MASON CITY, Iowa — Elliot Burgos loved trains. Elliot’s parents, Jonathan and Shanda, say Elliot’s fascination began when he was young and never dissipated. One of the Mason City boy’s favorite places was the Union Pacific y...
http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/01/26-up-gives-young-railfan-who-died-of-cancer-touching-farewell
Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine
That is a wonderful thing, but terribly, wrenchingly heartbreaking - the photo caption did not help.
I still have tears in my eyes.
+1 Well said Overmod
A welcome shot of humanity, sadness and all. Thanks for providing the news about this.
UP, putting the "class" in "class one" for sure.
"+1" to all of the previous posts, especially Overmod's.
Locomotive taken off the train by mistake? That's the railroad version of "The dog ate my homework", or 'wink, wink'. Kudos to all UP employees and officials involved - at whatever level.
I wonder if Jeff Hergert has anything to add?
- PDN.
A class act.
Paul_D_North_Jr "+1" to all of the previous posts, especially Overmod's. Locomotive taken off the train by mistake? That's the railroad version of "The dog ate my homework", or 'wink, wink'. Kudos to all UP employees and officials involved - at whatever level. I wonder if Jeff Hergert has anything to add? - PDN.
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edblysard Paul_D_North_Jr "+1" to all of the previous posts, especially Overmod's. Locomotive taken off the train by mistake? That's the railroad version of "The dog ate my homework", or 'wink, wink'. Kudos to all UP employees and officials involved - at whatever level. I wonder if Jeff Hergert has anything to add? - PDN. You are right Paul, locomotive don’t “accidentally” come off of trains, so….guys did good.
You are right Paul, locomotive don’t “accidentally” come off of trains, so….guys did good.
Read this story early on this date, finished reading it...
It was a stunning example of how people can honor each other, by honoring a child. As it has been said here several times, more or less:
The folks at Union Pacific in Mason Cit, IA. really punctuated the term CLASS ACT!
The honor they paid to Elliot was definitely, above and beyond! GOOD ON 'EM and Bless Them.
selector A welcome shot of humanity, sadness and all. Thanks for providing the news about this. Indeed!!!! Charlie
Indeed!!!!
Charlie
Yes,
Humainty indeed, the railroaders knew the young fellow was fascinated by trains and was honored by UP railroaders but appearances indicate the young guy had a particular fascination with that particular locomotive; 8805.
I didn't get from the story whether it was his parents or UP empoyees who decided to paint his casket to look like UP 8805 but eithew hat it's was a nice gesture on part of his parents of UP employees. They honored the young fellow and it was priceless they did that.
I'm sure in my mind 8805 did not show up by cirstumstance. The event had to be planned and I give both UP and their employees credit for honoring a youngster who would likely become one of the rails as soon as he was elligible to become one.
UP 8805 admirer may you rest in peace. You will be missed.
Norm
Norm48327 Yes, Humainty indeed, the railroaders knew the young fellow was fascinated by trains and was honored by UP railroaders but appearances indicate the young guy had a particular fascination with that particular locomotive; 8805. I didn't get from the story whether it was his parents or UP empoyees who decided to paint his casket to look like UP 8805 but eithew hat it's was a nice gesture on part of his parents of UP employees. They honored the young fellow and it was priceless they did that. I'm sure in my mind 8805 did not show up by cirstumstance. The event had to be planned and I give both UP and their employees credit for honoring a youngster who would likely become one of the rails as soon as he was elligible to become one. UP 8805 admirer may you rest in peace. You will be missed.
Johnny
The big question is how did the UP know about the number 8508 long enough to find the locomotive in question?
The number was the boy's birth date and the mother said she didn't know that there was a loco with that number.
I suspect that she may have asked for assistance from local UP employees in getting the casket painted at which time the plans would have been put in place.
But none of it was a coincidence.
Peter
I have no words. Why is it that when a child dies it's like a piece of the universe dies?
Glory to the Union Pacific and its employees.
Firelock76 I have no words. Why is it that when a child dies it's like a piece of the universe dies? Glory to the Union Pacific and its employees.
Wonderful gesture on the part of UP. I can't even imagine what the boy's parents must be going through.
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