UP excursion program

[overall]

Most people that I have talked to believe that UP will someday absorb CSX and that BNSF will take over NS. I wonder, if UP does take over CSX, will we get to see UP's excursion steam engines in former CSX territory. I would love to ride behind the 844 through my home town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Can some of you speculate on this?

George

[Anonymous]

Hopefuly Yes but I don't want to see them to be repainted

[CShaveRR]

Mergers certainly helped get those locomotives into C&NW country since 1995!

But from what I've heard about CSX track maintenance lately, it might take years of upgrading before they'd risk it.

[daveklepper]

Maybe Marc Hemphill can shed more light on this, but my understanding is that both the Harrmian Lines (UP+SP) and the AT&SF had wider and higher clearances than the B&O and C&O and that much of the western modern steam power would not fit through tunnels on most eastern railroads. That is why no western railroad power was exhibited at the 1939-1940 New York Worlds Fair or is at the B&O Museum. Dave

[Anonymous]

OK, guys and gals, don't get your hopes up. [:(]

While I was shooting pics of the 3985 a man I talked to said that he had talked with Steve Lee and that Steve said they were considering discontinuing the steam excursions. Of course as a railfan this is news that none of us want to here. Only time will tell if is this true or not.

[overall]

Jim,

I wonder what would happen to their steam engines? I hope they would not just be stuffed and mounted. Riding a UP excursion was on my Life To-Do list. Luckily, I did get to ride behind N&W 611 and 1218 and also A&WP 629(?) about ten times total between Valdosta GA and Jacksonville Florida. Great memories there.

George

[Anonymous]

I think they would still be used for certain events but I believe the liability issue is the deal. When I rode one that made us sign a liability waiver. So this might be the deal. I really don't know for sure tho.

The steam program is the one arm of good that UP does. It is a great deal of good will and of course we railfans LIKE it. It is the one bright spot amoung so many dark clouds from UP these days.

When I was railfanning it a guy told me the mayor had a crowd on the train. They were only pulling one passenger/business car. So the steam trips wouldn't end, only no paying passengers. But like I said before, only time will tell. I am certainly listening. [;)]