A Chicago commuter train is stopped at a signal on Metra’s Union Pacific West Line (UP’s Geneva Subdivision), as headlights from an oncoming eastbound train begin to round the curve on Feb. 11, 2004. Photo by Howard Ande […]
I see you
Railroad: Union Pacific
Union Pacific reports 2011 is its most profitable year NEWSWIRE
Tyler Dzierzek OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific revealed that 2011 was the most profitable year in the company’s history as it shared its carloads, revenue, and profit data for the year’s fourth quarter today. Total traffic volumes rose 3 percent, but freight revenue grew 15 percent, hinting the railroad has been commanding higher rates. UP’s strongest volume […]
Tribute paint schemes
Union Pacific’s Desert Victory and United Way tribute locomotives were the first to receive special paint schemes, in 1991 and 1994, respectively. John C. Benson Q I understand that Union Pacific ES44AC No. 7400 is the railroad’s 15th specially painted locomotive. What are the other 14 commemorative locomotives?— Wesley Chen, Irvine, Calif.A According to Union […]
Winding through wind
Union Pacific C44AC-CTE No. 5374 leads a mixed-freight train past Milepost 366.7 past wind turbine generators on its way to Monolith, Calif., on April 25, 2011. William Steck photo […]
Tennessee Pass
The activity level of this track belies its once important status as part of D&RGW’s Tennessee Pass. Michael Humphreys Q In December 2010, I noticed a little-used rail line running through Eagle, Colo. What can you tell me about it? The mainline rail dated from the 1950s. — Michael Humphreys, Berryville, Va. A The tracks […]
Texas draw
An eastbound Union Pacific freight smokes it up leaving Taylor, Texas, on a December 1995 day. On the point is a leased unit, Motive Power Industries, SD40M-2 No. 9037. The unit started out as Louisville & Nashville, SD40-2 No. 1237. J. Parker Lamb photo […]
The light at the end of the tunnel
Union Pacific “Heritage” SD70ACe No. 1989 emerges from the tunnel at Newcastle, Calif., on July 31, 2010. The engine is leading UP’s high-priority Chicago-Lathrop, Calif., intermodal train, and it’s on the home stretch to the Roseville, Calif., yard. Jake Millie photo […]
Union Pacific steam guru Steve Lee to retire NEWSWIRE
Union Pacific steam program director Steve Lee. David Hoge CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific steam program boss Steve Lee will retire at the end of this year after 22 years in his position. Lee has become synonymous with the program during his tenure. Lee went railroading in January 1972 as a student fireman on the […]
Snowsheds in the sky
Click the image to download this interactive PDF. Dick Steinheimer knew an era was coming to an end in the Sierra Nevada. It was 1983, and the wooden snowsheds that had long protected Southern Pacific Railroad’s mountain crossing over Donner Pass were disappearing, most of them torn down or replaced by concrete sheds. That spring […]
Athearn Trains HO scale Union Pacific Veranda Turbine
Athearn Trains HO scale Union Pacific Veranda Turbine The Union Pacific’s gas-turbine era saw some distinctive locomotives, such as the “Veranda” B-B-B-B locomotive modeled in HO scale by Athearn. The ready-to-run model operates smoothly on DC layouts and includes provisions for adding Digital Command Control (DCC) and sound. The prototype. Delivered by General Electric in […]
The high iron
Three Union Pacific diesels muscle a southbound intermodal train under classic Southern Pacific searchlight signals near Mojave, Calif., on Sept. 3, 2010. In the background are the Tehachapi Mountains, site of one of the world’s most impressive railroad crossings of a mountain range. Photo by William Steck […]
Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Interview with Pelle Søeborg
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Pelle Søeborg is a frequent contributor to Model Railroader magazine. Pelle talked with Model Railroader Editor Neil Besougloff about his Daneville & Donner River layout and his new modern-era Union Pacific HO model railroad in this interview from August 26, 2010. You’ll also […]
