Most appropriately so a new railroad museum is having its grand opening on National Train Day, May 8, 2010.
The Truckee Railroad Museum will be opening it’s doors in a town which played an important role in the transcontinental railroad and remains steeped in railroad tradition and lore to this day. So much so, in fact, that I am a little surprised that there is not already a museum in Truckee…
A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 2
As I pulled away from the Fullerton Amtrak station parking lot, I began to estimate an approximate meeting location for both Dan and I and the 3751. Ultimately we decided to meet at the Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano, mostly because it was the closet point at which our paths converged. However, it turned out to be rather fortuitous for us with respect the 3751 as well…
A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 1
It was with much anticipation and uncertainty of the coming day’s outcome that I left for the Fullerton Amtrak Station to begin the chase of the San Diego Steam Special II and the 3751. I was already an hour or so behind schedule and as I packed the truck I realized that this trip was going to be different. Despite being aware of this special run since last year I found myself unprepared due to a series of family illnesses.
I normally travel with my best friend and rail scout, Debbie, my wife. Although she was willing to accompany me on this trip I felt she needed some rest so I fired up the Cummins diesel and headed out alone…
Looking for Solutions to Prevent Frequent and Avoidable Tragedies
Yet another senseless and tragic incident involving individuals being struck and killed by a passing train occurred Saturday morning in the city of Rosemead, California.
According to news reports, two young adults were, according to claims of those involved, apparently “sleeping” on the tracks when they were run over by a 71-car westbound Union Pacific train doing reportedly 50 miles per hour…
SOCAL - Get Ready! Here She Comes!
This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, (May 1-2, 2010), southern Californians will have a rare opportunity to see a famous steam locomotive, the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s Santa Fe 3751 as she powers the Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association joint special - the San Diego Steam Special-II…
Trails & Rails ... & Podcasts?
According to the National Park Service’s web site, the Trails & Rails program “is an innovative partnership program between the National Park Service and Amtrak. This program provides rail passengers with educational opportunities that foster an appreciation of a selected region’s natural and cultural heritage; it promotes National Park Service areas and provides a value-added service to encourage train ridership. It also renews the long tradition of associating railroads with National Parks…
You've Seen Yesterday, Now See the Future
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…
Video of Union Pacific No. 844 on Display in Houston
Union Pacific's No. 844 Suffers a Seized Bearing
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…
Tracking a Legend on Her Journey and Kudos to UP!
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…
Union Pacific Railroad Unveils No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Commemorative Locomotive
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…
Union Pacific's Valley Eagle Tour Update
Warren Buffett Views Railroads as the Future and I Agree
Second Chance for 3751 at San Bernardino Railroad Days
According to the San Bernardino Railroad Histroical Society’s (SBRHS) web site, one week after the Santa Fe 3751 leads the San Diego Steam Special II from Los Angeles to San Diego and back, the 3751 will make a trip between Los Angeles and San Bernardino as part of San Bernardino’s Railroad Days & Bicentennial Celebration…
A Union Pacific Living Legend Stretches Her Legs On an Eight State Tour
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…
National Train Day - Discover and Learn About Railroads and Trains
On May 8, 2010, in cities all across the land, there is going to be a celebration of America’s love for trains. Amtrak is hosting, with participation from cities and organizations, the 3rd annual National Train Day to commemorate the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad completion on May 10, 1869…