Michael...Hang onto that VHS "819 Arkansas Steam", since the original tapes are "out of service" awaiting rebuilding(cleaning before they can be captured to computer).
Just a few additional comments. UP has allowed SP 4449 to operate over its tracks to gain access to Portland Union Station each time in the past.
I was lucky enough to chase and ride the cab or 4449 down the coast line in 1989 when they were en route to the LA Union Passenger Terminal extravaganza. That was the last time the engine was in LA area.
In 1990 819 along with Frisco 1522, UP 844, and N&W 1218 were all in St. Louis. We chased all of them during that time, having to blow off 1218 on the second day to drive to Pine Bluff and catch 819. 819 ran like the wind to St. Louis and Back and that was about the best stuff one could get of that engine.
At the end of the Convention 1522 doubleheaded with 844 to the museum in Kirkwood. The UP steam crew had a good relationship with the boys that operated the 1522. However, the 844 was the lead engine on this move. It was pretty neat, especially with the out of sync exhaust sound due to the different sized drivers. So as well as insurance issues, I feel it also has to do with feeling comfortable with the operators to some degree.
I also remember talk of having 611 and 844 do some sort of race on the UP(maybe for Railfair 91), but they would not allow that or some such thing.
With all the good news about mainline steam this year alone, there is room to be optimistic for the future, even for 819 perhaps. As we speak a N&W class J 611 is in Spencer for rebuilding to start in a week or so,
a C&O 2-6-6-2 is going to restored for the Western Maryland scenic, and of course there is that "little Boy" in Cheyenne that has been over-covered to death so far. Then add a swap of the Y6a 2156 from St. Louis going to Roanoke for display. Three articulateds in one year. Nobody could have predicted this!
After chasing last weekend (Southern 630), I am ready for some NG action though!!
Greg Scholl
PS remember our vets Today!!!
