Union Pacific's ICTF Family Days 2011

On Saturday, October 22, 2011, Union Pacific’s ICTF (Intermodal Container Transfer Facility) threw a party to honor the facility’s employees and their family members. It was also an opportunity to take off the hard hats and safety gear and just relax and enjoy good food and activities with other team members. The event was “ICTF Family Days 2011” and I was graciously extended and invitation to join in the fun and frivolity. So I cleared a couple of hours off of my busy schedule and headed towards the heart of the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor region…

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Much More Than Just a New Pretty Face

Earlier today, via a “tweet,” the Union Pacific Railroad’s Steam Program announced the release of a new look for their program’s web site. I called up their site on my iPad and was extremely pleased with what filled my screen…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 5

It felt good to rest. So much so that I rested the entire next day, Sunday, as well. I took that time to reflect on the trials of the Cima Subdivision experience and the triumphs from the Needles Subdivision. I still did not have my fill of chasing steel yet so I sat down with my iPad and made plans for Monday, Memorial Day…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 4

You have to admit that I gave the Cima Subdivision a good effort. I just wasn’t having any luck. Sometimes the railfan gods just don’t smile upon you. That’s what a backup plan is for. Mine was to head south into Amboy and my home away from home, BNSF’s Needles Subdivision…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 3

(Continued from: The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 2) After stopping in at the Kelso Depot Visitor’s Center of the Mojave National Preserve and talking with the ranger, I had to devise a new plan. I wouldn’t be able to follow the Cima Subdivision’s trackage, nor camp along the route, as I had hoped to do…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 2

(Continued from: The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 1) With the high traffic level I encountered at Daggett in short order, I drove north on the Daggett-Yermo Road towards Yermo hoping that the Cima Subdivision provided ample traffic and photo opportunities. I had already seen two eastbound Union Pacific trains return to home rails and head off towards Yermo and I was in pursuit…

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The Memorial Day Weekend Mega Tour - Part 1

I didn’t plan to do what I did. I mean, I did have plans to spend two or three days of the Memorial Day weekend out trackside, camping in my rig and taking in the serenity of the Mojave National Preserve and, of course, trains, but it didn’t work out that way. It turned into “the mega tour…”

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You've Seen Yesterday, Now See the Future

You may have seen the numerous videos and coverage of Union Pacific’s legendary steam locomotive, UP No. 844 which is currently on duty leading the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour train or perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who saw her firsthand, either track side or on display during the tour. Maybe even you have fond childhood memories of the steam behemoths roaming the country during the days of yesteryear. If you have then you will agree that it is truly a sight to behold. What amazing machines steam engines are. Now On May 8, 2010, you can see the newest in railroad motive-power technology, the Generator-Set (or Genset) switcher which is Union Pacific’s latest environmentally friendly design to join its fleet…

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Video of Union Pacific No. 844 on Display in Houston

The public was given an opportunity to get up close and personal with the legendary locomotive as she rested at the Amtrak Station in downtown Houston. As the following video proves, complements of ABC13 Houston, fun was had by young and old alike…

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Two Must See Videos of the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour and UP No. 844

You have to see these videos! Here are two very good videos posted to YouTube by a friend and fan of ChasingSteel.com, Zach Pumphrey (a.k.a. UPTRAIN). The videos offer rare views of the UP No. 844 as she moves through Kansas and Missouri because it includes…

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