Train enthusiasts of all ages are invited to TWO free viewing events on Sunday, October 16 and Friday, October 28 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
Ed Dickens, engineer for No. 844; representatives of Union Pacific; George Guastello, president and CEO Union Station; and train enthusiasts of all ages – anyone who has ever ridden on a train, built model trains or simply been fascinated by anything related to trains!
What:
Rail fans will have a chance to see a fully restored steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s No. 844 as it makes a special multistate trip. The last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific, will make TWO special stops at Union Station for FREE viewing events.
When:
Sunday, October 16 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, October 28 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:
Union Station, Kansas City – The locomotive will be staged along the northwest corner of Union Station’s rail yard.
*Media should enter on the northwest side of the building, near West Yards parking garage. Media parking will be allowed on surface lot by showing media ID and/or branded vehicle. Public parking will be available in West Yards garage. Event parking rates apply.
Why:
No. 844 is embarking on its first multi-state venture since the locomotive’s three-year restoration. It will traverse Union Pacific’s main line through Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee to celebrate the opening of Big River Crossing in Memphis.
Guests on both free public viewing days are encouraged to get up close to the massive engine for inspection, interaction with crew and lots of photos. An elevated viewing platform will be available for guests to climb up for a clear view into No. 844’s engine cab.
Large crowds are expected to visit the “Living Legend,” Union Pacific’s only steam locomotive never retired from service. Railroad enthusiasts also are invited to track No. 844’s journey via a GPS monitor at http://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/details.shtml.
Housed in Union Pacific’s Steam Shop in Wyoming, No. 844 underwent a major overhaul and made its return to the rails for Cheyenne Frontier Days in late July. Details about No. 844’s restoration are available in a series of blog posts and videos available via the InsideTrack section of Union Pacific’s website at http://www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/heritage/index.htm.
“There’s something magical about steam trains,” George Guastello, president and CEO, Union Station Kansas City, said. “Their massive size and awesome power take us back to the Golden Age of railroading and stir memories and imaginations like few other man-made creations can. In fact, these impressive living relics point to the timeless importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.) The exploration and ingenuity we celebrate today in our internationally-awarded Science Center is anchored in industrial triumphs of decades past and evidenced in creations like No. 844. Come enjoy this rare chance to get up close to a living steam engine, then step inside Union Station to enjoy all the terrific family activities happening here . . . including our own impressive model train exhibit and the final weeks of Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life, closing on October 23rd.”
Image of No. 844 Passing By Union Station as Photographed by Roy Inman
###
About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 100-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s Science Center; the popular Model Railroad Experience; the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Also recently voted “Favorite Landmark or Monument” in the 2016 KC Visitor’s Choice Awards. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Download Press Release (.PDF)