UP "Funeral Train" on the Greeley Sub

Good Monday Morning-

Last Friday and Saturday, UP moved a string of 21 units from Ogden, UT to Denver, CO to be placed in storage until they can be auctioned off.

3 units powered 21 "dead" units on the journey. 17 of the 21 units were tunnel motors. 11 ex-SP units and 6 ex-DRGW units.

Here is a list of all the units that were on the train, with their heritage. As-delivered number listed first with their build date. All subsequent numbers then listed with the repaint date (if known):
UP 2923: SP 8535 (1/79) -> UP 4576 (10/28/99) -> UP 2923 (3/21/01)
UP 2925: SP 8545 (1/79) -> UP 4490 (3/22/99) -> UP 2925 (3/29/01)
UP 2934: DRGW 5411 (3/80) -> UP 4032 (10/16/99) -> UP 8602 (3/15/00) -> UP 2934 (9/26/03)
UP 9871*: DRGW 5401 (3/80) -> UP 8594 (6/30/05) -> UP 9871 (6/1/07)
UP 2944: SP 8286 (6/80) -> UP 4551 (6/17/97) -> UP 2944 (2/10/01)
UP 2911: SP 8330 (4/79) -> UP 4462 (4/15/97) -> UP 2911 (4/16/01)
UP 2941: SP 8280 (6/80) -> UP 4546 (3/24/99) -> UP 2941 (1/31/01)
UP 2882*: DRGW 5342 (10/74) -> UP 2882 (9/3/01)
UP 8798: SP 8253 (4/80) -> UP 4528 (6/12/98) -> UP 8798 (6/20/01)
UP 8788: SP 8238 (4/80) -> UP 8788 (6/17/01)
UP 2885: DRGW 5351 (10/74) -> SP 5351 (???) -> UP 4004 (3/17/00) -> UP 8574 (12/20/02)
UP 2900: DRGW 5382 (1/77) -> UP 4008 (9/30/99) -> UP 8578 (3/9/00) -> UP 2900 (4/27/05)
UP 1783: IC 9500 (2/70) -> ICG (9500) -> MKT 325 -> UP 1982 -> UP 1783 (9/22/97)
UP 8726*: SP 8526 (12/78) -> UP 8726 (11/8/01)
UP 2912: SP 8332 (4/79) -> UP 4570 (6/3/99) -> UP 2912 (3/13/01)
UP 2909: SP 8511 (11/78) -> UP 4443 (6/16/98) -> UP 2909 (6/15/01)
UP 2931: SP 8562 (2/79) -> UP 4502 (11/11/97) -> UP 2931 (6/11/01)
UP 2883: DRGW 5344 (10/74) -> UP 4002 (10/11/99) -> UP 8572 (3/10/00) -> UP 2883 (4/21/01)
UP 1135: SP 2551 (11/69) -> UP 1135 (4/15/97)
UPY 1121: SP 2536 (9/69) -> UPY 1121 (9/20/01)
UP 1089: SSW 2490 (6/68) -> UP 1089 (2/14/97)

I caught the train at Nunn, CO between Greeley and Cheyenne. The train was restricted to 45 MPH, so it wasn't too hard getting ahead of it. I was really happened that I managed to get roster shots of all 21 units.

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1. The funeral train leaves Nunn, headed south. Not a square fuel tank in sight!

2. A look at all the units from across a field just north of Ault, CO.

3. Another 300mm shot of the entire train rolling down the main track at Greeley, approaching the Greeley Freight Station Museum.

 

Since the 40-2 series of engine is just about the best engine ever produced, it seems likely that many of these units have a good chance at seeing life on another railroad (leaser, shortline, etc) in the future.

The chase from Nunn to Greeley was very somber...but at the same time it was cool seeing so many tunnel motors on the mainline, even if they were powered up.

Here are additional shots from the chase south. After arriving in Denver, the units were briefly stored at UP's Storage Yard (north end of North Yard), but within hours they were moved to Burnham near downtown Denver. I have no idea if they are now visible from public land.

Have a great Monday!

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4. A roster shot of UP 9871 (ex-DRGW 5401). The conductors side of this unit was completely desecrated.

5. A roster shot of UP 2882 (ex-DRGW 5342).

6. A roster shot of UP 8726 (ex-SP 8526).

 

Great shots & Information!!!!!!!

:tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool:​

 

That must have been some sight to see. Thanks for sharing the pics and info.

 

thoese are some awsome looking engines

 

Thanks for the pictures. So sad to see so many Tunnel Motors riding off into the sunset...

 

Some nice pics you were able to catch and share. And thanks much.
But I must agree that it's sad to see them all going to a bone yard somewhere. But they will be revived.:thumbs_up::tb-wink: