just noticed an ad for (UP) TURBINES OF THE WASATCH, why would they have been used on the Wasatch rather than Big Boy’s stomping ground, Sherman? I thought ALL the big UP power from the 4-12-2’s up to the SD90MAC’s were primarily intended for Sherman? Am I wrong in this assumption?
The normal run for the turbines was from Ogden, UT to Cheyenne, WY which means they would cross both. The likely reason is that the Wasatch Crossing has more locations with spectacular scenery. Except for the rock formations at Dale, Sherman Hill is rather featureless. So given a choice more photographs were taken of them crossing the Wasatch, I would be surprised if there were no photos of them on Sherman Hill in the book.
There is a tape put out by Pentex concerning the UPRR turbines that will answer all your questions how the UPRR used them [:)]
I’m guessing none of UP’s big or small power was “primarily intended for Sherman”. Nothing special about Sherman-- it was the steepest spot along the transcon main so trains needed helpers, which they got. No need to design an engine just for it.
Aside from Sherman Hill the ruling grade from Milepost 5 to Wahsatch is 0.82%-- but the eastward climb to Wahsatch is 1.14%. So the legend is that 4-8-8-4s were intended to haul trains east to Wahsatch and Green River and 4-6-6-4s or some such thing would take over east of there.