Union Pacific Railroad's Legendary Steam Locomotive 844 To Visit South Texas On A Heritage Tour

Source: Union Pacific (Press Release)

Union Pacific Railroad's historic steam locomotive, No. 844, will travel more than 3,500 miles from its base in Wyoming on a 28-day, eight-state tour to South Texas, to celebrate the railroad's history and heritage.

The "Valley Eagle Heritage Tour" will begin April 2 when No. 844 leaves Cheyenne, Wyo., and travels to North Platte, Neb. The locomotive will make overnight stops and be on display in the following cities before arriving back in Cheyenne April 29:


North Platte, Neb.;
Marysville, Parsons and Coffeyville, Kan.;
Kansas City, Mo.;
McAlester, Okla.;
Ft. Worth, Hearne, Houston, Bloomington, Raymondville, Harlingen, Palestine and Longview, Texas; and
North Little Rock and Van Buren, Ark.

"This will be the first time No. 844 has operated south of Houston and we look forward to bringing a piece of living history to this part of our rail network," said Joe Adams, vice president of public affairs for Union Pacific's Southern Region. "Our steam locomotives play a special role in our collection of historical railroad equipment, which is the largest of any U. S. railroad."

The tour was named after a Missouri Pacific Railroad passenger train that operated between Houston and Brownsville. The Valley Eagle began running in late-1948 until the train was discontinued in June 1962. Missouri Pacific merged with Union Pacific in 1982.

No. 844, also known as Union Pacific's "Living Legend," returned to service in 2005 after one of the most extensive steam locomotive overhauls in the United States since regular steam service ended. The work, which started in 2000, included overhauling the locomotive's running gear, pumps, piping, valves and springs, along with replacement of its firebox and extensive boiler work. The cab interior also was refurbished. No. 844 was the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad and was delivered in 1944. A passenger locomotive, it pulled such widely known trains as the Overland Limited, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose and Challenger.

When diesel-electric locomotives took over all passenger train duties, No. 844 was placed in freight service in Nebraska between 1957 and 1959. It was saved from being scrapped in 1960 and held for special service.

No. 844 has run hundreds of thousands of miles for UP's Heritage program. It has made appearances at Expo '74 in Spokane, the 1981 opening of the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Los Angeles Union Station in 1989. During the 1990's No. 844 pulled several of the Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days specials and visited several Oklahoma cities during the Oklahoma Centennial in 2007.

A Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) transmitter was installed on one of the rail cars that will travel with No. 844. The GPS system has been integrated with a map on UP's Web site. Enter the word "Steam" in the search box on the homepage for a shortcut to the map.

Web site visitors will be able to access route maps with varying amounts of detail. The GPS system will update the map every five minutes showing No. 844's location. GPS updates are also available at http://twitter.com/UP_Steam.

During 2010, the Reed Jackson concession car displays a commemorative sign celebrating the National Model Railroad Association's 75 years of service to the model railroad community.

See Special: Athearn HO Scale 4-8-4 FEF-3 Locomotive - Union Pacific

See Also: The Union Pacific Invests $5.7 Million To Improve Washington State Trackage / Railroad Photography - Saturday Afternoon At Oro Grande / Union Pacific To Sink $29 Million Into Improving Houston Infrastructure / The Union Pacific Increases Speed Through Malvern, Arkansas With Grade Crossing Improvements / Union Pacific Railroad Sets Monthly Record Moving Loaded Agricultural Unit Trains / Union Pacific Railroad's Pipeline Express Service Reaches 25,000 Rail Car Milestone / Railroad Photo Gallery - Union Pacific GP40-2 1368 (Ex Rio Grande) / The Diesel Railroad Locomotive - From Box Cabs And The SD40 To The SD70 And Gensets / The Cajon Pass Railroad Museum - The Birth Of A Dream

See Union Pacific Model Trains: Proto 2000 Ho Scale Alco PA/PB Locomotive Set - Union Pacific / Athearn HO Scale C44-9W Locomotive - Union Pacific / Bachmann HO Scale Pacific Flyer Electric Train Set - Union Pacific / Athearn HO Scale GE AC4400 Locomotive - Union Pacific / Trainline HO Scale Alco FA-1 Locomotive - Union Pacific / Athearn HO Scale 4-8-4 Nothern "800" Locomotive - Union Pacific / Athearn HO Scale 50ft Combo Door Box Car - Union Pacific

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum Gives Railfans A Chance To Run A Steam Locomotive

Source: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum (Press Release)

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum, in conjunction with the Niles Canyon Railway, is excited to announce the opportunity of a lifetime. Take a step back in time and fulfill your childhood fantasy of running a steam locomotive with our "Run-A-Steam-Locomotive" program.

