For my 844th photo accepted to RP, the subject can only be Union Pacific 4-8-4 844. Here we see the only mainline steam locomotive that has never been retired as she accelerates north out of White... (more)

What's going on here? Q: Is Union Pacific 4-8-4 844 being used in helper service, or is this a three-train meet? A: Three train meet. With congestion in Topeka and Kansas City, the 844 had ... (more)

What I'm thankful for... Besides the usual stuff (family, friends, health, job), I am thankful for a reliable car that can take me on my railfanning adventures, including 15-hour drives eac... (more)

With storm clouds in the distance, UP 844 departs from underneath the grain elevator in Medford, Oklahoma. The rest of the day's run to Wichita, Kansas would be accompanied by intermittent rain sh... (more)

Midwest railroading at its finest! The Missouri River Eagle is nothing but a blur as the Sooner Rocket heads northward towards this afternoon's destination of Wichita, KS. All I have... (more)

Some interesting backlighting provides a semi-flashback to the gray scheme that UP 844 wore over a decade ago.

Union Pacific 4-8-4 844 puts on an impressive show for the assembled crowd as it moves off the siding where it spent the night and prepares to load up for its northbound jaunt to Wichita.

Old meets new.

One of the first shots of the three day chase is also one of my favorites. UP 844 crosses one of the many dirt county roads just north of the town of Pocasset on Monday morning.

A UP crewman kicks off the second day of the chase by throwing the switch to let the special onto the main.

Pacing, silhouette shot of UP 844 just south of Medford, OK. A special thanks goes out to my brother for driving and passing 10+ cars at a time to get ahead the train.

After checking out the only two crossings in town and almost moving on, we found this spot as we were leaving Kechi, a place to call home.

UP 844 and consist sit on the siding by the ex-CRI&P station in Enid, OK after the day's run from Chickasha.

The passengers have stretched their legs, the locomotive has been refueled, and the pilot crew has boarded and its time to highball! The Sooner Rocket behind UP 844 is starting the climb ou... (more)

UP 844 simmers in the siding at Paxico, KS on the fitting ex-SP Sunset Route waiting for the last two westbounds to pass on the main.