UP844 in Depth.

Everything you ever wanted to know about running a steam engine in 2016.
Many thanks to Ed Dickens and Lindsey Douglas for spending so much time with me today.

[@joshjones3408]

An one other thang ed makes dam sure that credit is given where credit is do....he makes it a pont to motion every body ....an that says a world worth of good words about ed hell of a man .. great video 👍👍👍

[@frankd.5424]

I can't say enough to express my appreciation of Ed Dicken's knowledge and his presentation.

[@earllutz2663]

This man is an absolute treasure/walking encyclopedia.. A splendid video.

[@SteveHolsten]

He sure is.

[@2manycatsforadime]

Great person for Union Pacific company PR.

[@Ritalie]

Yes this is the best video I've found so far about the 944. He is so smart and seems so kind.

[@alyoungjr2159]

Thanks big guy l luv the videos and talk u explain so well I hav learned so much and appreciate u so much bless u sir and take care

[@Odin029]

I wonder if Union Pacific already knew that Ed Dickens was such a great spokesman when they put him over the steam program or was that just a bonus

[@daleeasternbrat816]

This machine is as impressive as a Saturn V or a Lockheed Super Constellation. These machines represent the best technology of their time. No machine made by man exceeds the wow factor of a steam locomotive.

[@stephensmith799]

You said it for me!😊

[@stephensmith799]

Ed is trully 'one in a few': top class mechanical engineer, comfortable with other people, an extraordinarily good communicator who can speak in prose so that what he says would read well written down and at home with himself. He speaks with interest to folks who know a lot about steam power AND at the same time in a way that interests and imforms those who know nothing. He exercises authority (legitimate power) with consumate skill and lack of self consciousness. Yet even in posession of all these virtues, the man has humility. I wish he was my boss.

[@Jerry-hp5sf]

Absolutely fascinating video. Ed is a wealth of knowledge as is the entire team. U.P. should be commended for their Heritage program. America is already great but these trains make it just a bit better.

[@philipwilson867]

On the edge. I’ve got a three emerald pin too. Total 44 years. In the past I’ve met both 844 and the challenger . I’ve been on them in the terminal.. I’ve pulled everything but steam Now after 1.5 million miles it’s all over. I enjoy watching every episode you all put out. Seeing the stuff that the old heads told me about. In a way makes me appreciate diesel.. you know what I mean. . Keep up the good work. P G Wilson Union Pacific engineer retired.

[@JohnR.1968]

Ed is the MAN.What a nice guy,knows his stuff.Would love to talk to him about steam locomotives 🚂🚂🚂

[@carlgomm9699]

I really like this show, the knowledge that is present here is impressive,I just turned 63 and have never rode a train, would be nice to ride on one of these beauties

[@keniterikaskelton6232]

i wish i could voulenteer and work with the union pacific heritage fleet workshops and work with the steam trains

[@bowlagrits]

I hope y’all do this type of vid for 4014

[@rhettrobinson1361]

844: and the only steam engine that has never been retired

[@Eduardomd54]

Great work ! My admiration for Union Pacific and all of you working to restore and preserve in operation condition this beautiful engine. Greetings from Mexico

[@H.pylori]

My appreciation for and knowledge of how the steam engine works have been advanced 1000%...Thank you! Thumbs up x 10.

[@jancutler8211]

WOW! The super employees of the great UP get accolades for this video. Thanks.

[@joshjones3408]

I hate to say this but ed would have been a hell of a news anchor i mean its screaming ron burgundy......i mean hell he's just seating in a normal chair in front of a big train but yet im setting on the edge of the seat barely breathing just watching.....he like Morgan Freeman he could talk you through your on organ transplant... great video 👍👍👍

[@denizen9998]

Saw the Big Boy, saw the Challenger, now I need to see the 844 before I die.

[@kennethwise7108]

I would think that a roller style bearings in lieu of a bushings would be better suited for those large connecting rods. Seems like that would be the way to go! I wish I was the lead foreman for that overhaul I'd try to incorporate as many friction reducers as possible. Linear bearings for sliding surfaces are another great example of removing excess friction. Nothing is impossible, Timkin bearing Company can even custom make ANY size bearing for ANY application. (Ex-Nuclear Submarine Marine machinery mechanic)

[@pneumatic00]

Fantastic video, awesome detail. When you look at the torn-down 844 and the 4014, it is really hard to imagine the number of man-hours it must take to get one of these beasts going. Most mechanically-inclined people can look at an old rusted as hell car engine, "first start in 23 years" and think "well, the outside doesn't have that much to do with the inside; it either turns over or it doesn't and then you can imagine the yank-out, disassembly, rebuild process...and maybe if you worked on steam locos it would be about the same thing.

