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Union Pacific's 8444 Edmonson Goodheart 1989 Soft Cover
Union Pacifics 8444 by Harold Edmonson & David Goodheart.
Soft Cover stapled
16 pages. Lots of photos.
Copyright 1989
No. 8444 has no rival as the most durable steam locomotive operating on a major railroad in the U.S. today. It is the only steam locomotive that has been in continuous active service on a major railroad since the steam era ended in 1960. During that time it has made periodic short trips from its operational base of Cheyenne, Wyoming, has made major journeys to the far reaches of the Union Pacific system, and has been displayed at world's fairs at Spokane and New Orleans. It has pulled trains for various groups, including railroad enthusiasts, shippers, cattlemen, historical societies, and symphonies. Its performance has been a tribute to the entire 800-class steam locomotives fielded by Union Pacific.
Built as No. 844 in 1944, this locomotive was the last of the 4-8-4 wheel arrangement placed in service by Union Pacific. Union Pacific's first 4-8-4's (Class FEF-1), Nos. 800-819, were built by American Locomotive Company (Alco) in 1937-38 and were assigned to haul crack passenger trains such as the Overland Limited, Portland Rose, Challenger, and Pacific Limited. Even though Union Pacific was a pioneer in the operation of diesel streamliners, it relied heavily on steam for many first-class passenger trains as well as mail-and-express trains. With 77-inch drive wheels, the 800's could reach speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.
The 800's met all expectations and in 1939 an order was placed with Alco for Nos. 820-834 (Class FEF-2). Improvements were made in the basic design and there were modest but significant changes in the overall appearance. A single cover enclosed the steam dome and sand box, and the new locomotives had 80-inch drive wheels that theoretically (and later proven in tests) made them capable of 110 miles per hour. Larger 14-wheel tenders capable of carrying 25 tons of coal were constructed.
The crunch of passenger and troop traffic during World War II placed new demands on the railroad, and a final batch of 4-8-4's, Nos. 835-844, arrived in 1944. They were similar to the Class FEF-2 locomotives, but did feature a twin stack arrangement. All the 800's performed well and averaged about 14,000 miles a month.
Following World War II the locomotives received a two-tone gray paint scheme with white or yellow trim. They were converted to oil fuel as coal supplies became disrupted by miners' strikes. As all passenger train assignments were gradually taken over by diesels, the 4-8-4's were relegated to freight service in the 1950's and reacquired black paint. They distinguished themselves in freight service, mainly in Nebraska, but were displaced by diesels following the 1958 summer freight rush. All were retired except No. 844, which Union Pacific maintained on the roster for special train operation.
Some 30 years later, the locomotive is still going strong. It was renumbered 8444 in 1962 to avoid conflict with diesel numbering. In 1987 it received a new paint livery recreating the two-tone gray scheme of the late 1940's. Retirement of diesel No. 844 permitted Union Pacific to schedule for June 1, 1989 restoration of that number to the great steam locomotive.
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