Wyoming Breezes

Living Legend Union Pacific steam engine #844 Medicine Bow, WY May 4, 2019 The second steam locomotive on its way to Ogden, UT for the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad was engine #844 - the Living Legend . The 844, a Northern class steam locomotive was delivered in 1944 and was used for high-speed passenger service. In 1957, it was used for freight service, and since 1960, it has been used for special service. This engine has never been retired. On Saturday, #844 was attached to about 9 passenger cars and one observation car. I don't think anyone was riding in the cars on Saturday, but I speculate at some time between now and May 17, 2019 it will haul passengers. technicians worked on the Living Legend's massive wheels While stopped in Medicine Bow, the Living Legend received a lot of attention from various railroad workers. Living Legend maintenance maintenance on the Living Legend wheels More train photos tomorrow

Big Boy Union Pacific steam locomotive 4014 Medicine Bow, Wyoming May 4, 2019 Saturday, two steam locomotives passed through Wyoming on their way to Ogden, UT for 150th anniversary of the competition of the transcontinental railroad. The largest of the two locomotives, #4014 a Big Boy, was the lead engine. It is a massive machine and impressive to see in person. Even though the train was stopping in Laramie, I decided to drive an hour northwest to Medicine Bow, a small town that converted its former depot into a museum. The crowds anticipated in Laramie were huge, and I thought my chances of seeing the locomotives up close were better in Medicine Bow. I was not disappointed. The train was over an hour late in arriving, but it was worth the wait. Big Boy (click image to enlarge) Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, and the first was delivered in 1941. The Big Boys were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pound. Because of their grea...