Re Driving the Golden Spike 150 years later

On May 10, 2019, at 3:30 in the afternoon, Union Pacific locomotive 119 steamed into position for the reenactment of the Great Event, the driving of the Golden Spike, completing America's first Transcontinental Railroad.
The event was timed to reenact the entire event minute by minute as it happened exactly 150 years before. Every word spoken, every action, every movement of the two locomotives. And reenacted at the exact location at Promontory Summit in Northern Utah. On the exact location of the final tie and spike.
The reenactment used 4 exact replica spikes, however, the three surviving spikes were brought together and displayed at the State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City. The most famous of these spikes, the "Golden Spike" is inscribed on the top "The Last Spike". Of the other three one other was made of gold, one of silver, and one of iron, silver, and gold.
Simultaneously other events were happening all around the area in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Evanston Wyoming, The events in Ogden included a reenactment using the Union Pacific locomotives 844 and 4014, the Big Boy that had been restored just for this event.
spike150.org/
www.nps.gov/gosp/index.htm
www.nps.gov/gosp/learn/histor...

[@MikeP2055]

My dad and I went up there in 1994 for the 125th anniversary ceremony. I was already an angst-filled, cranky teen at the time, then I got stung by a bee so I wasn't quite as enthusiastic as my pops. While I was whining about the sting he told me about a big, tough guy he knew in the Army who got bit on his, ahem, scrotum by a fire ant and rolled around crying like a baby. His story cracked me up and I was much more cheerful by the time the reenactment started. I'm so glad I have that memory of such a cool anniversary, even though I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, haha.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Ouch!

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

What a fun reflection of the most awaited event of 2019! The restoration and debut of the newly restored Big Boy, the 150 Golden Spike Ceremony, the Evanston Roundhouse restoration, and the NMRA Convention right here in Salt Lake City! Quite a summer!!

[@Mike-tg7dj]

#Done Nicely done! I am still amazed even though this is late August and knowing these events were taking place around the 10th of May. I find it fascinating that the trees were just budding out as y'all were filming it. I was equally struck when y'all chased the Big Boy down from Evanston Wyoming and that it peppered snow during a part of the trip. I am glad to see Evanston seriously restoring their roundhouse. In our city, we had three roundhouses. One serviced the Tennessee Central the other the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis. the last one and sole survivor the one for the then Louisville and Nashville Railroad and now CSX at Radnor Yards. The N,C,& StL fell early as the L&N purchased it and had no use for two roundhouses as they shuttered that rail yard and moved most operations to Radnor Yards the site was sold off as warehouse space only to later be completely redeveloped and is home to Hospital Corporation of American and a Microsoft Office. The Tennessee Central lasted until the 70s because I can remember seeing it during that time period because I have always been a fan of all things railroad even until now. the one at Radnor Yards is still standing and is on private property so I will not be walking around looking at the property any time soon. It's one of those buildings best viewed from a distance or satellite. Awesome video Sir as always a job well done. One more thing I thought they able to recreate the colors by analyzing the chromatographic black and white original photographs? Isn't that what you said in one of your earlier videos?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Mike 1958 hi. Yes. Sort of. The film back then saw mostly ultraviolet and some blue. No green or red. So you can’t really tell much about the color but you can tell a lot about the shade of the color. In this case knowing the Jupiter was blue, it’s easy to figure the shade of blue. Or green or red. You will not know if you have it right, but you can say that something is wrong. In this case if the 60 is Scott blue, this shade is to light. Doesn’t match the black and white. It needs to be a bit darker. But if it turned out the locomotive was actually green, well there would be no way to know that. But it’s known at this point the Jupiter was blue. And a specific color of blue. So we know how to match the shade exactly. The red on 119 does match the black and white. But it’s really just a pure red. So that’s simple. The huge miss is the green on 119. Much to dark. Should be a deep leaf green. And in 2 weeks we show the demolition of the Rio grande roundhouse in Salt Lake City. Really sucks that they would still tear down a roundhouse in 2019. But that’s just what they are doing.

