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The Union Pacific #844 took a week-long journey from its home in
Cheyenne, Wyoming to Portland, Oregon via Pocatello and Boise, Idaho,
Hinkle and The Dalles, Oregon. 844 met up with the 4449 at Kenton Yard
in North Portland, and double-headed together for the first time in
over 30 years to Tacoma, Washington.
The photo gallery to the right begins at The Dalles, Oregon on the
morning of May 12, the 844 pulls a long train of streamlined Union
Pacific passenger cars down the Columbia River Gorge.
Meanwhile, the SP 4449 steamed up and left its Brooklyn Roundhouse home
for Kenton Yard, where it awaited 844's arrival. When they met, the two
locomotives coupled up and proceeded north to Vancouver, bound for
Tacoma.
At every station along the way, we were greeted by large crowds in
support of the steam locomotive's tour of the Northwest! If they looked
close enough, they'd see some rivalry pranks going on between the UP
and SP team. :)
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The first of two round trips between Tacoma and Everett, Washington was
in benefit of the Barriger Library of St. Louis. Special guests and
invited parties rode this train, 4449 took the lead north, and 844 led
the train south.
The Barriger Library is dedicated to collecting and preserving history
of North American Railways. For more information and how to visit,
check out John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library!
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The second round trip ran as a fundraiser for the Oregon Rail Heritage
Foundation, made up of seven groups involved with the preservation and
operation of Portland's three steam locomotives. Its mission is to
build a new home for the SP 4449, SP&S 700, and OR&N 197 steam
locomotives.
On today's run, the public was invited to ride, with a portion of
ticket sales benefiting all non-profit groups involved with the special
double-header. Weather turned out to be beautiful, with the exception
of the last five miles in downpour rain!
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If Jack's in town, and you have an extensive O-gauge layout, you're
obligated to invite the steam guys down for a little play time! Special
thanks to those who invited us to two layouts.
All good things must come to an end, the 4449 and 844 ran to Portland,
where they split in different directions. 4449 returned to Brooklyn
Roundhouse, and 844 continued down the Union Pacific to Cheyenne,
Wyoming.
In addition to all the jokes and rivalry that went on all week between
the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific team, the UP had the last laugh.
:)
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Friends
of SP 4449
Inc. - P.O.Box
#42486 - Portland, OR 97242 *This
website is best viewed at 1024x768 or higher resolution*
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