[@TVTwentyFive]

Ed Dickens is TREASURE!

[@PowerTrain611]

as true as that can be, in some aspects of a steam locomotive the outside matters just as much as the inside! Remember, the internal combustion engine has all the working components inside, but the steam locomotive has SO many moving parts outside of the boiler. You can tell the condition of the rods by looking at them and giving them a hit with a special hammer, to tell if they're cracked. A good solid thud with little resonance isn't good! Not to mention the wheels get worn and flat spots mean a rough ride... just ask the crew off 844 when they were in Texas a few years ago! Luckily, they have tires made of metal that replacing isn't too difficult in the right environment with the right tools, but its HOT!!! Some good videos of that right here on the good old yt. Highly recommend checking out some of the aspects of maintaining these beasts in depth, its very cool!

[@williamhelus3522]

Thank You so Very much for all these wonderful years. We lived in Evans Colorado with my Great Aunt: Katie Moore. When we heard ×8444(844) whistle up north headed our way, we would drop everything, and holler" Trrraaiiiiin!. Everyone within hearing range knew what that shouting meant. Then, running the 30-35 meters to stand and frantically wave when the Living Legend steamed by. Each and every time is a wonderful experience. Thank You Union Pacific Railroad and Steam Crew for all these wonderful experiences. BullyBilly.

[@2quintly]

Perfection! Making America great again. Simply the BEST.

[@adavazquez3378]

Mr Ed is a very handsome man, i like big boy and mr Ed

[@andrewcutts7416]

A fantastic insight into maintaining this locomotive. Thanks to all of the crew for their tireless work.

[@lynxplz3757]

3:45 the engineer was trying to be cool :(

[@johnspradling7906]

This is a fantastic video. You can't do this without a complete passion for this history

[@billorights1469]

Thanks Ed for letting me in to see the 4014 before it made it's departure at the fair grounds in California. When I was a little squid I played around on the locomotive. I am glad to see that one day it will see the rails again!

[@jovetj]

That day has arrived!!!

[@mr.thickey1820]

"Ach du lieber, mein schatz"! For my 80 year old eyes & ears (& brain!!), this was the most wonderful video on a steam locomotive I have ever enjoyed! Try to imagine the engineering/designing that went into this loco, AND it was done "way back when"! A fantastic TEAM EFFORT! Ed Dickens himself is surely one "masterpiece" of "Godly engineering"!! I'd be so proud to call him MY GRANDSON!!! He must be at least 6'2" & as strong as a bull, at least a cow! Is he related to "Little Jimmy Dickens" of old country music fame? Did his mom have to "spank the Dickens out of him" when he was young?? Sorry, but I just had to get that "off my chest"! Thank you Ed for that most wonderful "rundown" on UP844. It's not a locomotive unless it has STEAM!!!!! "GESUNDHEIT"!

[@3578craig]

Check out the Heritage Fleet at North Platte Nebraska Bailey Yard

[@jovetj]

Awesome place! Love the tower!

[@Crosshead1]

Great video. I could honestly sit and listen to Ed talk all day. I feel privileged that I got to see 844 up close in the UP Steamshop in Cheyenne, WY in May 2018. It really is a magnificent machine and a tribute to UP and the heritage team.

[@Romans--bo7br]

Crosshead1..... I agree, But Steve was MUCH better at explaining EVERYTHING on the locomotive, and in great depth - yet in terms where anyone could come away with complete understanding..... mainly because Steve, Really KNOWS Steam. I think Ed is learning, and is good at many things.... but my "gut" tells me he will never be a "Steve Lee" or a Lynn Nystrom... either firing or as... especially, a steam locomotive engineer..... Ed is more of a "text book" kind of guy in operating things... whereas Lynn and Steve could "Feel" the locomotive and there is a major difference in how the locomotive will perform and work between the two types of engineers.... the latter being the better, as well as the much rarer of the two.... but always the best.

