Today was an interesting day in Benson, AZ. The Union Pacific Railroad has spent a great deal of money and several years restoring a vintage steam locomotive. This was not some little switch engine, but rather a main line engine with 8 drive wheels. Apparently this is part of the upcoming centennial celebrations of Arizona and New Mexico. The train arrived about 10 minutes late and stayed at the Amtrack stop for about 30 minutes. This was a well publicized event and there were easily 3 to 4 thousand people there to see it. Some schools even excused 5th thru 7th grades and kids were all over the place.
There were lots of Union Pacific personnel and police on hand.
Part of a crowd of several thousand.
Here it comes! This thing is BIG and it is LOUD!!
There's the proud engineer.
Everyone was allowed to get really close to see this rare sight.
There was some vintage rolling stock including a dome observation car.
There were lots of Union Pacific personnel and police on hand.
Part of a crowd of several thousand.
Everyone was allowed to get really close to see this rare sight.
There was some vintage rolling stock including a dome observation car.
That is quite the engine, isn't it? We was able to see it in Chickasha Oklahoma a year or two ago. I do not remember what the occasion was, but it stayed over a couple of nights. I couldn't believe how huge it was. I understand under full steam, it can roll right on down the tracks. Faster than I would want to go!
ReplyDeleteBud Burner
Cement, OK.