The Run-A-Steam-Locomotive program will be held on Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, 2010 on the Niles Canyon Railway in beautiful Niles, California. What better way to gear up for Winterail 2010?

Operations will utilize the GGRM's former Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2472

An instructional course will be provided by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum's Chief Mechanical Officer on the safe and proper handling of a steam locomotive.

During your one hour session you will operate SP 2472 from the end of yard limits at Niles two miles into the canyon and back at 10 miles per hour.

Two people can share an operating session; Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Proper clothing is required. We recommend a long sleeve shirt, boots and gloves.

Former Southern Pacific Club-Lounge No. 2979 will serve as the classroom and refreshment area.

Participants will receive a certificate and special recognition item.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://ral.eventbrite.com.

See Also: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum To Offer Romance On The Rails

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum To Offer Romance On The Rails

Source: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum is pleased to announce that our 1940's vintage Southern Pacific lounge car #2979 will be available for reserved seating on the 2010 Valentine’s Day Train on the Niles Canyon Railway.

Mark your calendars and come out to experience Romance on the Rails when GGRM and The Pacific Locomotive Association host a Valentines Day Wine Train on Sunday February 14, 2010. You'll be served a selection of wines and Hors d'oeuvres onboard this luxurious Art Deco Lounge Car.

Experience the magic of this elegant Art Deco lounge, as it winds through Niles Canyon on a two-hour round-trip ride from Sunol to Fremont and return. Your trip on the Southern Pacific 2979 is aboard a vintage 1940’s parlor lounge car restored to its original layout, appearance and atmosphere. The car features plush lounge seating and a semi-circular mahogany bar framed by etched glass and mirrors.

All seating in the Valentine Lounge is reserved. To purchase tickets, please visit our ticketing site.

The car is climate controlled for your comfort and enjoyment. For your comfort and safety our volunteer car attendants will be aboard the car to assist in boarding, detraining or if any assistance is needed during your trip.

Note: The Valentine Lounge is not wheelchair accessible due to the narrow aisles and doorways on our antique equipment.

For more information, see the Valentine Lounge FAQ and event flyer.

Tickets Now On Sale For The Return Of Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To San Diego

Source: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

The Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association announce the San Diego Steam Special-II, powered by former Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751. Our train will depart LAUS mid-morning, Saturday, May 1 (2020) and arrive in San Diego mid-afternoon. On Sunday, May 2, the train will return to Los Angeles, leaving San Diego mid-morning, arriving at LAUS mid-afternoon.Tickets packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner in the other, or steam train round trip (hotel not included).

Passengers can ride from the Los Angeles area to San Diego, have a relaxed lunch and return on a scheduled Surfliner, or return the next day. The same itinerary is available the next day, Sunday, from San Diego. Ticket packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner return, or steam train round trip.

Our train will have two dome cars, Amtrak coaches and an open-door baggage car. A photo stop has been requested in each direction.

Ticket Prices:

Coach, one way: $99
Coach, round trip: $198
Dome, one way: $199
Dome, round trip: $398
Dome Premium, one way: $249
Dome Premium, round trip: $498

The train will run from Los Angeles to San Diego on Saturday, May 1, returning to Los Angeles on Sunday, May 2. You will be able to ride the train both ways, if you choose to overnight in San Diego, or you can return to your starting point on the same day by taking a scheduled Surfliner. One way steam train fares will probably be $99 or $198 roundtrip. One way steam train with Surfliner return will be less than $150. Seats in dome cars are available at higher cost.

Place all orders through this link: Buy Tickets

We promise you an exciting and safe trip along the scenic Amtrak Coast Line behind the steam locomotive that powered the last scheduled passenger steam operation on the Santa Fe, on this line in 1953.