[@663rainmaker]

It used to be UP 8444 and my late Brother In Law William Bill Riley Sr operated this very Locomotive.... He went on to become the Golden Spike Award Recipient Posthumously.... Blow that Whistle Brother Bill! Cheytown and North Platte... Bailey Yard.... I can go on... but I am looking for Photos of a Steam Locomotive stored in the Cheyenne Roundhouse during the early 1990's the company I was working for Asbestos Technology Inc of Cheyenne Wyoming.. abating Asbestos from a Historical Steam Locomotive and this Locomotive went to a museum...does any of The UP RR historians have any photos of this Abatement or prior or later, if it in Still today in the museum...it had a wooden cab

[@Romans--bo7br]

Paul Ayers.... and Before it was the 8444, it was the 844 since new in 1944. It wound up being renumbered to the 8444 in 1962 when, for some reason... the UP had numbered a new EMD GP30 - #844, so the steam program added the extra digit (4) to the Northern to distinguish it from the GP-30, then after the GP-30 was retired in 1989, the FEF3 got its original number back. The EMD GP-30 that had the 844 number, is now owned by the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City, NV. and occasionally operates at the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum, also.... the UP currently has an EMD SD-70ace on its motive power roster carrying the 8444 number board.

[@10screenwriter]

Dream: ALCAN Railway it goes from Washington State to Kectican AK , to Wrangell, to Petersburg, to Juneau, to Sckagway an on to Seaward that connects to the Alaska Railroad.

[@amtrakhiawathafan3609]

844 is ugly with elephant ears

[@DerpyPossum]

you forgot to put the “unpopular opinion” at the beginning. ;)

[@Ritalie]

Just wow! What an amazing video. I wish it were 3 hours long. I was glued to my seat, enamored with every single detail. I want to know the story of every single bolt and fitting, because it's just so fascinating. It's really amazing that an 800,000 pound cast steel machine, actually has wooden floors! Also, the top speed of 110 mph is absolutely astonishing. Now I want to study stream engines more, because it's such an amazing art. One thing I realized watching steam engine videos is the intuitive abilities required by the operators. You cannot simply push a button, or read a manual. You've got to "feel" the situation and respond accordingly, in a way that uses the "Right Brain." Operating a modern piece of equipment, is entirely "Left Brain" as the electronic controls do all of the "thinking" for you. But on a steam engine, you have to rely on abstract data, using your gut feeling, and a general "intuitive sense" of the conditions. It means, the operators are artists, and engineers. They need to be able to use their left, and right brain hemisphere. Some people might never be able to drive a steam engine safely, because they wouldn't be able to "feel" the conditions properly, just like some people can never drive a stick shift car properly. For anyone reading this, Jay Leno describes his steam cars in finite detail, and it's worth looking up his videos as a follow up to this one. As he shows the boiler and how every part operates, I really recommend that you look up Jay Leno's "Stanley Steamer" steam car videos.

[@mow4ncry]

I saw 844 in Stockton April 09 I also met Ed about 6 years ago now, when he came out to inspect SP 2472 a very nice man very friendly. I never met him before I just walked up to the 2472 and he just said hi I'm Ed how you doing

[@kevinbragg7273]

Amazing pc of machinery. An up close look like this is overwhelming.

[@victoraguilera-alfaro]

Thank you so much, I love steam locomotives, my grandfather was technician in these beautiful profession. I miss it

[@Absolut531kmh]

Their just more unique than any vehicle in existance

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Union Pacific 844 is a fascinating locomotive with an impressive operation history, I would however like to see the 844 be repainted back into the "greyhound" style paint scheme again.

[@rickygarcia7400]

Its to bad that other raillines doint believe in heritage at least bnsf could paint a few locomotives in there heritage schemes like ns and up Evan Amtrak did it come on

[@trainroomgary]

Excellent presentation about the 844. • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@JeffRyman69]

The whistle between segments is extremely annoying. It detracts from the good information being given by Ed and Lindsey.

[@J800613]

This was excellent! Very knowledgeable fella.

[@uwemobil8847]

Another Highlight on KZbin. Very impressive and interesting from first-hand.

[@Eduardomd54]

I just can’t add something to the last comment. I am fascinated with this presentation.

[@Jemalacane0]

Highways max out at 85 miles per hour in the U.S. So, 100 miles per hour beats that.

[@adavazquez3378]

Just looking at those wire my mind stangles, i can't imagine how this engineer can put that mind blowing amezing machines together, but thank you i love that train Big Boy 4014, i watch alot of video's everyday am TOTALY hook with this train

[@Spikeman50]

I have the last railroad spike and it’s a hair pin spike that’s made from stainless spring steel the 844 passed over it the hair pin railroad spike hold the rail down in 1869 it’s the only hair pin spike

[@ericlakota6512]

I always saport union pasific any time i can just because of steam program

[@ericlakota6512]

I was watching another tatorial on steam engin and it was great fireman and enginear and enginear started driving in 40s and sead all the men had a art wherr they could work all day by hand signals and whistels

[@awizardalso]

My real name is Michael McCluskey. I always had a love for steam locomotives. What I really like is how complex they are. I was born in Upper Manhattan (Hudson Hgts) on May 3rd, 1954. In 1957, we took a train from New York City to Cleveland, Ohio. I still have burned in my memory was seeing a steam locomotive up close. It pulled the train we took.

