Steam Locomotive Fans

UP 844 steams across Wyoming numbered as 8444. Photo courtesy of Lupo Mulder

The 4-8-4 Northern type locomotive was the logical expansion of the 4-8-2 Mountain. The first 4-8-4s were delivered to Northern Pacific in 1927, and the name Northern was born. But, this name created much controversy. While NP called it's 4-8-4s Northerns, New York Central called theirs Niagras, DL&W called thiers Poconos, Chesepeake & Ohio called theirs Greenbriers, NC&StL called theirs Dixies. The best 4-8-4s were built for the Union Pacific (FEFs), Santa Fe (3700s), New York Central (Niagras), Southern Pacific (GSs), and Norfolk & Western (Js).

Union Pacific #844 is a 4-8-4 Northern type locomotive, though the UP calls it's 4-8-4's FEF's. 44 FEF class locomotives were delivered to UP between 1941 and 1944, numbers 800-844, classes FEF-1, FEF-2, and FEF-3. FEF-1s (road numbers 800 to 819) had 73" drivers and tenders that road on 3 axle trucks. These locomotives were smaller than their bigger brothers, so they are commonly refered to as "Little 800s". The FEF-2s (road numbers 820 to 834) had 80" drivers and had a 14 wheeled Centipiede tender. They also had a higher boiler pressure than the FEF-1s, a full width pilot shield, and a combined sand and steam dome. The FEF-3s  (road numbers 835 to 844) were virtually identicle to the FEF-2s, except FEF-3s had double stacks and a bigger GSC pilot with a swing out coupler, rather than the drop style coupler on the FEF-1s and 2s. Many of the FEFs later recieved full width pump shields and double stacks (for THE FEF-1s and 2s). All were later given smoke wings (or "elephant ears") and MARS lights.   

844 on the UP Heritage Express in the summer of 2006. Courtesy of Zach Pumphrey.

#844 was built in 1944 by ALCO for the UP and is a class FEF-3. It has never been retired from the UP roster. It is the only steam locomotive locomotive in the US to have been serving for over 50 years on it's home road. It was also the last new steam locomotive built for UP. 844 was origonally going to be scrapped, but in the winter of 1959 it was used to thaw switches (a very big reason on why it was saved). Then in the early 60s, UP began operating 844 in excursion service. It has been operating all over the UP system ever since.

844 was numbered 8444 for much of it's excursion career, because an EMD GP30 already had the # 844 when UP began operating 844 in excursion service. But 844 outlived it's deisel equivelant, and in the late 80s it was given it's old number back.

Sometime around 1985 or 86, 844 (then number 8444) was painted in a two tone gray color scheme (also known by UP buffs as the "Gray Hound" scheme). Then in 1989-90, 844 was painted back into it's origonal "black tie" scheme. I personally like this scheme better, but that's just my opinion.

844 has been entertaining railfans accross America for 40 years. It is currently being re-shopped at the UP Steam shops for an extensive overhaul. It will then operate for many more glorious years to come.

As of early 2005, UP shopmen have completed 844's overhaul and is again in service. It was her first major overhaul since 1957, and she's currently in the best condition of her life. Among the upgrades were several hundred new staybolts, new boiler flues and a rebuild of the firebox. She's set to operate until her Centennial in 2044.

844 Specs:

Length: 114 ft Engine and Tender

Fuel: 6,000 #5 oil

Water: 23,500 gallons

Boiler Pressure: 300 psi

Weight (loco & tender): 454 tons

Tractive Effort: 63,800 pounds

Modeling Tips:

An HO FEF-3 was produced by Rivarossi a while ago. These models tend to be very troublesome and have tracking problems. Rivarossi recently did a new run of the FEF-3 in HO. I own one and find it's an excellent locomotive. Various Brass manufactuers also produce(d) FEF-3s.