Union Pacific 844 and the "Portland Rose" Cab Ride 12 September 2010

WOW!!! Truly the opportunity of a lifetime! Heartfelt thanks to our good friend Pete Lawson, who pulled a few strings with his friends at Union Pacific to get us aboard; Mr. Stephen Lee, UP's Superintendent of Heritage Operations; Mr. Ed Dickens, Jr., UP steam engineer; Mr. Rick Braunschweig, UP steam fireman; Mr. Ted Schulte, UP steam fireman; Mr. Brian ___((I regret I did not get his last name), UP Road Foreman; Mr. Denver McCrory, UP pilot engineer; and "Big O", UP pilot conductor ( and Denver's father-in-law). These fellows could not have been more accomodating. Watching these veteran railroad professionaIs at work getting the 844 and her train the "Portland Rose" safely over the road was a treat in and of itself, and Union Pacific should be very proud to have such men in service. I also can't fail to mention my good friend and co-foamer Sandy Smith, whose idea it was to try and set up this trip. Riding this machine at 70 mph is an experience we will never forget.