[@donaldcasselman]

Great effort folks and thanks....

[@MajorHenricks]

The main driver, the one connecting the drive wheels, is not in reciprocating motion, it is in circular motion.

[@GrantDolanMusic]

So glad they got PTC to work without a deisel.

[@mrk1075]

@32:00 So the tags are there so if something goes wrong then you know who to blame. : )

[@3578craig]

Its why I love the U.P.!

[@youtubevlogproductions7579]

Wish I was there Will this run again?

[@scaleyardmarine]

Fascinating thank you Union Pacific

[@southwestvirginiarailfan729]

Very informing/interesting.

[@bigboychallenger779]

So when wanting to work with the UP steam heritage fleet, can they teach you & gain some steam experience, I've been wanting to work with them since I was 14 in 2015

[@therombaro]

12:42 is such a humorous yet profound statement - love it

[@suziecue726]

Dry informative

[@amtrakhiawathafan3609]

That's our living legend

[@Ian-qs3fz]

ed dickens is the saving grace of Union Pacific

[@dorothymerrell6091]

I had the pleasure of seeing the 844 in person in October of 2016. It’s something that I will never forget and the deep throated whistle is glorious.

[@professorredpill3436]

Let's see, he states "no coincidence" then goes on to detail the coincidence of it being 844. And this guy is the director?

[@joseleoneldamasceno2075]

vídeo incrível! Eu estou na construção da UP 844 no BRASIL escala 1/10 este vídeo foi o motivo da minha construção ao vivo vendo 80% dos detalhes agradecer a tv 25 e eng Dickens. quem sabe um dia conhecer ao vivo obrigado incredible !! I ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF UP 844 IN BRAZIL 1/10 scale this video was the reason of my live construction seeing 80% of the details of the locomotive thank TV 25 and Eng ED DICKENS thank you one day meet live !!!

[@gerdesoto262]

To Ed Dickson of Union Pacific thank you for a great video explaining what you and your friends did with 844, But I've seen your story about 4014 in the passed and that's was good also. Keep making good videos for everyone to see and enjoy. Foot note, I still think 4018 should be restored and put back into operation. That the one sitting in Texas.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

awesome video tv twentyfive :)

[@kishintuchis4133]

WHY DONT THEY RUN A FIBER -OPTIC CABLE WITH A WIDE - ANGLE LENS FROM THE CAB TO THE FRONT . IT WOULD BE VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE , BUT WOULD ENABLE THE CREW TO SEE EVERY THING IN FRONT OF THE ENGINE WITHOUT HAVING TO STICK YOUR HEAD OUTSIDE IN FREEZING WEATHER , OR THE RAIN .

[@gaylenemorley916]

There it is its coming to ogden utah. For a event i love its strange ghostly whistle few years ago i was in yard at house and i heard a very strange whistle. Going towards ogden ut so i went and check. It out there it was 844 train

[@rcmadness247]

17:15 heh foaming

[@stephensmith799]

The best of America.

[@daleeasternbrat816]

Used motor oil as fuel source? All of the used motor from the diesel-electric fleet. Turns the used oil from a problem into a resource. Makes these engines much more practical to operate. The logistics of coal is a big time P.I.T.A. . that is why 4014 was converted.

[@donaldcasselman9127]

Excellent presentation 👍🏻👍🏻

[@motorTranz]

Excellent video 👏

[@christian-vg1be]

Nice train

[@harrycolby2302]

It was nice to shake your hand Ed....A 45 minute stop and the crew jumped right in...You knew who was on the ground … Who's responsible for safety....I am....I'm sure it's still on the timetables.... What was that knocking sound when you left Marshalltown on 7/31? Sounded bad going under the bridge???

[@davidreyes2298]

That's the feedwater system it bangs like a hammer in order to bring the water to the boiler without going back out

[@SteveTheFazeman]

It's interesting how the steam locomotive builders originally called the shots in design, performance specifications, etc. Later, the railroad companies would give the locomotive builders their own steam engine design specs to suit the specific need of each road.

[@caigemathern9341]

From a very young age, I loved steam trains. I think when my love for them started was when the movie Polar Express came out. I was only 3 then. As I grew up, my passion for these rattlers grew too, but I thought they were extinct across the US. I only ever saw diesel and electric locomotives run and it really discouraged me to become a train engineer. But, ever since I knew that the 4014 was rebuilt and that the 844 is still in service, and even SP 2472, I don't think I've ever wanted to do anything more. I thought I was going to make music composition or truck driving a career in my life. With that little story said, anybody know how I can get started on the path to becoming a steam train crew member? I know I'd have to start out as a fireman on a steam locomotive, but I would appreciate any guidance on the subject. Or at least a point to somewhere I can get this information. I've searched UP's website, I've looked all over the internet and can't find anything.

