Last Sun. (5/7/2006) my wife and I were headed northeast on US54 through NM, TX, OK and KS when we observed a steam locomotive pulling a few UP passengers cars runnning southwest. I believe the locomotive was a 4-8-4.
Because of on coming traffic following the train I had to pay attention to the road and was not able to look at the train as closely as I would have liked.
Can anyone refer me to information about this excursion?
Thanks,
Ron
That was indeed a 4-8-4, Union Pacific maintains two steam locomotives for excursion duties, #844, which you viewed, and #3985 the world’s largest operating steam engine and of the Challenger Class with a 4-6-6-4 wheel arraignment. 844 was the last steam locomotive recieved by the railroad and has the singular distinction of the only only steam engine that was never retired. They are based out of Cheyenne Wyoming.
To assist with these excursions, UP maintains a forty car plus excursion fleet restored to the classic UP streamliner tradition. Other motive power available to the excursion fleet include a
A-B-A set of E9’s and a DD40X Centenial, all part of the historical collection.
Dave
Dave,
Thank you for the reply.
I did check the UP website and did see the info on #833.
I did not see any info about the excursion.
By chance, could refer me to a website about it?
Thanks,
Ron
Ron, UP has a site devoted to their historic collection, type Union Pacfic historical collection into your favorite search method, you should have more hits then you could look up in a lifetime! Bear in mind not all are public events, some are reserved for civic events and railroad business. I’m not sure what the reason was for this current outing to Texas and nearby locals by 844, i’m sure others on this forum know the details. She was recently rebuilt after several years of inactivity caused by a boiler tube failure in 1999.
Dave
HI All
UP 844 was in Reno on the 14th and is now in CA. It was fun to see it run on the track