All through August 2021, Classic Trains editors are celebrating the history and legacy of the Western Pacific Railroad. In this article, please enjoy a photo gallery of Western Pacific Railroad passenger trains in their prime. This gallery was first published in July 2016. Only from Classic Trains! […]
Railroad: Union Pacific
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern working to clear intermodal congestion
WASHINGTON — Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern told federal regulators today that congestion in their busiest international intermodal terminals has been due to disruptions that are beyond their control. Both railroads have taken steps to limit the flow of containers, particularly to their terminals in Chicago, where bottlenecks have arisen from an unprecedented combination of […]
North American Rail Shippers meeting now will hear from five Class I CEOs
CHICAGO – The North American Rail Shippers association annual meeting, scheduled for Sept. 7-9 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, now will feature presentations from five Class I railroad chief executives and the president of Genesee & Wyoming’s North American operations. CSX Transportation CEO Jim Foote has been added to the agenda, along with G&W’s Michael Miller. […]
News photo: Big Boy begins 2021 tour
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Big Boy has begun this year’s Big Trip. Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 left its Cheyenne headquarters today, heading east to Sidney, Neb., on the first leg of a month-long, 10-state journey that will take it to New Orleans and back. Union Pacific offers both a detailed schedule and live […]
News photos: Union Pacific reopens route after Colorado mudslides (second update)
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Union Pacific has posted photos to its social media accounts, including Facebook, showing its work to dig out from mudslides last week that closed its route through Colorado’s Glenwood Canyon. Clearing of debris and rebuilding track was completed early this morning, with the first freight train passing through the slide area […]
No date yet for full resumption of ‘Coast Starlight’ service (updated)
OAKLAND, Calif. — Amtrak says it is “actively working” with Union Pacific on a plan to restore service on the full Coast Starlight route between Los Angeles and Seattle, but does not yet have a date when that will occur. Service has been disrupted since UP’s 1,200-foot Dry Canyon Bridge was damaged June 28 by […]
Union Pacific Challengers as they appeared in service
Union Pacific Challengers in service were one of the great sights of American railroading in the 1940s and 1950s, when they were near the pinnacle of super-powered steam. Please enjoy this digitized 8mm video originally take by Dick Wallin in 1959 east of Cheyenne, Wyo. Only from Classic Trains! […]
Union Pacific Challengers as they appeared in service
Union Pacific Challengers in service were one of the great sights of American railroading in the 1940s and 1950s, when they were near the pinnacle of super-powered steam. Please enjoy this digitized 8mm video originally take by Dick Wallin in 1959 east of Cheyenne, Wyo. Only from Classic Trains! […]
Big Boy etiquette: How to see Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 safely
Before you head out to watch the world’s largest steam locomotive in August 2021, here are Big Boy etiquette tips you should know. Big Boy on the move Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 will set out eastward from its homebase in Cheyenne, Wyo., bound for New Orleans. This is the first time for the locomotive […]
Union Pacific Big Boy basics and frequently asked questions
Union Pacific Big Boy basics Q: Why is a diesel with Big Boy 4014? A: The diesel serves many purposes. Its dynamic braking saves brake shoes. Its power provides a boost that saves on No. 4014 fuel stops. It’s a much-preferred power source in tunnels. And if Big Boy were disabled on the main line, the […]
Union Pacific reopens Dry Canyon Bridge (updated)
WEED, Calif. — Union Pacific has reopened the Dry Canyon Bridge a month ahead of its original estimate, allowing the railroad to resume operations on its I-5 Corridor line between California and the Pacific Northwest. The railroad initially estimated the bridge would not be completed until Sept. 1, but last week said it could be […]
‘California Zephyr’ route closed by Colorado mudslides
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Massive mudslides have washed out Union Pacific’s former Denver & Rio Grande Western route through Glenwood Canyon, east of Glenwood Springs, while also blocking part of adjacent Interstate 70. The slides not only have disrupted Amtrak’s California Zephyrs, which normally pass in the area between crew change points in Denver and […]