The LNER Encyclopedia

On last night's episode of "Extreme Trains" they concentrated on the Union Pacific 844."This should be good" i thought.That is until they stated that "coal is too expensive",and proceeded to use oil!!What a let down!!Loved the observation cars though.And the railfans chasing the train in their cars.Some things never alter,wherever you go!

Many years ago I went on a 'fan trip' (= a railtour in the UK) behind that UP 4-8-4. The run was from Denver to somewhere about 100 miles away, but can't remember its name. I think the engine had an extra 4 in its number in those days because the people on board had what I suppose were radio scanners and we could hear the train dispatchers (= signallers/controllers UK) referring to 'eighty-four forty-four' when giving instructions to the guys on the footplate. These messages could also be picked up by the folk chasing the train in their cars, so they always knew where there were going to be runpasts or places where 8444 would be passing freight trains. I'm pretty sure the loco was oil-fired even then because that meant it could produce the volcanic smoke effects that the photographers like.

Our 'consist' ( = train formation) included cars with observation domes on a higher level than the seating accommodationr, but it wasn't safe to ride in them because the trip ran on a hot sunny day and the temperature inside the domes reached 130 degrees or possibly more. I didn't check to find out.

Another tour I went on was up the west coast from San Francisco with Southern Pacific '4449, which was a 'Daylight' 4-8-4 also oil-fired. That trip took 3 days with overnight stops arranged. One evening the loco ran low on fuel oil and had to send for diesel assistance. I don't think the operting authrities were well pleased with the disruption we caused.

The trip last night was from Denver to Cheyenne to a rodeo.Looked a lot of fun.