Celebrities in Cheyenne

This special event took place in 1992, at UP's legendary Cheyenne Roundhouse. The remaining 8 stalls proved to be an excellent backdrop for these queens of the High Iron, and they were lined up for photographs.

The engine on the far right is the country's longest operating steam locomotive, the 844, who was named Echo. Built in December 1944 by the American Locomotive Works, she was the last steam locomotive purchased by the Union Pacific. Now she's kept in pristine condition at the railroad's steam shops, and continues to operate special trains to this day. Originally a coal burner, she was converted in the 1950s to burn oil, and has continued to do so since. With numerous distinctions and escapades in her excursion career, such as double heading with Angela (SP 4449), heading freight trains, and even helping a manifest, she has certainly enjoyed her new position on Union Pacific, even if it means she's not in in steam as often as she was less than half a century ago. She now wears the short-lived but iconic two-tone Greyhound paint scheme

Much larger and slightly older is the middle engine, the 3985. Originally, this engine went by several names as her crews couldn't decide on one. However, after her doubleheaded trip with Echo to Sacramento Railfair '91, she decided on the name Willa. Built by ALCO in July 1943, she was part of the second generation of Challengers. This can be evidenced by her head-end resemblance to the earlier design of the large Big Boys. Like most Challengers, she burned coal throughout her service career. However, after returning to operational condition after retirement, she was converted to burn oil instead, since coal was no longer readily available. For many years, Willa held the distinction of being the largest operational steam engine in the world, as well as the only operational Challenger.

Finally, in the foreground shot, is the newest addition to the UP family of steam survivors. Railfans and the general public often think of Willa when the term "Challenger locomotive" is mentioned. However, the Union Pacific had a series of Challengers built in the latter half of the 1930s. Sadly none of them were preserved, but a joint effort between UP and the Diamond Route, resulted in a replica of the first Challenger ever built. Completed at Cheyenne just four years earlier, Phylis, as she was named, is not quite authentic in design, having an updated pilot and 1943 number and paint scheme compared to when the real 3900 was delivered to UP. But she represents a chapter of Union Pacific's Giants that was once lost to history.

This is probably my favorite Sketchbook piece to date! I didn't use a pencil line base and the only while parts are the eyes and teeth! YAY! Also, Phylis is a precious little cinnamon roll.

Phylis, Willa, and Echo (c) Me