimore & Ohio's custom designed trackside signals used throughout its network. Today, few of remain under CSX. -
Gandy Dancer: The Track Maintenance Worker
Aug 11, 26 02:33 PM
The gandy dancer was a slang term used to describe section gangs, railroad men who performed the physical task of the tracks maintained. -
North Carolina -- Dinner Train -- Rides At Spencer
Aug 11, 26 01:39 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
New York -- Dinner Train -- Rides In The Adirondacks
Aug 11, 26 01:30 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
Wellington Avalanche (1910): Great Northern Disaster at Stevens Pass
Aug 11, 26 01:15 PM
The Wellington Avalanche was the deadliest such disasters in the U.S. and one of the worst railroad accidents of all time resulting in 96 deaths in 1910. -
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom
Aug 11, 26 01:12 PM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
New Hampshire Dinner Train Rides At North Conway
Aug 11, 26 01:07 PM
Tucked into the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of New England’s most beloved heritage railways. -
Ashtabula Bridge Disaster (1876): The Pacific Express & Truss Collapse
Aug 11, 26 01:05 PM
On the night of Friday, December 29, 1876, in a howling Lake Erie blizzard, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway’s westbound Pacific Express approached the iron bridge over the Ashtabula River… -
Pole Lines In Railroading: Emergence, Purpose, Decline
Aug 11, 26 12:17 PM
Pole lines were once a common sight along railroad rights-of-way serving a multitude of functions, from carrying telephone lines to signaling code. -
The Angola Horror: The 1867 Train Wreck That Shocked the Nation
Aug 11, 26 11:58 AM
The "Angola Horror" was a horrific train accident along the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern that occurred in 1867 when a passenger car derailed at a bridge in Angola, New York and killed 49 passengers. -
Kentucky -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:49 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Texas -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:16 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New Mexico -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:10 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Ohio -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 10:56 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 10:43 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Famous Railroad Landmarks in the United States
Aug 11, 26 12:45 AM
If you have ever wondered about some of the most well known railroad landmarks around the country you can read about them here. -
Diesel Locomotives Of The 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and Today
Aug 11, 26 12:35 AM
Read about the history of diesel locomotives, how they function and operate, and the dozens of different models built by the five major manufacturers. -
Heber Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 11, 26 12:22 AM
The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets year-round scenic products with a clear seasonal split: the Lakeside Limited is the fall/winter reservoir-side scenic, while the Deer Creek Expres… -
Black Hills Central 1880 Train Fall Foliage Ride (2026)
Aug 11, 26 12:14 AM
The Black Hills Central Railroad—marketed as the 1880 Train—is the primary fall foliage rail excursion offering in South Dakota. -
New Haven’s Roger Williams Streamliner: History, Specs & Legacy
Aug 10, 26 11:07 PM
The Roger Williams, built by the Budd Company in 1956 and delivered for 1956–57 service, was a complete six-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) derived from Budd’s hugely successful Rail Diesel Car (RDC) p… -
Railroad Tycoons List (USA): Men Of The Gilded Age (1800s)
Aug 10, 26 05:54 PM
Railroad tycoons, moguls, and barons were titans of 19th and early 20th century American commerce who laid the foundation of the modern industry we know today. -
Fallen Flags: The Classic American Railroad
Aug 10, 26 04:42 PM
Featured here are detailed histories of more than 100 classic railroads, or "fallen flags," from the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad to the small Monon. -
Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition
Aug 10, 26 04:18 PM
Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here. -
Steam Locomotives (USA): Invention, History, Types
Aug 10, 26 04:08 PM
The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today. -
Streamliners (Trains): History, Timetables, Schedules
Aug 10, 26 03:45 PM
Read about many of the most well known streamliners here and why the period of the 1930s to 1960s is often considered the "Silver Age" of rail travel. -
Michigan -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:35 PM
While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history. -
Wisconsin -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:11 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Florida -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:00 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
New York -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 12:16 PM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 12:02 PM
A Florida train rides guide, including all known railroad museums to visit within the state. Learn more about them here. -
Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:53 AM
There is no better way to experience the Great Lakes State's countryside than on the railroad. Michigan train rides offer visitors much to experience. -
Ohio Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:05 AM
Most of the Ohio train rides available to the public are small in nature. However, the state is home to the very popular Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Byesville Scenic, and Hocking Valley Scenic. -
New York Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:03 AM
New York scenic train rides offer about everything you can imagine from steam locomotives to long dinner train rides. -
California -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 10:40 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Vermont -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 09:57 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Short Line Railroads (Class 3): List, Revenue, Definition
Aug 10, 26 09:02 AM
A close-up look at several Class III railroads, or "short lines." These systems are in vastly greater numbers today as Class Is continue to shed trackage. -
Class 2 "Regional" Railroads: Definition, List, Statistics
Aug 10, 26 12:21 AM
Class II railroads, also referred to as "regionals," are the second-largest such companies within the industry. The information here covers most of these lines. -
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): History, Network, Overview
Aug 10, 26 12:00 AM
The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Railway is a new Class I carrier in 2021 resulting from the Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Southern merger. Learn more here. -
Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview
Aug 09, 26 10:57 PM
In railroad jargon, Class 1 refers to the largest companies in the industry and all six in North America are highlighted here. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 03:02 PM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado is a year-round scenic dining railroad whose fall value is the canyon itself: roughly a two-hour out-and-back through the Royal Gorge with granit… -
Huckleberry Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:35 PM
The Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village (Genesee County Parks, near Flint, Michigan) is a family autumn destination: three-foot-gauge steam (when scheduled) looping wooded Genesee County countr… -
French Lick Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:17 PM
The French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, Indiana is the southern Indiana foliage train to watch: scenic excursions of about 90 minutes through hills and forests, departing the historic 1907 lime… -
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West.
