union pacific 844
Many people know the engine as the No. 8444, since an extra ‘4′ was added to its number in 1962 to distinguish it from a diesel numbered in the 800 series. [1]
Union Pacific 844 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive owned by Union Pacific Railroad. [...] It was the last steam locomotive delivered (in 1944) to Union Pacific and is unique in that it is the only steam locomotive never retired by a North American Class I railroad. [2]
I have very little experience with steam engines, having been born a bit after their general exit from the American landscape, but this I know: they’re really, really cool to see. [...] For a few minutes, something neat was happening…well, neat if you’re a railfan: there were two Alco locomotives in Abilene; they were just a year apart in production but products of different technologies. [3]
The engine has run hundreds of thousands of miles as Union Pacific’s ambassador of good will. [4]
UP 844 was reassigned to freight service when diesel-electric locomotives took over passenger service and operated from 1957 to 1959 in Nebraska. [2]
I won’t go into the complexities of a steam engine (which is good, because I don’t know) but there is a great animation at the wikipedia listing for locomotive. [...] Just an aside: this is the brickwork on the platform of the depot, which was originally owned by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad before UP bought Rock Island. [3]
It has made appearances at Expo ‘74 in Spokane, the 1981 opening of the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Los Angeles Union Station in 1989. [...] Steam Locomotive No. 844 is the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad. [4]
The engine has run hundreds of thousands of miles as Union Pacific’s ambassador of goodwill. [1]
The FEF-3 class was similar to the earlier FEF-2 class as both were designed as passenger engines and pulled such trains as the Overland Flyer, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose and Challenger. [...] This excursion was a tandem run with both steam locomotives pulling a Union Pacific passenger train consisting of three to four dome cars and several coaches. [...] It was saved from being scrapped in 1960 it was chosen for restoration and is now used on company and public excursion trains, along with revenue freight during ferry moves. [2]
Sources:
[1] UP: Steam Locomotive No. 844
[2] Union Pacific 844 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[3] The Lope: 844
[4] Union Pacific Steam Shop