3985 can turn at Laramie, WY, I've seen it. Maybe back in that time, it wasn't possible for 844. Maybe it's still not possible now.
I don't entirely recall the reason, but I read somewhere that there was issues with the length of 844's wheelbase and the wye at Laramie that caused it to not be able to turn there. A UP excursion rolling out of the cut at Hermosa, WY, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) UP 8444 and train just south of Cheyenne near the Speer Road overpass, June 1976 (Bob Jordan)
The slide box has expanded, purchased a pile of old prints at this last train show. Another slew of interesting views.
UP 8444, with excursion in tow, heads towards Cheyenne near the Speer Road overpass with spectators lining the roadside and fans leaning out all possible openings, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) Rio Grande GP40 3067, Denver, CO, 1970s (Bob Jordan)
A little more about those prints. I purchased them from the same family as the slides, so once more the vast majority were taken by Bob Jordan. They're a mix of B&W and color, with the B&W views being 60's and 70's while most of the color views are 90's and early 2000's. Lots of western roads once again, but some midwestern and eastern roads are thrown in. I had a focus on passenger equipment when I was picking through the boxes of photos, so a third of that pile is just passenger cars (seeing as they are a favorite subject of mine). Class I roads, shortlines and leased equipment are once again represented as well. A slightly earlier view from the previous post with 8444 heading a train towards Cheyenne near Speer Road, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) UP 8444 in reverse at Hermosa Cut, Wyoming, June 1976 (Bob Jordan)
UP 8444, south of Cheyenne once more, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) Rio Grande GP40 3078, May 1975 (Bob Jordan)
Rio Grande GP35 3035, West Plainview, CO, May 1975 (Bob Jordan) Rio Grande GP35 3048 along with an F-Unit (probably 5771), Denver, CO, 1970s (Bob Jordan)
The GP35s in most of this series have been demoted to B-unit status. Notice the lack of cab sunshades? Internally, I believe D&RGW removed cab toilets and other appliances required for lead unit service. Thus, photos of GP35s leading are pretty rare. I believe the B-unit modification occurred in the mid-70s.
Silhouetted against the sun, 8444 rolls along in Northern Colorado or Southern Wyoming, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) The Ski Train heads its way up to the slopes, 1970s (Bob Jordan)
The ancient, ex-NP heavyweight coaches! This is Coal Creek Canyon, just a few hundred feet east of Tunnel 1.
UP 8444, Denver, CO, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) Blowing off a bit of excess steam from UP 8444, Denver, CO, June 1976 (Bob Jordan)
Blowing off a bit of excess steam from UP 8444, Denver, CO, June 1976 (Bob Jordan) [/QUOTE] Was told a long time ago that that opening the cylinder cocks was to allow water condensate to blow out after the engine had sat for a while and the cylinders had cooled. Cooling would cause some of the high pressure steam to change back into water as it entered the cylinder. If the cocks weren't opened, the accumulated water might blow out the back, or front, of the cylinders because water does not compress like steam. I believe that was called "water hammer". I'm open to correction here, because my 82-year old memory can get muddled occasionally. BTW, Bill I love your postings, they are wonderful, and nostalgic, Thanks.