Re: Omaha Zoo

Darren and all,

I'm familiar with the Omaha Zoo Railroad, and yes 395-104 does still run. In fact, she has recently been re-tubed and had her firebox refractory material renewed.

Darren, can you tell me when you took these photos?

The Zoo obtained 395-104 in either 1973 or '74 as a result of the Union Pacific's close relationship with the German firm of Plasser & Theurer.

Union Pacific had built the railway for the Zoo in 1968 as they prepared for the 100th anniversary of the Golden Spike ceremony. The equipment for the railroad was ordered from Crown Metal Products Co. of Wyano, PA and included a 4-4-0 numbered 119 and styled to resemble the original UP engine of that number which took part in the Promontory event in 1869. So Union Pacific was then and has long been proud of the railroad they built for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. There can be little question that UP management wanted to show the P&T people their little offspring during one or more vists to Omaha by P&T's staff.

I can't speak to specifics, but suffice for purposes of this thread to summarize that during meetings with the management of Plasser & Theurer it was realized Riva's 760mm gauge approximated the 30" gauge at the Zoo. As I understand things, it transpired that almost literally zoo Director Lee Simmons received a phone call one day from a caller identifying himself as from the docks near Houston, TX advising he had this engine in front of him and what did the Zoo want done with it?

Upon arrival in Omaha 395-104 was sent to UP's Omaha Shops where she was converted to burn oil (diesel fuel), fitted with air brakes and Amercian style safety valves along with other modifications.

Older photos will display air reservoirs atop "the Austrian's" (as we call her) side tanks. A few years ago these were re-located out of sight by placing two in the cab and two beneath the cab. Another re-location is planned but it will be some time before it can be completed.

395-104 makes a lot of noise and impresses those in the cab. She has much more power than the Crown 4-4-0. The Crown has successfully pulled five Crown coaches loaded with people up the Zoo's 4-6% grades, but she gets along much better with four. By comparison, the Austrian plays with seven cars.

Riva is a Kraus Class U 0-6-2t. I urge anybody having a few hours available in Omaha to visit the Zoo and see the railroad. Make yourself known to the train crew and have a look in the enginehouse. Even the track's of interest, most of it having come from UP's Encampment Branch, the former Saratoga & Encampent Valley. In addition, UP 4023 & 6900 rest nearby across I-80 at Kennefick Park, a part of the Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center.

John Bush
Omaha



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2010 02:30PM by Omahas9000.