Re: NNG - #844 Cajon Pass & Victorville Ex-Sperry-Ments

GeorgeGaskill Wrote:
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> I was up there in the cold also but had to leave
> before the 844 got there since it apparently left
> Colton an hour late.

I'm not sure whether #844 left Colton late, or whether it just took a long time to get through the yards and onto the northbound main line in San Berdoo.

> Were they working the engine going upgrade
> or was the diesel doing most of the work?


Hi, George -

At roughly 5,500 Hp, #844 could have hauled the whole train - including the diseasel - without even breathing hard, so it's kind of hard to tell. Her exhaust wasn't particularly loud, so I presume they were working #844 only hard enough for lubrication and to put some steam into the air, as there's no point in beating up on an antique.  In the early sixties I rode behind her at 90 mph - exactly 40 seconds to the mile - from Rawlins to Green River, 12 or 14 cars and no diseasel.  I'm just grateful she's still running around for us to enjoy, and the easier she works today the more likely she'll still be here tomorrow.

- Russ



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/21/2011 11:14PM by Russo Loco.