Amtrak 231 Runs For First Time In 25 Years (Illinois Railway Museum)

Amtrak 231 retired in 2001, and returned to active service in 2026 at Illinois Railway Museum. For the past several years it's been fired up a few times to work out issues within the engine compartment, and led other trains as a cab-control car due to further work needed on the traction motor cables. For July 4th weekend at IRM (in Union, Illinois), Amtrak 231 celebrated America's 250th by pulling trains on its own, a wonderful achievement! Please support IRM at https://www.irm.org/donations/ Donations can be specifically ear-marked for Amtrak 231 if you wish to do so. Donations to 231 go toward paying for its track space and indoor storage to be protected from the elements for years to come.