RailNews

Union Pacific 4-8-4 “FEF-3” 844 completed testing near its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., late last week in preparation for an excursion to Denver with 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” 4014 next month. Photo by Chip Sherman.

UP 844 Completes Test Runs Around Cheyenne

Union Pacific 4-8-4 FEF-3 844 underwent testing around its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., late last week, with a run to nearby Speer, Wyo., and back on Friday.

The locomotive pulled a string of maintenance-of-way cars unassisted out of Cheyenne in preparation for an excursion with Big Boy 4014 to Denver next month. 844 does not currently have positive train control installed, so 4014 will lead next month’s excursion. UP has previously stated it intends to install PTC on the 844.

These were the first moves for 844 since 2019, when the engine traveled with 4014 to Ogden, Utah, for the 150th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike.

The upcoming excursion will run between Greeley, Colo., and Denver on Nov. 21 and will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both 844 and 4014 will be on display at Denver Union Station that same day.

— Nick Stewart