See Also: Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To Return To San Diego In May 2010!

Operating Under Vegetable Power Brings The Grand Canyon Railroad Accolades

Source: Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway has been recognized by the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association (AzHLA) with a 2009 Special Achievement Award. The Railway and Xanterra South Rim developed a program to collect used vegetable oil from Grand Canyon restaurants for use in the train’s steam locomotive.

According to AzHLA, “The ‘Stars of the Industry’ awards program was created more than 40 years ago to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the lodging industry. While the categories have evolved over the years, the concept is still the same - to honor lodging employees and properties that best symbolize the quality service of the industry.” The Special Achievement Award recognizes entities that meet guest expectations while minimizing environmental impacts.

In previous years the Grand Canyon Railway operated steam locomotives from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the Railway discontinued this schedule after 2008, opting to maintain the steam locomotives and use them for special occasions. In 2009 the steam locomotive #4960 – powered by vegetable oil – operated in September to celebrate the Railway’s 20th anniversary since it began its second incarnation in 1989. The Grand Canyon Railway operated for nearly 70 years beginning in 1901.

“We made the decision to discontinue regular usage of our steam locomotives for environmental reasons,” said Gordon Taylor, general manager of the Grand Canyon Railway. “We have continued to maintain and conserve the engines for future use. In keeping with our environmental mission, we sought ways to operate them in a more eco-friendly manner, and that’s where our sister operation Xanterra South Rim entered the picture by collecting and processing the used vegetable oil from its restaurants.”

Specific results of the decision to discontinue steam locomotives throughout the summer included:

- Saving approximately 900 gallons per day or 162,000 gallons fuel per year of diesel fuel
- Saving approximately 1,200 gallons of water per day – 216,000 gallons per year
- Reducing approximately 2,700 tons of carbon dioxide (chief greenhouse gas) emissions, 2.6 tons of nitrogen oxides and 1.8 tons of sulfur oxides
- Reducing the pollution associated with maintenance and operation of the steam train

The Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service between Williams, Ariz., and the Grand Canyon. The Railway offers four distinct classes of service, as well as money-saving packages featuring the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Overnight stays at the Grand Canyon and optional tours also can be included in the packages. Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).

The Grand Canyon Railway is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Classic Locomotives, Including SP #4449 & SP&S #700, Featured On Portland Holiday Trains

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Source: Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation

This year the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation will again be running their annual 'Holiday Express' between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Oaks Amusement Park along the Willamette River. These holiday trains will be powered by both the famed ex Southern Pacific 'Daylight' GS-4 #4449 and the ex Spokane Portland and Seattle railroad 4-8-4 #700.

Railfans will get a rare chance to travel in vintage passenger cars from the golden age of railroading, while the kids will get a chance to meet Santa Claus himself!

These special trains run both during the day and also at night. Though the night time trains are lit up like a rolling Christmas Tree, a real sight to behold.

“There’s something special about an evening ride from Oaks Park to OMSI,” said Ed
Immel, V.P. of Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, the organization operating the special
holiday train, which only runs in the first two weekends of December each year.

When one notices the powerful and historic Southern Pacific 4449 locomotive, and the
rail cars behind it decked out in lights, hears the hissing as the steam rises, and sees the
silhouettes of people standing near the train, it evokes a magical, sometimes nostalgic
feeling.

“After dark, you can catch a glimpse of the Christmas Boats as they go around Ross
Island, see downtown Portland light up at night, and feel the crisp night air,” Immel
added. “Kids are always amazed when they see a working steam engine, but parents

Proceeds from the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation's holiday trains will go directly towards the construction of a permanent home for the three locomotives owned by the city of Portland Oregon, #449, #700 and ex Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. #197, a 4-6-2 Pacific.

As many rail fans already know, the ex Southern Pacific GS-4 #449 was removed from a park in Portland in 1975, restored to working condition, and pulled the historic 'American Freedom Train" around the country to celebrate this countries bicentennial (1976).

Ticket Info
Adult: $14
Child: $8 (ages 3 thru 12)
Family Pack: $39 (good for 2 adults & 2 children)
Fridays-only Family Pack: $39 (good for 2 adults, 3 children)

A complete schedule, and how to order tickets, can be found on the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation's website - HERE

A Model Of The 4449 In Her American Freedom Train Colors Can Be Found Here - Bachmann HO Scale 4-8-4 GS-4 Locomotive - American Freedom Train #4449

Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To Return To San Diego In May 2010!

