Received this via email earlier today Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 23 - April 28, 2022 We're pleased to announce that we have donated a small portion of our heritage fleet to the non-profit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA). The donation allows Union Pacific to focus on our remaining fleet, which includes the world's largest steam locomotive, the Big Boy UP 4014, and the fastest, the Living Legend UP 844. The donation includes the following equipment from Union Pacific's Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming: 4-6-6-4 Challenger UP 3985 Class TTT 2-10-2 UP 5511 The Centennial UP 6936 E9B passenger locomotive shell Four 1950s coach cars Diner-Lounge car Baggage car Caboose Two business cars: the Selma, previously Western Pacific's Feather River, and the Stanford, originally the 1928 Southern Pacific Sunset "Union Pacific is proud to be the only Class I railroad with steam locomotives on its roster, part of the finest heritage fleet in the world," said Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "We are pleased with RRHMA's plans to restore the donated equipment for the public to enjoy. Union Pacific remains dedicated to the maintenance and operation of our remaining heritage fleet, including hosting future tours and sharing UP 4014 and UP 844 with the rail community." Union Pacific will move the equipment to RRHMA's shop in Silvis, Illinois, later this year. RRHMA plans a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration of the equipment, including restoring the steam locomotives to operating condition. "The RRHMA is a wonderful home for this historic equipment," said Ed Dickens, steam locomotive engineer and Steam Program manager. "Railfans will look forward to seeing UP 3985 and UP 5511 return to the rails, as well as enjoy the opportunity to experience the various cars being donated." More information about moving these locomotives from Cheyenne to Silvis, Illinois will come later. As always, we'll keep Steam Club members updated. West Coast Steam Tour Planning continues for the Big Boy UP 4014's "West Coast Steam Tour" continues. We don't have updated dates yet, but when we do, Steam Club members will be the first to know! That's all for now. Until next time, stay safe! Union Pacific Steam Club
OOps, I totally, unknowingly, double-tapped this in another forum here. I think yours was posted while I was searching for photos of UP 5511....
Getting the Challenger running will be insane. RRHMA is involved with the Milwaukee 261, so they already have experience with big steam. I think they have what it takes, and getting another railroad museum or heritage center in Illinois will be exciting. I didn't realize they acquired the old Silvis shops. I hope they restore the SP business car to its original paint scheme. I doubt they will, since the current scheme matches the other UP equipment they now have, but the car looks slick in silver and red: https://www.flickr.com/photos/goatboat/31892936312 I'm not a big fan of the WP business car though: http://cencalrails.railfan.net/featherriver.jpg I wouldn't mind if they kept it in Armor Yellow. I hope that means Caritas will be making some visits to Silvis too. Friends of the 261 got that car not that long ago, it would be a cool model to have; maybe I can get some photos and measurements of it.
Feature the equipment is coming to 'a good home'. I just home the good home develops the financial wherewithal to properly honor the equipment.
The classic scheme is a little homely, but perhaps they'll do a silver/orange treatment similar to what the F3s wore in Zephyr service? I think so, according to https://railfan.com/up-donates-two-steam-locomotives-to-non-profit-challenger-to-run-again/ "Major donors have already lined up with significant financial support for the project. John J. Gray, a former UP executive, has established the “UP in Smoke Foundation” to fund the historic preservation of UP steam locomotives. The public can also donate via RRHMA.com."
I hope this does not mean they are working toward getting out of it, altogether. This just does not have a good feel for me. And the timing is interesting, with the ongoing STB hearings, etc.
I think it was smart of them. The Challenger was not in very good shape, and we all know they weren't going to do anything with it. The Centennial hasn't run in a while either, and most of the cars seem like oddballs too. They aren't part of their main business or excursion train; I think it's better to give them to a group who's actually going to use them, rather than sit in the backshop forever. UP has plenty of passenger cars and excursion locomotives, and if they ever feel the desire for more, then can always commandeer a museum piece like what they did with 4014 in the first place.
My recollection is that the 4014 original tender is set up for coal. 3985 had been converted to oil and it was more expedient to use the 3985's tender once the decision was made to have the 4014 burn oil.
I'm a W.P. fan, I'd really like for it to be restored. But firstly, I think of preserving what's out there, then restoring.
Honestly, I want to see both steam locos restored, and I hope that the UP will let them run on their rails