Union Pacific

Filmed 10/15,17/16

It's been four years since this classic old steamer has been through the Kansas City area. I wasn't able to go see it then, but this time around, I wasn't going to miss it. Just didn't think it would take so long...

Built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) back in 1944, the 844 was the last brand new steam locomotive UP ever took delivery of. Built for speed on their classic "City" trains, these 4-8-4 Northerns commonly pulled 20+ car passenger trains. In the mid to late 50's, UP had completely dieselized their fleet and the steamers were all retired, while many were donated and put on display in parks and museums, sadly most were sent to the scrappers.

844 had a much different outcome. She is the only Class 1 steam locomotive to never have been retired. She has been on UP's locomotive roster longer than any other. 844 was retained for use in PR and "goodwill" trains, she pulls the executives, and excursion/fantrip trains.

In 1963, 844 was renumbered to 8444 to make room for the EMD GP30 that was assigned the 844 number (UP's GP30s were in the 800 number block). She carried the extra 4 on her number till 1989 when the GP30 844 was retired. Also in the late 80s and early 90s, the 844 was repainted from her classic black and silver to the Grayhound scheme (two tone gray with yellow stripes and lettering). This was when I was lucky enough to get to ride behind her out in Wyoming.

Fast forward to 2012, the 844 was pulled from active duty to begin a massive rebuild and restoration. Four years later, she's back, and is practically a brand new locomotive that just happens to be 72 years old! After this rebuild, UP is now focusing on their efforts on what is literally going to be the biggest rebuild in history. Big Boy #4014 is scheduled to re-enter UP's active roster in 2019, hopefully then followed by the Challenger #3985.

This video isn't my longest, but it's one of the most complex movies I've made. This one took a while to edit together. But this has been something Chris, Shane and myself have been planning to do for years now. Chasing one of UP's big steamers... and it finally happened. Now to get the rest of them...

UP 3985 and 4014, SP 4449, ATSF 3751, N&W 611 and hopefully 1218, MILW 216, SSW 819 ... I could go on but you get the idea. :D

Thanks for watching!

Jason

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