Source-checked steam status reference
Operating steam trains and restorations in the U.S.
A non-exhaustive guide to selected public steam programs, operational locomotives, and major restoration projects. The official source on each card controls the current schedule and status.
Reviewed August 16, 2026. Motive power, access, schedules, and restoration targets can change without notice.
How to use this page
- Public steam program
The official source advertised steam rides, assignments, or a public program when reviewed.
- Operational locomotive
The locomotive is operational, but this page does not claim a future public date.
- Active restoration
The official project source reports active overhaul or restoration work.
Official sources advertising public steam programs
These hosts advertised steam rides or assignments when the page was reviewed. A published program is not a guarantee that a specific locomotive will operate on every departure.
- Public steam program
Nickel Plate Road No. 765
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society
New Haven, IN
The Fort Wayne Railroad’s official 2026 calendar identifies No. 765 as steam power for selected Indiana Rail Experience dates. Use the live calendar for the current lineup and ticket status.
- Public steam program
Pere Marquette No. 1225
Steam Railroading Institute
Owosso, MI
The Steam Railroading Institute identifies No. 1225 as the locomotive for its North Pole Express program. Confirm the operating calendar and motive-power notice before booking.
- Public steam program
Reading & Northern No. 2102
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Passenger
Port Clinton, PA
Reading & Northern’s official passenger pages list No. 2102 as planned steam power for named 2026 excursions. The railroad warns that mechanical conditions can require diesel substitution.
- Public steam program
Strasburg Rail Road steam fleet
Strasburg Rail Road
Ronks, PA
Strasburg’s official roster identifies five working steam locomotives. Daily assignments vary, so the railroad’s schedule and operating notices control.
- Public steam program
Durango & Silverton steam fleet
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, CO
The official 2026 timetable offers steam service on the Silverton route. Specific locomotive assignments and service changes remain subject to the railroad’s operating plan.
- Public steam program
Cumbres & Toltec steam fleet
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Chama / Antonito, NM / CO
The railroad’s official site is accepting 2026 bookings for narrow-gauge steam trips. Check the live booking calendar for route, terminal, locomotive, and seasonal availability.
- Public steam program
Nevada Northern steam program, including No. 81
Nevada Northern Railway Museum
Ely, NV
Nevada Northern states that historic steam engines remain in use on its 2026 ride program, and its history records No. 81’s return to service. The ticket calendar controls the day’s motive power.
Operational locomotives without a future date claimed here
These locomotives remain operational, but expired event dates have been removed. Follow the official source for the next public announcement.
- Operational locomotive
Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014
Union Pacific Heritage Steam Program
Cheyenne, WY
No. 4014 remains the only operating Big Boy. The 2026 coast-to-coast tour concluded July 29, 2026; future dates belong on Union Pacific’s official steam schedule.
- Operational locomotive
Norfolk & Western No. 611
Virginia Museum of Transportation / Virginia Scenic Railway
Roanoke, VA
No. 611 completed a Virginia excursion block that ran from June 12 through July 5, 2026. It is retained here as an operational mainline locomotive, not as an active event listing.
Major restoration and overhaul projects
Restoration schedules depend on inspections, parts, funding, testing, and regulatory approval. Targets are not treated as confirmed operating dates.
- Active restoration
Nevada Northern No. 40
Nevada Northern Railway Museum
Ely, NV
The museum reports that No. 40 is undergoing its mandatory boiler rebuild and a complete overhaul. No return-to-service date is claimed here.
- Active restoration
Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614
RJD America / Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services
Strasburg, PA
The official July 2026 update reports active work on the boiler, firebox, frame, running gear, wheels, brakes, piping, and spring rigging. Completion targets remain subject to restoration findings.
- Active restoration
Chicago & North Western No. 1385
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
North Freedom, WI
Mid-Continent reports that the project is in its final fundraising and mechanical phase. The locomotive is not listed here as operating until the museum confirms its return to service.
Why the page no longer lists a single “next date” for every locomotive
One-time excursions become stale quickly, motive power can change, and restoration targets are not operating commitments. This version separates source-checked status from schedule links and makes no claim that it is a complete national roster.