Southern Pacific 4-6-2 No. 2472 and 4-8-4 No. 4449 northbound near Watsonville, California, NRHS Convention, 1992 (Location approximate)

Just no words to describe seeing these actually operating. I think it was in '02 that UP tried to sneak the 4449 and a Challenger through Sparks, Nevada. They were watering-up while awaiting two Diesel helpers for Donner Summit when such a crowd descended onto the switch-yard that they decided to do an impromptu tour.

Right you are, Umiyama - the wail of the whistle and the pounding of the cylinders to the tune of thousands of horsepower are just beyond compare. They still inspire awe and affection. I was born about 100 years too late!

~ Bruce

EXCELLENT !!!

Thanks, I am glad you like these, Eva - are you a train fanatic?

~ Bruce

Impressive picture, Bruce. I grew up with these big engines and I still hear and smell them, when I see pictures like this. Thanks for sharing. Greets, Lutz

Hi, LutzP - they really are a multi-sensory experience, aren't they? I am glad there are still a few operating.

~ Bruce

amaizing ride with kings of track :)

Astounding image Bruce. I think that oil wins over coal in the carbon footprint stakes!!

Genial Y*

Jim

Thanks, Hanz and Jim - I just wish the engineer/fireman in 2472 had turned up the steam/smoke to match the 4449...at least a little sand up the flue, if nothing else...oh well, it looks good anyway :-)

~ Bruce

Super bruce, I can see it was some sight, but i'd say the sound of those two beating up that gradient was awesome...

Warmest regards from Dublin h

2C, indeed, they make quite a pounding roar! At the time, the 4449 had a deep-voiced 4-chime steamboat whistle on her too, and man! What a glorious racket!

~ da Moose

A wonderful sight Bruce ~ a pity we cannot hear the pounding roar or hear the whistle ~ Ciaooooo nick

Hi, Nick - thanks! Yeah, I sometimes wish I had invested in a good video camera with excellent sound - but we makes our choices and lives with them, I suppose.

WOW da Moose this is a fantastic shot. Y* & LIKE. Tone.

Thank you Tone - this was an exciting time in my life :-)

Very Cool brings back childhood memories for me. Mother worked for UPRR in Omaha and all Vacations were by train. Ahh yes the smell and sound of the old Iron Horses. Denver had the best depot then. THANKS

Ruan Ink - wonderful memories! Do you remember steam?

You bet I do. I remember the first time I rode one (about 5yo) the darn thing scared me when they released alitte pressure and a Huge Cloud of Steam rose into the air. I also noticed the whistles sounded differant when the Diesels started to run.

Yepp. The diesels have those airhorns. Makes me sad!

When I was a kid (like 3 years old) I was so determined to get near the trains that I'd race out the door and run 1,000 feet down to the tracks. Occasionally I'd grab the little girl around the corner and drag her with me. Drove my Mom nuts.

When I was 4, we moved to a place away from tracks. That may have been one reason why ;-)

like

i have movies the train in youtube

train farina