#844 and #4014 Ascending the grade out of Echo Canyon, Utah
Looking far down the canyon through the morning sun and mild heatwaves to catch the historic train ascend a grade it has known as part, since inception.

There are a few times in your life when you have the opportunity to see a “one time event”.

“The Great Race to Ogden” was just that, an event celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Great Race to Promontory with assets you have never seen before in a combination, you will never see again. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Point, Utah – two restored Steam Locomotives of the Union Pacific Railroad and their very talented crews and support staff, made the journey from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Ogden, Utah to be the highlight of the celebration.

The 844 and newly restored 4014 “Big Boy” Steam Locomotives were the centerpieces of this event. Both are meticulously restored and cared for by the dedicated staff of the Union Pacific Steam Shop located in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

One their way home, I was able to catch and capture these beautiful machines beginning at Castle Rock, Utah – following to Rock Springs, Wyoming. I witnessed them pulling the grade in Echo Canyon, Utah and cruising past at speed at Leroy, Wyoming. I was also able to get up close for some very inspiring photos at Evanston, Wyoming.

I will have a full gallery available soon, that will include a few photos that I dare to say are “artwork”. Yes, I was lucky to catch the right light and the right setting to take a few magical photos. I know a few will be framed on my workshop wall. Maybe on your wall too?

I was also able to explore the southwest corner of Wyoming too include very remote sections of the original Lincoln Highway and a few towns that simply speak of deep American history in every inch.

I have a lot of photos to edit and a lot to talk about of this very Epic Trip. For now, I leave you with a 360 degree virtual reality of this awesome train passing by at Leroy, Wyoming. Pan to the right to follow the train as if you were standing near the roadbed. Stop the video at anytime to see the detail of the train, the crew and the railfans.

Future installments will include my introduction to the Historic, Lincoln Highway and a few backcountry towns that caught my eye: Granger, Wyoming – Helper, Utah and Baker, Nevada.

Stay tuned!

Just like you were there!

If the above video is not displayed in true, 360 degree format, please go to YouTube directly via this link. 2019 Union Pacific “Big Boy” and 844 Steam Locomotives