The locomotive arrived in Denver shortly after noon, paired with UP’s Rio Grande heritage unit, and pulling the executive train.
On Saturday, the 844 will pull the Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days train between Denver and Cheyenne, Wyo. The train will be on display for the public on Saturday and in Greeley, Colo., and Cheyenne, and again Sunday when it makes a one-way deadhead move back to its base in Cheyenne. No public events are scheduled for Friday.
2016’s Frontier Days Excursion was greenlighted after the 844 completed a test run on July 12. This weekend’s activities mark the completion of an extensive overhaul of No. 844’s boiler, brakes, and other apparatus. The locomotive debuted with a new coat of paint, and without the red light previously located on the smokebox door.
The 844 was built by Alco and delivered to UP in 1944 as its last bought new steam locomotive. It holds the distinction as the only American steam locomotive never retired from active equipment rosters after railroads switched from steam to diesels in the 1950s and 1960s.
Nice to see her cleaner face, sans red Mars light. That wasn’t part of her original equipment, and was seldom seen illuminated — it is (or was) only an emergency brake-application warning device, after all.
why was the mars light removed ?
Have had the pleasure of watching the various youtube videos of the overhaul of the 844. It certainly appears to be a very thorough heavy overhaul, targeted at keeping this locomotive in good shape for many years to come. Have to paraise Manager Ed and his team for not only a magnificent job but also an excellent and informative series of updates on the progress. Congratulations
Thanks UP
Yee-hawww!