2015 Lincoln Funeral Train

[79ttocs]

The problem is somewhat complicated but boiled down, the replica train will only make a speed of 20 to 30 mph. The lines it might operate over are mostly 55 mph and higher, up to 130 mph. There will be a need to use automatic brakes (no invented yet in 1865), knuckle couplers (not required until 1900) and some high-impact structural qualities, not favorable to equipment in operation prior to the all-steel freight car, circa 1906. Then there will be a need to have fuel and water facilities at frequent intervals and service facilities. The plan is to truck the train from town to town along the route. To further complicate matters, portions of the route have been abandoned to rail service. Most of the line from Baltimore to Harrisburg has been abandoned. Then almost all the track between Columbus and Indianapolis is gone save a few scant miles at Urbana and Greenville, Ohio and Richmond, Indiana. Portions of the line from Indianapolis to Michigan City are also gone. I have sat along the Central Canal in downtown Indianapolis and dreamed of seeing the train, but no track anymore. Indianapolis Union Station has been converted to a hotel with a waiting room for Amtrak.
Something around 400 miles of track along the original route are abandoned and track is gone.
The locomotive is completed and the two cars should be under construction shortly. I have an invitation to accompany the train in 2015.

Scott Trostel