[@TheAreotrain]

I am beyond glad that I was out there for the events. It was an amazing experience and by some miracle was able to get to the front of the crowd for the main event at Promontory on May 10th.

[@ToyManTelevision]

TheAreotrain it was something! Did you see the release of the stamps by the post office?

[@TheAreotrain]

@@ToyManTelevision Yeah, picked up the proof set there. Then proceeded to buy five sheets worth when I got back home.

[@johnnyjames7139]

I shall never forget the Union Pacific "Dome Dinner", one of the best experiences of my life.

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

That was really enjoyable seeing the reenactment of our own history that most people don't know about I think that's a win. Thank you for bringing us along

[@ToyManTelevision]

Kriss Bennett we want to show some of the cool swag we bagged. Soon!!

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

@@ToyManTelevision oh that's cool too!

[@VW7472]

It is so COOL that some of history is still remembered in this way. Thanks for sharing the moments with us. #DONE

[@ToyManTelevision]

And good fun. Who says museums are boring?!

[@Paulthediecastguy]

This was awesome. Love history. Thanks for sharing all this.

[@pbyfr]

#Done I wondered if this show would one time pop up. Thanks for sharing

[@georgebottarini1788]

Thank very much. This was very enjoyable, not being able to attend it was a true treasure to see this. Thanks again.

[@vincentcalvelli6452]

Dale all your videos are worth watching.

[@JoeltheSwedishDragon]

Like always, such beautiful steam locos you mates across the pond have, and seeing them in person still remains on the bucket list. ✌️🎩✨#Done 🚂 Cheers from Sweden!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Joel the Swedish Dragon our president wants to buy the Tivoly garden. We just want to visit it. So don’t sell it just yet.

[@RENunez-sd6ov]

Well it won't be DONE until I see it here back in Pomona Ca. Then I can yell out DONE!!

[@jerredwayne8401]

@eclemensen are you saying your upset the big boy got restored?

[@ToyManTelevision]

R.E. Nunez it will be back soon. For a big event!!! Just back from scouting locations. This will be the most amazing way to close out 2019. Stay tuned!!!

[@ivanthevaluable2559]

#done Rewatching in 2024!

[@robertemmons2260]

Loved the video! This was well worth the wait to watch. Thank you for bringing us this great event!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Robert Emmons hi! We want to do a Tuesday show on some of the souvenirs. Way cool!!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Great video, what a awesome time you two had.👍👍😃

[@ToyManTelevision]

Charles McClure thanks!! We need to show everyone the coolest swag we bagged!

[@prnagaishi007]

Wonderful. It's a lot of excitement to see these locomotives.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Paulo Rogério Nagaishi they are so amazing

[@prnagaishi007]

@@ToyManTelevision Yes I just love these locomotives, they are my favorites, so much so that I have on the N and HO scales. Congratulations on the video. Best Regards from Brazil.

[@richardarculus4279]

Very well done, and many thanks for the pre-event videos which gave advice on vantage points in the canyons leading to Ogden.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Richard Arculus now on to California! We scouted the route only to find it’s not going that way this year. Oops.will be in California I think. Just not where we scouted.

[@ATSFVentaSpurNscaler]

#Done! Great coverage, Dale & Karyn, of these momentous events surrounding the 150th anniversary celebration.

[@ToyManTelevision]

ATSF Venta Spur Nscaler hi!!!! Been editing like crazy so we can head to the narrow gauge convention. 3 shows on the Evanston show and roundhouse and destruction of the D and RG roundhouse in Salt Lake City. And a collection of UP locomotives.

[@TrainLordJC]

Well #DONE! Again as always. You both sure got around filming all that. And you found some excellent locations despite the crowds. A wealth of knowledge and always entertaining. Cheers from the Train Lord in South Australia again!

