Friends,
The Houston Rail-fan community was a buzz with activity this weekend
with the arrival of UP's 844 plus a bunch of related equipment and
activities. The Union Pacific is celebrating it's 150 anniversary with
this special train. The last time they tried to come down this way they
had problems.
They certainly do keep that engine is pristine shape. Near the engine
was a actor/model dressed as Abraham Lincoln. He was a pretty good
representation and, me being me, should have asked him to repeat the
Gettysburg Address, but he was gone when I thought of it. I think
sometimes we forget how much the government put into making the UP and
it's rival, BNSF (under it's former names) the 'winners' back then with
the land grants and money connections!
One of their newer diesels and several heritage passenger cars were part
of the train. Three of their "fallen flag' heritage diesels were on
hand too--the MKT, SP and MP units. They also had a rubber tired train
to pull the kids (and really big kids) around a small course. They also
had a locomotive simulator open and the instructor admitted to knowing
our very own Bob Sherwood.
During the short time I was there a UP rock train ran by on the main. I
don't keep track of all the new freight cars, but this train consisted
of many 11 car articulated units. These cars were slightly shorter
height cars than a typical gondola, but were loaded to the top. I was
surprised that they were able to share a truck between cars. I
couldn't get a photo due to the closeness to the tracks. Anyway if Tom
Hawley wants to keep up with the newest stuff, he's got his work cut
out--nothing we have now resembles these cars.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx.com
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