I bet it's not, but the accompanying diesel really should be the 6936.
Understandably lost in all the great Big Boy news with this is discussion or public plans for the attendance in Ogden of the last operating member of this class of power. A class that of course was named in honor of the previous major celebration of this event, 50 years ago.
While the 6900 that was in attendance for the 100th anniversary isn't easily accessible today (Although 10 years ago or so when she had to be relocated, she made at least one trip doubleheaded with the 6936 before her new home was ready, albeit just for show since she wasn't operational), the 6936 would've been the next best thing.
Just doesn't seem right for a Centennial to not be present for the Sesquicentennial. But my impression has been that the Centennial and E9's mostly have just sat the past 8 years, victims of the focus on rebuilding the #844 and the amazing return of a Big Boy to steam.
LithoniaOperatorDoes anyone know why UP decided to doublehead the steam locomotives? And, should we expect a diesel in the consist also?
And, should we expect a diesel in the consist also?
Highly likely that it is 'sensible insurance' in case anything strange happens with 4014 in its necessarily-abbreviated break-in. As noted, the new train length is within 844's capacity if 4014 is operating under less than 'her own power' at any point and has to be 'carried' also (even though in steam).
I'd expect at least one protection diesel just for 'rapid response', rather than have the protect power set up 'invisibly' as done for the Bush train. I suspect this depends in no small part on what department(s) at UP deem important, which is something I do not know firsthand.
Does anyone know why UP decided to doublehead the steam locomotives?
Still in training.
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