[@Brianrockrailfan]

be berry nice if more track was laid near the Golden Spike site and they built some train cars so people could ride a train there

[@ToyManTelevision]

Castle Rock RAIL FAN hi. I have a lovely book called .... I don’t recall. Anyway it’s a feasibility study on relaying the track all the way to Corrine. And building2 more locomotives and about 12 cars. And moving the parking lot off site. And tearing down the visitor center and building a larger museum that looks like the hell on wheels camp. So yes it’s a thought! And so far several hundred thousand has been spent trying to figure out if it would work. Longest of long shots. But it’s at least not been dismissed as wacko and perhaps when pigs fly it will happen and that would be amazing. For now it’s a book. A department of the interior study.

[@microbusss]

@@ToyManTelevision well the track was torn out in 1942 & used elsewhere

[@camshawn8883]

Very well #done! Cam and Shawn

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi!! Thanks again.

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

I love going to that place! My son ,who lives in Logan Utah ,I as always going up to see him ,and last Nov. 2018 ,we got there as they were closing ,and I said I had driven 2 days to get THERE and show my son Promontory, it was about 4 p.m. nobody was there ,so I was I able to get them to show my son and I the trains and a private tour of the whole place, plus one of the docents took us one the off-road tour that is really interesting! So I got home and set up a little Promontory of my own on my N scale set. So there you go#done!

[@aoac1]

Great job Toyman! Done!

[@greguzar8233]

Thank you for the recap of those events. We followed along on your homage from the events of the Golden Spike to chasing "Big Boy". Those moments were great but more focused coverage is always welcome. Carry on with your "Most Excellent Pursuit of screwing around." Greg and Jeanne

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi!! We saw the new doggies. Hope you are doing well. Miss our doggies.

[@tomklock568]

Thanks again!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi! What an event! And a big boy. Geeeeze.

[@BigPete7407]

#done Great job as always, thanks a lot.

[@williamdkeet9604]

Great video Dale and Karyn, well #DONE.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!!!! What a summer.

[@mrplane4205]

So cool! I hope to go to Promontory Summit someday to see these historical locomotives

[@nathancorcoran5347]

You did a good job at the Golden Spike event. And with the others too. Including the UP Big Boy.

[@utahcoasterenthusiasts]

#Done. It was nice to run into you at Promontory. I saw my Daughter and my Inlaws in this video.

[@gleanerk]

# done 👍🏻 thanks for sharing!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Scott’s Small Farming and Things . Thanks for watching!

[@wcarlhepker4806]

As instructed, #DONE !! Per your instructions. Thanks for showing this to us!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

#Thanks

[@robnnorthaustin]

#done :) Your videos have beautiful and appropriate music along with 100% accurate narration. I am always sad when the video ends. Beautiful work!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!! We aim for better half correct. Miss some stuff. Oops.

[@N-Scale]

Good to see #26 Turbine as I have the N Scale Collectors version for sale on EBAY. Mike

[@ToyManTelevision]

I love turbines!!! Have you seen the show on Ralph’s collection of brass including about 10 scratch built 8500 hp and 2 steam turbine locomotives.

[@coreysteen6525]

Great job 👏👍. Done

[@ToyManTelevision]

Corey Steen thanks!!

[@ddrums31]

#DONE .Wish I could’ve made it out to see it in person.

[@dirk4926]

#Done Such a neat event, thanks for showing us the fun.

[@sgtwylde1996]

#done, I was having such a great time with this event, wonderful to be a part of history and witnessing the big boy alive and breathing

[@ToyManTelevision]

sgtwylde1996 4014 is off the the west coast at some point! We will follow it when it does!

[@sgtwylde1996]

@@ToyManTelevision oh I'm excited for that as well, taking friends and my grandpa to see it

[@NickDiBella716]

A great video as always! Very cool that they are recreating this historic event! #done! (Maybe Lincoln is using KZbin to watch your videos) haha.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Nicolas Ridiculous 716 he was. Posted his new email address Lincoln@ Gettysburg.gov.

[@rrelectric5159]

Liked your presentation of promontory and the event at Ogden. Got to go to both of them as well as meet you folks on the Big Boy return trip. Hope to see you again sometime maybe if you come to the Calif North Coast. Rod R.

