Was a great day today! Railroad club invited to Cheyenne today, for a club tour of the UP Steam Shops in Cheyenne. Got to see the current state of all 3 steam locomotives, the 844, the Challenger and the BigBoy. All were in pretty sad shape at this time! The 844 should be back in action by spring, according to Ed Dickens, head of the UP steam program. Might be 2-3 years and the BigBoy should see action. It'll be many years yet, before the Challenger is back. Had an enjoyable time, even though I had to be up before the sun!! Feet are killing me, but for what I got to see, that's minor!! Anyway, a few teasers from the day: Current state of the 844 Head on, of Big Boy 4014 Centennial #6936, inside round house 2-10-2 #5511, also inside roundhouse Challenger #3985, inside roundhouse Additional photos here: http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/albums/up-steam-shop-tour.3066/
To my current knowledge: Centennial #6936 - Stored for special occasions. Operating. The E units - May have, or be undergoing required service and/or inspection. The 844 - Currently undergoing major overhaul. Boiler starting to rust below steam dome. Insulation material had gotten wet over the years and started rusting the boiler. Many stay bolts being replaced. New steel work being done, as necessary in places. Might be back in operation by spring of 2016. Challenger #3985 - Major overhaul in progress. A good deal of rust removal required. New stay bolts, circulatory tubes need to be installed, again. Originals removed long ago. Will be several years before it returns to service. Big Boy #4014 - Slowly being torn down. Work will get underway more, once the 844 is complete. Might see service in 2-3 years. Could be longer maybe. This is to the best of my current knowledge. I'd have to contact Ed, and get better, more updated information.
Say what you will about UP, for them to preserve, in operating condition, those incredible, wonderful machines when they really wouldn't have to is...well...beyond for what we normally should be grateful. Doug
Keith, I had heard that there were some firebox patches being made on 844. Did you see any evidence of that? Serious thick steel requiring welding.
There was evidence of firebox welding repairs. However, it was done with enough pride and precision, that unless pointed out, you'd have a difficult time noticing! And still more welding to be done around the base of the firebox, from right side to left side. Lots of work to do, but if I understand right, it could be back spring of 2016. After that, more time and people power to really start tearing into the BigBoy. In addition, they had a rotary plow, E8A #951 inside, E8B #963 was sitting outside at the time. I think the other E unit was also inside, but do not know for sure. Very impressive the work they have already done, as well as the work they have yet to do! Would love to go back, solo, if I could! Roundhouse included a couple of passenger cars, the Centennial, #6936, 2-10-2 #5511, the remains of former Northern #838, parts supply now, for the #844. And the Challenger, #3985. Excursion tenders and the Challenger tender were outside, as were several other pieces of "stuff". Ranging from ex CNW F3/7/9A, matching Amtrak? B unit, UP and Rio Grande cabooses, The sad remains of Rio Grande F9B #5763 and a small spattering of passenger cars, minus trucks. Hidden around somewhere also, should be a UP SW-10 switch engine. Didn't see it though. Maybe, just maybe, IF there's a next time??
At one time they had quite a few varied F units there. Have seen some pictures with C&NW, etc. They must have serious thinned that down. Hopefully not to the scrap heap.
The remains of the CNW unit(s) I saw. Not sure about the B unit family tree! Also sounds as if they are, or might be willing to give up the ex DRGW F9B they have. Donate back to the CRRM maybe.
What condition is the B unit? Probably well rusted, (seems like someone posted a photo this past year?), and partly stripped of parts?
Body wise, it's rusted out BAD. As for being stripped of parts....That I don't know. A slightly distanced view, of what remains: Was not gonna make any effort to get any closer. No need to cause problems. Especially since I was extremely lucky to get to see what I did!!
Good idea. Being thoughtful at this can gain their trust. Perhaps next visit they might allow you more freedom.
Thanks for the pictorial update. I love all of the effort U.P. is doing for preservation. They are to be commended. I used to hang out at the roundhouse in the early 1980s. Times have changed, Last time I was there you couldn't get near the roundhouse. Well, maybe if i asked around I could have gotten permission but didn't have the time. Frontier Days was interesting, Good parade.
Thanks Keith -- I enjoyed the tour! Gosh that's some BIG power. I can only imagine the scale of this work. Thanks too for the C&NW F photo!
Not much has changed since I was last in Cheyenne in 2008. At least beyond the operating steam locomotives. Thanks for the tour! Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
