All Aboard

All Aboard: Cheyenne’s Steam Train Revival Brings History to Life

Cheyenne, Wyoming, often called the “Magic City of the Plains,” has a rich railroad heritage that continues to captivate train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. At the heart of this legacy lies the remarkable restoration efforts by Union Pacific (UP) of two iconic steam locomotives: the Living Legend No. 844 and the colossal Big Boy 4014.

Cheyenne’s Significance To Us

Believe it or not, Wendy is a third generation railroader. Her grandfather and dad were on the rails, and Wendy drove a desk in the technology sector for CSX before making the big jump to Coca-Cola. So, Cheyenne is a sort of homecoming for Wendy. Walking the steam shop at the UP to the local caboose diner brings back memories for her. It also happens to be our home base for all our businesses. The visits here are wonderful in this small town with long streets.

Making the long haul from the Oregon Coast in the Grizzly coach was always a joy. Cheyenne is always the destination with very fond memories, and visiting friends brings endless laughs and excitement.

Things were always more memorable if a steam train ran and Frontier Days were in full swing.

The Railroad Town That Endured

Cheyenne’s story is inextricably linked to the railroad. Founded in 1867 as a Union Pacific Railroad town, it quickly became a vital hub on the first transcontinental railroad. Unlike many end-of-tracks towns that faded into obscurity, Cheyenne’s strategic location and economic importance ensured its longevity.

Steam Giants: No. 844 and Big Boy 4014

The Living Legend: No. 844

Union Pacific’s No. 844, affectionately known as the “Living Legend,” holds a special place in railroad history. Built in 1944, it’s the last steam locomotive constructed for UP and has never been retired from the railroad’s active roster. This remarkable engine has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles as UP’s goodwill ambassador, appearing at numerous high-profile events across the country, including its time renamed as the “Freedom Train” during the United States Bicentennial celebration.

The Behemoth: Big Boy 4014

When Union Pacific needed to conquer the Rocky Mountains, they turned to the Big Boy steam engines. These massive locomotives were designed to pull 3,600-ton trains over steep mountain grades without helper engines. Big Boy 4014, one of only eight remaining of its kind, has been meticulously restored to its original glory and now resides in the Union Pacific Steam Shop in Cheyenne.

Funny, we have chased 4014 across southern New Mexico in its maiden trip.  Crazy times are racing from town to town from Deming, New Mexico, to El Paso, Texas.  Great fun in a nerdy sort of way.

The Restoration Marvel

The restoration of these steam giants is nothing short of extraordinary. Union Pacific’s commitment to preserving railroad history is evident in the painstaking work carried out at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne. This facility, while not open to the public, is the beating heart of UP’s steam program.

The restoration of Big Boy 4014 was particularly impressive. This massive locomotive, weighing over 1.2 million pounds, was brought back to life after decades of retirement. The project, completed in 2019, allowed Big Boy to tour the United States, bringing joy to thousands of spectators along its route.

Cheyenne: A Train Lover’s Paradise

For railroad enthusiasts, Cheyenne offers a treasure trove of attractions:

1. Cheyenne Depot Museum: Housed in the historic Union Pacific Depot, this museum showcases the city’s railroad history.

2. Big Boy Steam Engine Display: Visitors can see Big Boy No. 4004 on display year-round in Holliday Park.

3. Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley: Take a narrated tour of the city’s historic districts aboard a trolley reminiscent of the early 1900s.

4. Terry Bison Ranch: Offers train tours that provide a unique perspective on Wyoming’s landscape.

The Future of Rail in Cheyenne

While celebrating its steam heritage, Cheyenne is also looking to the future of rail travel. The recently established Cheyenne Passenger Rail Commission is working to bring passenger rail service back to the city, potentially connecting Cheyenne to the proposed Front Range Passenger Rail system.

Cheyenne’s enduring romance with the railroad, exemplified by the restoration of these magnificent steam locomotives, offers visitors a chance to step back in time while experiencing the ongoing evolution of rail travel. Whether you’re a dedicated train enthusiast or simply curious about American history, Cheyenne’s railroad attractions promise an unforgettable journey through the past, present, and future of rail transportation.

844 From Our Favorite Campground

With the Grizzly, we always stayed in the prairie campground just east of town; why?  It was so peaceful and right on the mainline railroad.  The silence was punctuated with the sound of the rails and, on occasion, the mournful cry of a steam train whistle.  Below is a video we shot just a few yards from our campsite.  Great memories.  RIPJ