[@ToyManTelevision]

R&R Electric heading there now! Sort of. Sacramento and area. Narrow gauge convention!

[@microbusss]

hey I FINALLY got to see the Big Boy in Sidney,NE on is way home from touring the MidWest my aunt was there & I MISSED seeing her! grrrr Irony is that UP now owns BOTH railroads! the Golden Spike area is reported to be haunted too!

[@ToyManTelevision]

microbusss good ghosts! Ghost trains!!

[@royrice8597]

The Original Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band photo/album cover!!! 👍👍👍

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

#done wow what a great adventure thanks again for sharing

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi! Train show next week

[@jimtedesco]

#DONE! And a great video as always.

[@ToyManTelevision]

james tedesco thanks!!!

[@bobross4449]

I was there to with my mom and dad it was a great to be able go there form ga

[@johnburger1681]

My wife and I rode the train to Evanston. We were in the first dome car, Columbine. We were down stairs in the cheap seats. You said tickets were $1500. Actually seats in the domes were $5000 each. The seats we were in down stairs were $3000 each. Expensive but it was a once in a lifetime trip. The UP did a first class job. The tickets included a presentation by Ed Dickens at the Union Station and a private tour of the entire train the day before the trip. We were given a picture taken by the UP standing on the observation platform of the business car at the end of the consist. We were also allowed in the cab of 4014. On the day of the trip we had reserved parking at the Union Station and breakfast in the Union Station. Each seat on the train had a copy of the book "Race to Promontory: Picturing the First Transcontinental Railroad" and a nice bag full of souvenirs and snacks. At Evanston we were provided a lunch at the round house and a chartered bus ride back to Ogden. In contrast the southern California tickets from Colton to Barsto or Barsto to Colton in October are $700 for the seats we had and $1100 for dome seats. You get a limited breakfast, souvenir T shirt and pin, and a box lunch at your seat and charter bus back.

[@johnburger1681]

Half of each ticket price is a charitable donation to the Utah Department of Heritage & Arts so we got a $3000 tax deduction for 2019

[@ToyManTelevision]

John Burger wow!!!!!!! Did you notice the floor in the locomotive cab? Love what they did there. Similar to what they did with the freedom train. We need to check schedules! They are selling Barstow? Wow.

[@johnburger1681]

@@ToyManTelevision Yes I have a picture of the floor. My wife also took a picture of me from the ground sitting in Ed's seat. The Barsto trip is sponsored by 4014 Journeys, and The Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, Southern California Chapter www.4014journeys.org Tickets are available here. www.4014traintix.com Saturday, October 12, 2019 - West Colton to Barstow Sunday, October 13, 2019 - Barstow to West Colton

[@nateshon3eastbroadtoprailr448]

Love the Sergent Pepper's throwback thumbnail!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Glad you noticed!!!! Not sure how many did! Did you find the lads amongst the crowd?

[@nateshon3eastbroadtoprailr448]

@@ToyManTelevision actually, I did not. I didn't look that close. I LOVE the Beatles!

[@james2stanley]

#DONE Thanks so much for sharing love your videos

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you!!

[@SFCRambo60]

#Done. I enjoy your post.

[@JerkRice]

I wonder if they knew 150 years ago that people would turn out in such large numbers today to watch a re-inactment. #DONE

[@baileyyard5116]

I was at the 1969 reenactment and being 10 years old, did not, at the time, truely understand what was going on. My Grandfather took me there and did try to explain it. I figured out the historical meanings a couple of years later. I remember that the President of the US was supposed to be there, but wasn't. I think the VP showed up instead. I do remember what I believe was the then current Marine 1 landing and the expected hubbub with people turning to see what was going on. Anyway, that was a distant childhood memory whose events were gone. Then I find out in 2020, there was a 150 year reenactment and has had repeated reenactments through out the last 50 years. Damn, I would have loved to have gone to the 2019 ceremony. Oh well. I plan on seeing it again sometime in the next couple of years thou.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Always good. But try to come on a May 10.