Source: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

The Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association announce the San Diego Steam Special-II, powered by former Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751. Our train will depart LAUS mid-morning, Saturday, May 1 and arrive in San Diego mid-afternoon. On Sunday, May 2, the train will return to Los Angeles, leaving San Diego mid-morning, arriving at LAUS mid-afternoon.Tickets packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner in the other, or steam train round trip (hotel not included)."

Passengers can ride from the Los Angeles area to San Diego, have a relaxed lunch and return on a scheduled Surfliner, or return the next day. The same itinerary is available the next day, Sunday, from San Diego. Ticket packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner return, or steam train round trip.

Our train will have two dome cars, Amtrak coaches and an open-door baggage car. A photo stop has been requested in each direction.

We have all approvals and schedules and fares are being negotiated. We plan to start ticket sales in December. For updates, go to www.goldenstate rails.com

See Also: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Announces Winter Train Schedule

Source: Durango & Silverton (Press Release)

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will begin winter service to Cascade Canyon beginning Wednesday, November 25, 2009. The train travels 52 miles round trip into the San Juan National Forest.

The wilderness destination of Cascade Canyon Pavilion is the ideal setting for a fire-side lunch, photo opportunities, or a walk along the Animas River during the approximate 45- minute layover. The train will run on a Thursday – Sunday schedule until December 16, when it will operate daily through December 31. Beginning in January, 2010, dates of operation will vary and are available on the Web site www.durangotrain.com or by calling the depot.

The train departs Durango at 10:00 a.m. and returns at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $49 for Standard-Class adult tickets; $29 for Standard-Class children’s tickets (ages 4-11); $69 for Deluxe Class tickets (available in January for ages 12 and over); and $89 for Premium-Class tickets (available to ages 21 and over). All 2010 fares are subject to a 4% Historic Preservation Association fee.

For reservations and more information, please visit www.durangotrain.com or call 888-872-4607 or 970-247-2733.

See Also: Railroad News - Cumbres & Toltec - Photographers Special With K-36 Plow & Flanger

Railroad News - Cumbres & Toltec - Photographers Special With K-36 Plow & Flanger

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Cumbres & Toltec Senic Railroad

On December 4th the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will be running a special train for photographers featuring a K-36 locomotive with plow attached through the snow swept mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.

Railroad buffs will not want to miss this one. The Toltec, which operates ex Rio Grande narrow gauge equipment, runs through some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Not to mention that steam locomotives produce amazing plumes of steam and smoke during the cold winter months. This combination will undoubtedly produce some incredible opportunities for some once in a lifetime railroad photographs.

If you love trains, or just love photography, this is an event that shouldn't be missed!

Here is the info from the Cumbres & Toltec website:

Winter Photographers Plow Extra with K-36 Locomotive, plow and flanger

Friday, December 4--Weather Permitting

Cost: $275 Chama to Cumbres Heated Passengers Cars
$325 Chama to Cumbres Caboose (limit 10)

50% discount FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
Departs Chama: 9:30AM
Arrives Chama: 2PM (Approximate)

Join us aboard the C&T for this rare opportunity to view and photograph the iron horse working hard to clear track along the line. This winter train adventure is sure to delight railfans as they watch crew members turn on the wye, clean SWITCH stands and battle the elements. A box lunch will be provided along with hot beverages. So bundle up, grab your camera and prepare for a unique ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The consist will include two 40 seat coaches along with an open gondola and the 05635 caboose. Run-bys at road crossings as time permits.

From 2:30 to 4:00 after the "Winter Photographers Plow Extra" there will be a slide show of 300 slides of "Snow Fighting On The C&TSRR" along with the "Great blizzard of 1957". We will have snacks & Hot Chocolate and Coffee available. The show will be put on by Rich Muth "Docent Extraordinaire"

There also will be a night photo shoot (weather permitting) using Locomotive 487. This shoot is being organized by the famous Michael Ripley.

Call 1-888-286-2737 to make your reservation.


For More Info, Go To: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/content/events/72.aspx