[@philipwilson867]

On the edge 2 just a story. The night up forgot about the up951 and the company passenger special. 11 pm Hearn Texas. We got called for a special train. No big deal. Paperwork was waiting and shoved at us. The limo is outside get in and go. You know the story. It was dark in the limo and a short trip over to valley junction. What a surprise. Up 951 and a passenger train. We climbed up knocked off the brakes checked the orders and dispatch said go. We ran all night. At sunup we took the sidings for a meet. I got off to inspect the engines as I got to the rear locomotive a man stepped off the passenger cars. Who’s your manager he asked? What manager I said it’s just me and my conductor. I didn’t know anyone was on the train. He said l had a whole train load of people. How is the ride? I ask find he said.. we pulled it up to the next siding in Fort Worth we got a manager and a new crew. That’s the night I pulled the company special all to my self for 200 miles..

[@deathbyramen_]

That's at Union Station, Kansas City. Very cool video :)

[@stephensmith799]

Fascinating is an over-used word. But it applies here...

[@slam854]

Many thanks for your efforts keeping this engine alive. I'm in Utah with 833 in a miserable state. Most important to keep operating inventory healthy and in operation. 4014 & 844 arrived in Ogden just today. Riding Frontrunner tomorrow just to see them for 150th Celebration. Thanks for your teams immense effort. Let America focus on high speed passenger service to reduce pollution and travel control by the airlines. Japan makes us look like idiots.

[@john72ss]

who would vote this down?

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

Recently I saw a KZbin by Isaac Arthur about Generation Ships that take many generations to go to some nearby star. The people have to keep the skills needed to keep their spaceship in repair, just normal maintenance, accident, or collision. The same applies if something happens & our knowledge goes back to the 1820's or earlier. The knowledge how to do something might be very important in the future. Collecting & passing it along will be very important.

[@johnmccaffery5186]

Talk about one man’s rocket science! Bravo.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

i hope that p.t.c. is on this loco hopefully ???!!

[@john72ss]

on a steam locomotive built 70 years ago???? lol!

[@silverstatehighiron]

john72ss I mean they did install PTC on ATSF 2926 🤷‍♂️

[@samshearman5251]

So interesting!

[@2666loco]

Very interesting. Thanks. Well done.

[@atsfevan0242]

I seriously hope 844's mars light will return someday it ain't the same without plus it feels weird seeing it without it the same goes for Milwaukee road 261 it doesn't look the same without its mars light too

[@peytonboyd6430]

Yes I 100 percent agree with you. I grew up watching movies and videos of 844 and it always had the mars light and I don’t like it without the mars light.

[@reneekilian581]

🤔😮😰

[@ericcriteser4001]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Why not mount a camera on the front of the locomotive to better see forward?

[@mratsfrailfan1894]

That is modernization they want to preserve history not ruin it

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

UnionPacificFan-Aiden Smith Ok I can see that.

[@Romans--bo7br]

Hey Ed, you went on about Lynn Nystrom, and all you said was certainly true about he and his wife... but why don't you tell us the truth about your predecessor, Steve Lee who also LOVED Steam, and WHY isn't a car or better yet.. the 844 or 3985, or one of their tenders named after him?!!? MANY Thousands of UP railfans REALLY liked Steve.... why was he even "gone" from the Steam Program in the first place? Steve won't talk about it.... so, perhaps You - Ed, could put some TRUTHFUL "closure" to the question still in MANY UP Railfans' minds as to Why he "left" the Steam program... and the UP. We would prefer Not to hear any "Politically Correct" - answers.

[@barryo9065]

Slow Your Roll

[@jaredtaylor6941]

2Stroke Diesel Power Steve Lee retired following 2010. Much as been said about these two crews (Steve’s and Ed’s) and I believe that there is more to this story that we will never know.

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@barryo9065.... Ok... will do. : ) Do YOU, have any truthful insight to the answer of my and MANY others, question?... sure would love to hear it if you do, as would... Many others. Thanks.

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@jaredtaylor6941..... Thanks for your reply, yes.. I'm quite sure you're correct on that assumption. I would love to be able to sit down with Steve and hear his side of it.

[@davidreyes2298]

The names on the passenger cars are a tribute to does who passed away Steve Lee is still alive as of now