By Railfan & Railroad Staff

A Western Pacific GP35 has been restored to its as-delivered appearance in Utah and will soon be put on display at Ogden Union Station. 

Last week, volunteers put the finishing touches on WP 3002, one of 22 GP35s owned by the railroad and only the sixth of its type to be preserved. The locomotive was built in 1963 and worked for the WP, Union Pacific, Kyle Railroad, Arkansas Midland and finally Genesee & Wyoming. The locomotive was donated to Ogden Union Station two years ago thanks to the efforts of Derrick Klarr of Klarr Locomotive Works. 

The locomotive was cosmetically restored at UTA FrontRunner’s shop in Salt Lake City. The mostly volunteer effort was spearheaded by Klarr, his brother Kerry Klarr and fellow UTA employee Schon Norris. UTA shop crews also donated their time to get the job done. Volunteers, including members of the Promontory Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, spent nearly 800 man-hours removing parts for sandblasting, sanding four previous paint layers, welding, and applying primer before paint work could begin. The locomotive made its debut last week in stunning WP orange, black and silver. To ensure longevity, an anti-graffiti and UV-protectant clear coat was also applied during the restoration. 

The locomotive will soon join others on display at Ogden Union Station, including a UP 4-8-4, Utah Railway RSD-15, a Rio Grande SD4T-2 and a Southern Pacific SD45R.

Western Pacific 3002 being repainted in Salt Lake City. Photo by Derrick Klarr.