Hello- As had been reported earlier, UP packed up all its passenger equipment from Denver (from the Democratic National Convention) and departed north toward Saint Paul (for the Republican National Convention). For the past week, UP 844 has been parked at the south end of Union Station, "trapped" behind all the passenger cars on station tracks 1-5. When preparing to leave, UP's concession car (the Sherman Hill) derailed near 15th street. Fortunately, it didn't take too long for UP to get it re-railed. That did put things a bit behind schedule though! UP 1989 and two C44AC-CTEs pulled the cars from Track Four, clearing a path for the 844 to make it out. After the 844 was clear on Track One, UP 1989 picked up the cars on Track Five. The interesting thing is that, after putting the train together, UP 1989 was taken off the train and UP 844 was added. UP 1989 did not join the consist for the trip north to Cheyenne. UP 1989 was added to the consist just before the cars were pulled from the two tracks and put together. I'm not certain why 1989 was used if it wasn't kept in the consist. My only guess is that UP wasn't even sure if UP 844 was going to be on the train for the trip to Cheyenne. Anyway, the train departed Denver for Cheyenne shortly after 8:00pm (unfortunately, after I had already left)! ==================== 1. Before being added to the consist, UP 1989 (with part of the Denver skyline behind) backing toward Track Four at the depot. 2. UP 1989, now on the train, pulling cars out of Track Four. Note the headlight on the right side of the picture in the distance. That is UP 844 coming down Track Four behind the cars. 3. UP 844 blowing off some steam! The 4-8-4 is backing through the crossover from Track Two to Track One. 4. UP 844 in front of Denver's skyline. The Qwest building - which can be seen for thirty miles in every direction when the "Quest" sign lights up at night! - stands amongst the other building. ==================== For a few more pictures: http://www.coloradorailfan.com/gallery/gallery.asp?on=20080828&by=KM Thanks for looking!
Very nice! Thanks for sharing! What this move the one that zipped the lips of MSNBC's live crew on the air? http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=101206
Looks like one of the cars derailed at 15th and Wewatta when they were moving out. Caused some more issues during the DNC.... http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=98655&catid=346
Awesome photos. Seeing these photos makes me wish that we had steam on every class 1 railroad. Or at least the old steam program back on the NS.
Those are some great shots Kevin! Thanks for sharing them with us. I watched some of the MSNBC coverage. Was nice to see the UP train in the background.
Glad everyone liked the shots. It'll probably be another 11 months until I see 844 again. I am planning on chasing 3985 in a few weeks though!
It is taking a trip up to the twin cities, leaving Cheyenne on September 18th: UP: 2008 Steam Schedule
