I heard that the challenger was also coming out, which surprised me, because I thought her rebuild was on hold pending big boy.
Visited the UP Steam Shop last month with a group from the Sherman Hill Train Show. We were told by UP folks that they hoped to make steam in 844 by the end of June, aiming for her to run in the Frontier Rodeo train in July. Their next priority is 4014 - not much work going on until 844 runs. The goal is to have 4014 running by 2020. There is no work going on or planned in the next few years on the Challenger.
Trains News Wire posted an article about today's test run, including a photo of 844 with DDA40X 6936 along as insurance. (The article is available only to folks who have signed up with Trains. Signing up with the News Wire is free.)
As much as I respect Jack Wheelihan and some of the others who have been negative posting on Trainorders, I must say there is a lot of CROW being consumed today. Good for the UP steam crew. It's good to see that great locomotive out on the rails again.
Glad to see that she's out of the shops. I have had the opportunity to have ridden behind her a number of times.
Cliff- Where was the top photo taken? It has me thinking possibly up along the Columbia River? Maybe area of The Dalles?
I have no information on the personnel turnover other than what was alleged on TO. There is a new UP video on their site that shows a nine man crew given credit for getting the 844 out. Mr. SP's second photo--I think the 844/8444 looked great in that "greyhound" two tone color scheme. Saw her like that at Railfair 91 in Sacramento.
Ken Yes the top photo was taken as the train went through The Dalles. The bottom photo was taken at Albina Yard in Portland.
