I was out & about roaming the countryside east of Cheyenne when I came up on the Archer exit. I got off & started back on US 30, which crosses over the UP. Looking over my right shoulder, I spotted two westbouns coming at me, so I turned off the road & voila- an SD70M "flagged flare" diesel with the cars for the excursion trains to be run this weekend! Everything looked nice & clean, from the locomotive back to the obs. It's now at Cheyenne yard, and will be used in the steam specials this weekend prior to Frontier Days.
Here is the believed schedule for when the “Challenger” will be moving around the area. July 21st - Depart Cheyenne 10:00 am Arrive in Denver July 22nd - Display at Denver Union Station 8:00 am to 5:00 pm July 23rd - Cheyenne Frontier Days Special - Sold Out - Depart Denver at 7:00 am Arrive Cheyenne 10:00 am - Depart Cheyenne at 5:00 pm Arrive in Denver 9:30 pm
There was an article on Altamont Press today that stated 844 and 3985 will operate the steam specials as a double-header. I looked on UP's site and they show a photo of them doubleheading but don't specifically commit to the DH. Hmmmm, that's the same tactics we used at the recent NRHS convention.........
Jim, the first Chey-Den run was doubleheaded, but on todays' run up north, the 3985 had a mechanical breakdown, and was set out at Lasalle, CO. The Cheyenne Frontier Days trip was headed by UP 844, and sidekick 6936 was in MU behind. Here's that train, all 19 cars, and the Centennial, at Carr, CO. Under typical gray rainy skies, the train was barreling along at about 60MPH. What a rush! The tail car, with some happy cowboys:
Any idea what happened to the 3985? Hope just something minor? It would be a shame to have a major failure! Boxcab E50
OK. I always worry about these things. Fearing a major failure, that would cause them to retire these beauties. Boxcab E50
SOmewhere arounf Ft. Upton, the 3985 was set out account a bad bearing. Three SD40-2s were commandeered by the UP brass to assist 844 on its trip to Cheyenne. Well, apparently Steve Lee, the UP steam boss, decided by Gawd 844 was gonna make it home unassisted- as the special was making the S-curve by Terry Bison Ranch Road and approaching Speer, the diesels were idling, and 844 was chantin' big-time as she hauled the special up to Speer and on to Cheyenne. I'm glad that 6936 was chosen as backup- dunno why it was picked over the E8As, but it looked & sounded great- it had just had its paint job retouched. 844 looked & sounded great as she came up the grade past all those herds of bison. It was well worth the 2 1/2 hour wait at the bridge to see her run again.
Here is a few that were upload to 9News Digital Network. Don't know how long they will be found there so enjoy while they last. Uploaded by: Elayne Uploaded by: Elayne Uploaded by: wymoningviewer
I'm sure Steve Lee must still be there. With his experience, knowledge, and name recognition when associated with this program, am betting he only finally leaves when he decides to retire. Boxcab E50
Steve is indeed still in charge of UP's steam program. I just had the distinct pleasure of listening to he and Doyle McCormack (together again for the first time) speak at the NRHS convention banquet. What a show! Bob Krieger, who used to keep these forums informed of UP steam ops when on the road, left the program. [ July 27, 2005, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: fitz ]
