UP Steam Move to Silvis
by Railfan Dan
Several weeks ago, Union Pacific conducted a historical move of older railroad equipment to Silvis, IL, where the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America association has assumed ownership of the former National Railroad Equipment shops.
The train consisted of two steam locomotives - Challenger 4-6-6-4 #3985 (which hasn't run since roughly 2010) and 2-10-2 #5511 (which hasn't run in decades) - as well as DDA40X Centennial diesel #6936 and a few other pieces of equipment. The RRHMA organization plans to restore all equipment back to operation over the next 5-10 years so that future generations can experience these giants alive once more.
I was able to witness this move from Iowa City to Silvis with several friends in the bitter cold as the UP steam crew gently guided the equipment over Iowa Interstate trackage to Silvis. Now it's just a matter of waiting to see them again - this time under steam.
