The DDA40X diesel locomotive was the largest land machine at 6600 horsepower. In 1984, the UP took 25 units out of storage and reinstated them as active locomotives. I travelled west to capture them in action in VHS.
I remember traveling to Nebraska and Wyoming with my parents when I was a wee lad back then (I’m 47 years old) and I clearly remember seeing these babes in service. At one time I was able to be given a cab ride in one of them with my dad, this was before 9/11 so crews were more relaxed.
I've seen it on a freight one time. After it hit the dump truck in Louisianna, it came to NLR, AR for wreck repairs and it left on the QNLNP headed to North Platte. It was a sight to see.
Spawn and Crazy...you guys are great!! You know years ago I knew I would regret not following this train all the way to North Platte. I had motored all the way from Chicago just to visit Cheyenne and Sherman Hill. I knew it...I knew it...I knew it. Dave
The only reason why we brought 25 back into revenue service was due to a power shortage. After the shortage was over, the Centennials were finally phased out for good
NICE!!!!! The train at 3 MIN is rolling slow until the Waycar (caboose) started rolling and all the slack was out. I shot video from that bridge in 1994, ten years after!!! The train your following (6914) came off the CNW A Freemont, NEB. We called 'em "Falcons"..or "Birds. Still do yet today, although it is no where near as interesting. THank sfor sharing!!!
Saw these runnung the Feather River in 1984 - - - amazing sight ! The only other sight I would enjoy would be a restored and operational Big Blow ! But I'm sure the " Greens " and " Naysayers " would Bitch about the noise and turbine exhaust. Heard a " Blow " in Wyoming in the mid 60's, sounded like a 737 throttling up for take off.
I remember #6900 & 6901 at San Berdoo with my grandpa in 1969 with the centennial train headed east. Cool. Also got to be hostler 6936 denver 2003? Cant remember.
Thanks soohoojrj for a follow-up. I'm on both sides of the fence...a UP fan and modeller and a member of IRM. I imagine electric traction and Chicago area history are most important in deciding which museum pieces get inside storage and get preserved. Unfortunately, the DDA40X doesn't meet either of those qualifications...in fact Union Pacific has only been in Chicago less than 30 years. Although an operational DDA40X never made it to the Windy, a DD35 did...but thats another story, LOL.
I don't think the locomotive at IRM came directly from the UP...so don't blame them, If I recall it was outside in the Kansas City area being restored by a local group who did not have the means to finish the job. The locomotive then went to IRM. IRM is entirely voluntary....including workers and funding and there is just so much their meager funds can do. IRM will consider donations for specific projects....one way DDA40X fans can participate.
