California Steamin' with the 844: Part I

Video highlights of the April 17th, 2009 run of Union Pacific # 844 over Donner Pass. Don't worry... I'll be chasing and posting the rest of the trip as it happens!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Steam
• Train
• Locomotive
• Union
• Pacific
• 844
• Donner

[theGUYwho1]

for years now ive always wonderd, why would they put diesles on this kind of an excurtion run. now i think i finally kno... and ive bean stupid not to think of this befor, but they must put those on for Dynamic Breaks. because the 844 herself could easly pull that train, but she dont got the dynamics for the downhills.... it all makes sence now, i jus figured out life LOL!!

[Nutzkie2001]

@theGUYwho1

That's one reason. Another is that for the poor crew stuck back in the cab, a trip through Tunnel # 41 while under full steam can be a harrowing , and indeed near-fatal, experience. (There's a reason SP deployed cab-forwards after all.)

Therefore, standard procedure when operating steam westbound through the "Big Hole" is to cut throttle as you pass Eder (east portal) and let the diesels do the work until you hit daylight again at Norden. (west portal)

[kodachrome9319]

Very nice Steve!

[Nutzkie2001]

Thanks!  I do what I can.

[SLSF1522]

Wonderful job! This has to be the best 844 video on YouTube. 5*s and favorited!

[Nutzkie2001]

(That odd sound you hear is me blushing.)

Well I hardly think I qualify as one of the better videographers on this site, but the sentiment is appreciated just the same.

Part two of this series should be up in a few hours, by the way.

Thanks for watching!

[theGUYwho1]

@Nutzkie2001 Ahh yeshh, them Cab-forwards! thank you very much, i can see clearly now... the rain is gone. lol

[paralleler]

We're anxiously awaiting Part II and beyond!

One thing you might want to consider as a "cherry on top" is replacing the background voices around 6:00 with audio of a mountain river or birds chirping. The children there as a class at 8:10 was nice.

I saw one video where 844's engineer was REALLY thrilled with the turnout they've been receiving.

Again, really BEAUTIFULLY done!

[CoastStarlight11]

Quite possibly.

[Nutzkie2001]

No...  Thank YOU! :-)

[Nutzkie2001]

Well heck! Maybe we passed each other on the interstate?

Thanks for watching.

[Nutzkie2001]

Thanks!

I don't know who he is, but I'd like to meet him so I can congratulate him and shake his neck.

(Flippin' rippin' loud-mouthed such-and-such...)