Railroad, Photography, Road Trip
Joe Perry
PROMONTORY: The Hallowed Ground of America's ...

Despite the start to our morning, today was going to be a great day because we were headed to one of my favorite locations — the Golden Spike National Historic Site at Promontory, Utah. We got cleaned up and broke camp. We planned on spending the night on public land somewhere near the Golden Spike National Historic Site so we made certain to empty our waste tanks and fill the fresh water tank...

PROMONTORY: The Hallowed Ground of America's Western Railroad History
Road Trip, Photography
Joe Perry
A Night's Rest and Then Northbound

Once the sun had set on our eclipse viewing adventure, we high-tailed it east to Cedar City, Utah for a much-needed night’s rest. There was no need, nor desire at this point, to return to Beaver Dam State Park back in the mountains. It had been a long and adventure-filled day filled with driving and taking photos. Nearly 13 hours after we left North Las Vegas, we tucked in at the Cedar City Walmart around 9:00 PM…

A Night's Rest and Then Northbound

Union Pacific Railroad

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Playing Hide and Seek

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Playing Hide and Seek

On Saturday, May 19, 2012, with high levels of anticipation and excitement Deb and I pulled out of our driveway — our “big trip” had begun. As I headed towards the freeway I ran through the several checklists of items we needed to bring and tasks we needed to perform. Green light, all items packed and our rig and ourselves were ready. I mashed the accelerator as I turned onto the freeway on-ramp. Next stop Las Vegas, Nevada…

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The Big Trip: Overview

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Burned Out Having worked on a major project at the office for nearly a year — and, to a lesser extent, needing to take a break from my studies in order to create my commercial for the Union Pacific’s “Great Big Rollin’ Railroad” video remake contest — Deb and I planned a rather ambitious two-week road trip across the Midwest. As planned, the trip contained several key elements that made this trip one of our most anticipated journeys and it did not disappoint…

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My Submission to Union Pacific's "Great Big Rollin' Railroad" Video Remake Contest

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…or The Last Six Months of My Life At the beginning of the year I came across this press release disclosing the fact that the Union Pacific Railroad would be holding a contest to launch the celebrations for their 150th year. It sounded like a perfect opportunity for me to expand my foray into railroad graphic arts so I eargerly set about to create a submission for the contest…

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Union Pacific's ICTF Family Days 2011

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On Saturday, October 22, 2011, Union Pacific’s ICTF (Intermodal Container Transfer Facility) threw a party to honor the facility’s employees and their family members. It was also an opportunity to take off the hard hats and safety gear and just relax and enjoy good food and activities with other team members. The event was “ICTF Family Days 2011” and I was graciously extended and invitation to join in the fun and frivolity. So I cleared a couple of hours off of my busy schedule and headed towards the heart of the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor region…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 5

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It felt good to rest. So much so that I rested the entire next day, Sunday, as well. I took that time to reflect on the trials of the Cima Subdivision experience and the triumphs from the Needles Subdivision. I still did not have my fill of chasing steel yet so I sat down with my iPad and made plans for Monday, Memorial Day…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 4

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You have to admit that I gave the Cima Subdivision a good effort. I just wasn’t having any luck. Sometimes the railfan gods just don’t smile upon you. That’s what a backup plan is for. Mine was to head south into Amboy and my home away from home, BNSF’s Needles Subdivision…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 3

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(Continued from: The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 2) After stopping in at the Kelso Depot Visitor’s Center of the Mojave National Preserve and talking with the ranger, I had to devise a new plan. I wouldn’t be able to follow the Cima Subdivision’s trackage, nor camp along the route, as I had hoped to do…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 2

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(Continued from: The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 1) With the high traffic level I encountered at Daggett in short order, I drove north on the Daggett-Yermo Road towards Yermo hoping that the Cima Subdivision provided ample traffic and photo opportunities. I had already seen two eastbound Union Pacific trains return to home rails and head off towards Yermo and I was in pursuit…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 1

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I didn’t plan to do what I did. I mean, I did have plans to spend two or three days of the Memorial Day weekend out trackside, camping in my rig and taking in the serenity of the Mojave National Preserve and, of course, trains, but it didn’t work out that way. It turned into “the mega tour…”

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You've Seen Yesterday, Now See the Future

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You may have seen the numerous videos and coverage of Union Pacific’s legendary steam locomotive, UP No. 844 which is currently on duty leading the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour train or perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who saw her firsthand, either track side or on display during the tour. Maybe even you have fond childhood memories of the steam behemoths roaming the country during the days of yesteryear. If you have then you will agree that it is truly a sight to behold. What amazing machines steam engines are. Now On May 8, 2010, you can see the newest in railroad motive-power technology, the Generator-Set (or Genset) switcher which is Union Pacific’s latest environmentally friendly design to join its fleet…

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Video of Union Pacific No. 844 on Display in Houston

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The public was given an opportunity to get up close and personal with the legendary locomotive as she rested at the Amtrak Station in downtown Houston. As the following video proves, complements of ABC13 Houston, fun was had by young and old alike…

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Two Must See Videos of the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour and UP No. 844

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You have to see these videos! Here are two very good videos posted to YouTube by a friend and fan of ChasingSteel.com, Zach Pumphrey (a.k.a. UPTRAIN). The videos offer rare views of the UP No. 844 as she moves through Kansas and Missouri because it includes…

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Union Pacific's No. 844 Suffers a Seized Bearing

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One of the main reasons that the railroads switched from steam-powered locomotives to diesel-electric locomotives was the high level of maintenance that the steam giants require. With thousands of moving parts, most under tremendous strain and pressure, parts are due to wear rather rapidly. In fact, steam locomotives typically require a good oiling and greasing of all critical components every several hundred miles or so…

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Tracking a Legend on Her Journey and Kudos to UP!

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Now that the Union Pacific’s Valley Heritage Tour is underway, you can follow the train’s progress and current location on a map that is updated every 5 minutes thanks to the generosity and talents of the Union Pacific Railroad! Here is what the application looks like with an overview of the route highlighted…

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Union Pacific Railroad Unveils No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Commemorative Locomotive

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Houston, Texas, March 31, 2010 - Union Pacific Railroad today unveiled the UP No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive, created as a tribute to the organization’s centennial celebration. The UP No. 2010 honors Scouting’s 100-year impact on the nation and the many Scouting enthusiasts in Union Pacific’s work force and communities…

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Union Pacific's Valley Eagle Tour Update

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As a follow-up to the “A Union Pacific Living Legend Stretches Her Legs On an Eight State Tour” post, here is the latest schedule for the The Valley Eagle Heritage Tour with No. 844 on the point compliments of the Union Pacific Railroad…

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A Union Pacific Living Legend Stretches Her Legs On an Eight State Tour

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Union Pacific’s famed and historic steam locomotive, No. 844, will make an eight state, 28-day tour to south Texas in celebration of the Union Pacific Railroad’s heritage. The entire trip will encompass more than 3,500 miles. The tour is known as the “Valley Eagle Heritage Tour” and takes it name from…