[@FutureRailProductions]

Been waiting on this episode! Also I thought the actual driving of the golden spike happened at 12:47 May 10th 1869? #DONE

[@ToyManTelevision]

2:47 pm. Unless there is a time zone issue.

[@Kevin_40]

cool video, cant beat that photo at 11:03

[@ToyManTelevision]

Brass Trains And Video Games Galore cool right? Few got to see that as the media platform was right in front of the stage. So this shot from the media platform works but most people only saw the media platform.

[@greggilbert7397]

#done.... lol Great video as always

[@astromotive6047]

Between Santa Fe 2926 nearing completion any day now, A Union Pacific Big Boy once again roaming the rails, and Norfolk and Western 611 visiting the Strasburg Railroad as we speak; 2019 has been quite the year for steam locomotive preservation in America. #DONE

[@ToyManTelevision]

Rail Racer yup. And some narrow gauge. Rgs 20 will be back soon. And the T12 at CATS. Really soon. And the new RGS loco at Ridgeway!!

[@bryantichota1207]

Have you done a show on the "Centennial" diesel locomotive? I know that the Portola Railroad Museum has one also.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Bryan Tichota we have shown a few. But not a show. Pretty good coverage on the visit to the Cheyenne roundhouse show. That one runs and they fire it up once a year or more.

[@Brianrockrailfan]

Awesome video toy man :)

[@ToyManTelevision]

Castle Rock RAIL FAN thanks🚀

[@bob_._.]

Have you been to Train Mountain in Chiloquin, OR? (I searched your videos and didn't find anything) It looks like some major screwing around. Between the layout and the museum I bet it would make for a couple great videos. #Done

[@ToyManTelevision]

bobobobinalong no the must see soon list. And several other railroads in that area.

[@taofledermaus]

Do you know how they turned the engines around 180 deg. so they'd face each other?

[@ToyManTelevision]

TAOFLEDERMAUS they have a y track at the engine shop. Go to google maps and take a look. And at the grades! Really fun!

[@Mike-tg7dj]

#Done I always pay attention to your videos! You have a way of captivating your audience. That's why you have 36K subscriber and probably growing. Your subject material is safe, isn't political, not controversial, Where else can you hear music from how the west was won to a looney tunes cartoon to the Battle Hymn of the Republic all woven to enhance the experience. Thanks, I'll pass you on.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Mike 1958 thanks!!!!! Been chasing comments. So many!! Wow!! Really thanks for watching and sharing and the kind words!!! 🚀

[@fazthatcoyote]

Wish I could have been there #done

[@ToyManTelevision]

FazbearLegun53/ TrainManButton you almost were. 🚀

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

Morning toyman my uncle in Oregon drove his golden spike to

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

He owns Oregon Pacific railroad

[@cowboyvalley]

Done!

[@tadheath5856]

#DONE... now I have a question...if the big boy is suck a "BIG BOY"....then why does it have another steam loco and a diesel behind it? It is just in case for a failure? Or help? .....so confused....I feel a headache coming on....lol thank you!!! I loved your video!!!!!!!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

The diesel is mostly for braking. UP rules require all locomotives to use “dynamic” brakes. Electric brakes where power from the traction motors is fed into huge resistors. Really saves wear on the equipment as there are no parts that wear. In some cases the diesel also provides electricity for the passenger cars. They also have a power generator car but in many cases the diesel provides “hotel power”. Old cars were heated with steam and no AC. And a small generator could power the lights. Not any more! I’m not sure when or if they use the diesel for extra power. But I assume they would. Why not? The steam locomotives all have controls added in the cab to operate the diesel from the engineer’s seat. Also electronic systems for communication and cab signals. 844 was along because they needed 2 locomotives in Ogden for the two locomotives head to head ceremonies.

[@mikelovestoride2367]

I missed this, When will they do his again in Promotory, Utah?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. Every May 10. And to some extent ever day in the summer. But big event every May 10. The locomotives are brought out every day. In the summer. Check with their website

[@mikelovestoride2367]

@@ToyManTelevision Thanks!

