CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific has announced plans for its “Heritage Donation Special,” moving two steam locomotives, its Centennial diesel, and other equipment, from Cheyenne to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America facility in Silvis, Ill., Nov. 11-19.
The schedule was announced in an email to UP Steam Club members.
The train will include Challenger No. 3985, Class TTT 2-10-2 No. 5511, Centennial DDA40X No. 6936, and an E9B passenger shell, among the equipment whose donation was announced earlier this year [see “Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, Union Pacific agree …,” Trains News Wire, April 28, 2022]. Five passenger cars included in the donation have previously been moved [see “Iowa Interstate moves donated Union Pacific passenger cars …,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 25, 2022].
The full schedule is available at the UP Steam website. It includes a number of short maintenance stops en route, and a display during an overnight stop Nov. 12 in North Platte, Neb. No public access is planned for the overnight stops in Sidney, Neb.; Grand Island, Neb.; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Boone, Iowa; South Amana, Iowa; or on departure from Cheyenne or arrival in Silvis.
The locomotives will not be operating under their own power, but will be hauled by diesels.
I’m surprised UP is getting rid of the centennial and 3985. Personally, I’d run the business train with either the E units, or the centennial. I think 3985 would be a good compliment to the rest of the steam program.
Doggone shame UP is doing this. But, with Fritz wanting his 55 O R he’ll squeeze anything he can in my opinion.
Funny UP is divesting this stuff, new management?
Is the Centennial not operable? I figure it could pull this short consist all by itself. Must be a PTC thing.
There’s so much conflicting information about 6936. I also heard it needs work to the engines before it can run again. None of the heritage equipment being donated appears to have PTC.
A lot of the railroad world will have changed from 2010 when the Big Boy’s little brother is restored to operational condition.