Lionel O gauge Union Pacific 4-12-2 steam locomotive

The Union Pacific was known for the large steam power it used to speed freight across the wide-open west. Perhaps the line’s most eccentric design was the 4-12-2. That was a heavy locomotive designed to pull heavy freights at higher speeds over the vast, fruited plains. Alco constructed 88 of the 782,000-pound giants for the […]

Read More…

Union Pacific unveils experimental test locomotive NEWSWIRE

David Lustig ROSEVILLE, Calif. – Union Pacific Railroad unveiled an advanced experimental locomotive at Davis Yard in Roseville on August 22. Locomotive No. 9900 will test three emissions-reducing technologies: exhaust gas recirculation, diesel oxidation catalysts, and diesel particulate filters. The locomotive is designated model SD59MX. The test will help railroads and locomotive manufacturers develop technologies to […]

Read More…

What do Photographer Andrew J. Russell, the Civil War, and Union Pacific Railroad have in common?

FULL SCREEN Andrew J. Russell, Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ppmsca-11750 General Hermann Haupt (rear, center) supervises a construction site in 1863 at Devereaux Station of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad in Clifton, Virginia. The locomotive bears his name. At right is J. H. Devereaux, superintendent. FULL SCREEN Andrew J. Russell, Library of Congress, LC-B8184-10161 Ornately decorated […]

Read More…

Union Pacific Railroad Construction Photos

FULL SCREEN UP photo Casement Brothers construction train used during the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. Three 4-4-0s were the power this day. FULL SCREEN UP photo Casement Brothers camp train during the construction of the UP. Note the barely finished cottonwood logs stacked as ties to the left and the scant ballast, probably […]

Read More…

Union Pacific trains per day: 2001

This Map of the Month was featured in the November 2001 issue of Trains magazine. Train frequency per 24 hours on the vast Union Pacific system, in first quarter 2001, is revealing both for what is indicated and what is not. Consider, if you will, the pre-1982 Union Pacific, i.e., before merger mania. With just […]

Read More…

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 […]

Read More…

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 […]

Read More…