Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 7 - May 3, 2019
If you don't already know by now, the Big Boy No. 4014 left the Union Pacific Steam Shop on its own power May 1, and has been undergoing last-minute road testing before its big christening event at 9:30 a.m. MT May 4. After the champagne bottle breaks, No. 4014 and the Living Legend No. 844 will double-head on a short whistle-stop tour to Ogden, Utah, where they'll meet nose-to-nose during Union Pacific's Golden Spike celebration at 10 a.m. MT May 9.
Safety Reminder
Now is a good time to remind you of the importance of safety when trackside.
Remember, the average train overhangs the track by at least three feet and wider loads can extend even further from the tracks. It is imperative that you stand back at least 25 feet or more from the tracks to avoid debris and steam or being hit by the train itself.
Some more safety reminders:
- Trains can't stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right-of-way are private property – please do not trespass.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – ALWAYS expect a train and assume tracks are active.
- Look both ways when approaching railroad crossings, and stop for trains. A train's distance from you -- and its speed -- can be deceiving.
- Look twice at crossings with multiple tracks. Two tracks may mean two trains, so make sure all tracks are clear before crossing each rail line.
- Avoid distractions including loud music, texting and talking on cell phones. Look up and listen for train horns.
When taking photos or video, be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure you're in a safe place or have someone "spot" you while you're looking through your camera's viewfinder. What you don't see could hurt you.
You Are Our Safety Ambassadors
As a Steam Club member and rail fan, you're more aware of the dangers associated with train operations than your typical neighbor who may be trackside for the first time. Because of your knowledge, we're asking you to have the courage to tell someone if what they're doing is unsafe – whether they're standing on or too close to the tracks, running along the ballast, leaving trip hazards in walkways or climbing on equipment.
You can help us and the UP steam program by spreading a message of safety or by reporting unsafe behavior to anyone with a yellow Union Pacific badge. When it comes to safety, we're all on watch to make sure we all go home safe to our families.
Inside Track and Celebration Page
Yesterday we published an Inside Track story at UP.com that highlights all the upcoming #Transcon150 celebration activities including the No. 4014 christening, the May 9 Ogden celebration and the Utah Spike 150 events. Read it here.
We also published a #Transcon150 Celebration page that includes the May 9 Celebration program and a list of handy links to pages with #Transcon150 event information. Read it here.
#Transcon150
Will you be at any of the Transcontinental Railroad celebrations? Share your photos and memories with those who won't by adding #Transcon150 to your photos and stories posted on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
May 9 Ceremonies to be Streamed Live via Facebook
Can't make it to Ogden for the big events May 9? That's OK, we've got you covered.
Union Pacific will be streaming May 9 ceremonies live via the UP Facebook page, located at http://www.facebook.com/unionpacific . If you haven't already "liked" our Facebook page, do it today. You'll be notified as soon as the cameras start rolling.
May 10 events taking place at Promontory will not be streamed live on UP's Facebook page, but will be available via other online outlets.
Tracking The Big Boy and Living Legend
We've made it easy for you to know where the pride of Union Pacific's steam program is located at all times.
Our Steam Locomotive Tracking map traces our steam locomotives' location. The location is continuously updated when the train is on the move.
You can also track the steam giants via the UP Steam Twitter page at http://twitter.com/up_steam. The account tweets the train's location as it changes.
You can find both the map and Twitter feed, along with steam schedule information at upsteam.com.
That's all for now. Be safe, and we'll see you trackside,
Thanks, and be safe!
Union Pacific Steam Club