[@pasteam4601]

#done got to start paying attention school starts tomorrow

[@ToyManTelevision]

As a kid I hated that. Hum... I think I still would if I were still teaching...

[@trmn311]

#DONE! 👍

[@Madisonvillehartfordandeastern]

I have the real golden spike and it looks real beautiful

[@steamfanatic4464]

Ah yes another Sunday with trains

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi! Ah yes! As a kid I grew up in the LDS church and we spent most of the day in church. And boy did I look forward to getting home, taking off the darn tie and screwing around with my trains!!! So when I turned 18 I just spent Sunday screwing with trains. And when I started the channel....

[@BarlowJacob]

#done

[@michelj.gaudet5048]

#DONE! WEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeee; all done.

[@damienway8430]

#DONE FROM NEW ZEALAND

[@keithandrews7696]

Well #Done, but I prefer medium rare

[@johnnyjames7139]

A Southern Pacific engine should have been present in Ogden, Collis P. Huntington is rolling in his grave.

[@royreynolds108]

The Southern Pacific is the successor of the Central Pacific.

[@themusicman1556]

#done!

[@ToyManTelevision]

It was amazing

[@themusicman1556]

@@ToyManTelevision wow I'll bet it was, I'm a HUGE train fan and a big fan of you guys, keep doing what you do and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

[@Madisonvillehartfordandeastern]

My golden spike replica is made of real 14k white gold and special made for me

[@bobross4449]

i was there

[@ToyManTelevision]

#done.

[@krevask_money]

#DONE

[@burlingtonwilliams3820]

done

[@burlingtonwilliams3820]

ok #done :)

[@garyjohnson4608]

# Done ....😀

[@ToyManTelevision]

#more coming.!!

[@williamreimund9001]

#DONE 📢📢

[@30frost]

# Done 🚂

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hello 👋

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

#done Lincoln looks like a Twitter user to me

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. It’s the hat that gives it away.

[@HugoTeerds]

#DONE!

[@alwaysbearded1]

Hashtag DONE!

[@davidc3312]

/Done

[@reddog-ex4dx]

What would have been really cool was a fully restored SP AC-10 cab forward on the other side of 4014. But . . . alas. No AC-10's are around anymore. (that I know of. #DONE

[@ToyManTelevision]

Only one cab forward left. Sacramento. Heading there in a week!

[@reddog-ex4dx]

@@ToyManTelevision I'm going to go there one of these days! The cab forward was one of my favorite engines.

[@pinchy08]

#DONE.

[@dntower85]

.lb Done

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

Did you see the proposal on the Golden Spike Day? By the engines man was on knee to woman PRETTY sure the answer was yes Wanted to go to the Antique show but my uncle who was with me could only go so far YEP Ogden IS a sorted liitte burb

[@ToyManTelevision]

Missed that!

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

@@ToyManTelevision The Antique show or the proposal I MAY have the Proposal on my vid but it needsALOT of editing due to the amount of people there Did you see the Airforce Flyover?

[@mycrazygrandpa]

:-D #DONE

[@ToyManTelevision]

mycrazygrandpa Thanks. Stay crazy!!

[@gmmeier321]

Lincoln tweets #DONE (Nicer than some of the things that Trump has tweeted!)

[@ToyManTelevision]

wolfman I’m sure the potus doesn’t like Lincoln much. “I like presidents who didn’t get shot”.

[@JoeltheSwedishDragon]

Like always, such beautiful steam locos you mates across the pond have, and seeing them in person still remains on the bucket list. ✌️🎩✨#Done 🚂 Cheers from Sweden!

[@ToyManTelevision]

The locomotives of the 1860 - 1880 time period in America were pure art. And then one day they were all just black. No brass or gold leaf or murals. No pin strips. Black. Perhaps a splash of silver. And all these beautiful locomotives were painted black too. But for a few decades they were works of art.

[@rossscafidel7092]

#done

[@jerrysimonoff2021]

#Done!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!

[@BrickTrains]

#DONE

[@jonathandball]

#done

[@fiskebod]

#done

[@bigwoz78]

#done