Union Pacific No. 844

Union Pacific 844
Union Pacific 844 at the Union Pacific Steam Shops in 2022
Overview -
Official Name:	Union Pacific No. 844
Propulsion:	Steam
Loco Type:	4-8-4 "Northern" Type
Gauge:	4ft 8 1/2in
Status:	In Service
Scrapped:	Never Scrapped
Location:	Cheyenne, WY
History -
Name:	The Living Legend
Former Names:	No. 8444 (1962–1989, due to duplication with a diesel)
Designer:	Union Pacific Railroad Mechanical Department under Otto Jabelmann
Livery:	Black W. White Lettering and Accents
Former Liveries:	Union Pacific "Greyhound" Scheme
Sibling Locomotives:	FEF-3 class locomotives Nos. 835–844
Manufacturing Details:
Builder:	American Locomotive Company (ALCO) Schenectady Works
Order No.	Lot 2962
(b/n) Builder's No.	72791
Batch No.	FEF-3 production batch
Build Date:	12/24/1944
Model:	UP FEF-3
Re-Builder:	Union Pacific Steam Team, Cheyenne, WY
Re-Builder's No:	N/A
Date Rebuilt:	1959–1960
Supplier of Parts:	Various (including Timken, Franklin, Nathan, Worthington, UP Factory)
Service:
Operator:	Union Pacific Railroad
Former Operators:	None
Railway:	Union Pacific Railroad
Former Railways:	None
No.	844
Former Numbers:	8444 (1962-1989
Classification:	FEF-3
Entered Service:	December 1944
Years in Operation:	1944-Present
Total Produced:	10 (FEF-3 class: Nos. 835–844)
Total Operational:	1 (UP 844)
Total Scrapped:	9
Total Preserved:	1
Fleet No's:	844
Allocations:	Originally based in Cheyenne, WY
Withdrawn:	Never formally withdrawn
Retired:	Never Officially Retired
Disposition:	Operational
Preservation:
Current Owner:	Union Pacific Railroad
Date Preserved:	1960
Restored:	1960, 1996, 2004, 2016
Last Overhauled:	2016
Technical Specifications -
Engine(s) Type:	Two-cylinder simple expansion, oil-fired steam engine
Safety Systems:	Standard FRA safety appliances; PTC under consideration
Electrical Systems:	Steam turbo-generator for lighting and auxiliary systems
Loco Brakes:	Air Brakes (Cast Iron)
Train Braking:	Westinghouse air brake system
Feedwater Heater:	Worthington SA Type
Wheel Arrangement:
Whyte Notation:	4-8-4
Commonwealth:	cast steel trailing truck
UIC-Classification:	2′D2′ h2
Picture-Scheme:	UP FEF-class profile
Configuration Name:	Northern
Axle No.	6 Driving Axles
Boiler & Firebox:
Boiler Type:	Fire-Tube, Oil Fired
Original Boiler Pressure:	300 psi
Current Boiler Pressure:	300 PSI
Grate Area:	100.2 sq ft
Total Surface Area:	4,225 sq ft
Heating Surface:	4,225 sq ft
Firebox:	446 sq ft
Tubes:	2,204 sq ft
Flues:	1,575 sq ft
Tubes & Flues Area:	3,779 sq ft
Firebox Heating Area:	446 sq ft
Superheater Type:	Type E
Superheater Area:	1,377 sq ft
Cylinders:
Cylinder Type:	Outside-mounted, two-cylinder
No. of Cylinders:	2
Cylinders (Dia. x Stroke):	25 in × 32 in
Operation:
Formations:	Steam locomotive + oil-fired tender
Power Source:	Steam
Fuel Type:	No. 5 fuel oil
Fuel Capacity:	6,200 US gal
Fuel Consumption:	Up to 3,600 gallons per day (approx., excursion use)
Water Capacity:	23,500 US gal
Weight of Locomotive:	486,340 lbs
Total Weight:	907,890 lb
Total Weight (Empty):	Approximately 800,000 lbs
Total Weight (Full):	907,890 lbs
Total Weight (Under Load):	Approx. 910,000 lbs
Weight of Tender(s):	421,550 lbs
Weight of Drivers:	222,000 lbs
Axle Load:	55,500 lbs (driving axle)
Tender Loaded Weight:	421,550 lbs
List of Modifications:	Converted to oil firing Smoke Deflectors added Repainted into Greyhound scheme (1987-1991)Mars Light Removed in 2013
Performance Statistics:
Horsepower:	Estimated 4,500-5000 drawbar HP
Maximum Speed:	120 MPH (190 km/h)
Power Output:	Approx. 4,500 DBHP
Tractive Effort:	63,750 lbs
Factor of Adhesion:	4.0
Dimensions:
Total Length:	114 ft 2+5⁄8 in
Locomotive Length:	52 ft
Tender Length:	62 ft
Width:	10 ft 8 in
Height:	16 in
Leading Wheels (Diameter):	36 in
Driving Wheels (Diameter):	80 in
Trailing Wheels (Diameter):	42 in
Tender Wheels (Diameter):	36 in
Wheelbase:	89 ft (engine + tender)
Valves & Motion:
Valve Gear:	Walschaerts
Valve Gear Type:	Walschaerts, external
Inside Motion:	No
Outside Motion:	Yes
Valve Type:	Piston Valves
Valve Travel:	7 in
Valve Lap:	1.5 in
Valve Lead:	0.25 in

Union Pacific No. 844 is a historic steam locomotive of the FEF-3 class, built as a 4-8-4 “Northern” type by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in December 1944. It holds a special place in American railroading history as the last steam locomotive ever delivered to the Union Pacific Railroad—and even more remarkably, it has never been retired. Among major North American Class I railroads, No. 844 is the only steam engine to remain continuously on the active roster.

Originally designed for high-speed passenger service, No. 844 later served in fast freight roles before being preserved for excursion duty. Unlike its sister engines in the FEF series, which were all retired and scrapped, No. 844 was saved due to its excellent condition and symbolic value. It became a centerpiece of the Union Pacific’s public outreach and historical preservation efforts.

Today, No. 844 remains operational as a proud member of the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It shares active steam duty with Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014, making them the only two steam locomotives currently running under Union Pacific ownership. Together, they represent the railroad’s rich legacy and ongoing commitment to preserving America’s railroading past.

Eighty–Four–Forty–Four

History

In the late 1930s, Union Pacific named Otto Jabelmann as Vice President of Research and Mechanical Standards, where he led the development of a powerful new steam locomotive that could handle both passenger and freight service. The result was the FEF class—short for Four-Eight-Four, describing its 4-8-4 wheel arrangement. In 1937, Union Pacific partnered with the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York to build the first series, known as the FEF-1 class. These were the first UP steam locomotives designed to operate at a then-impressive 300 psi of boiler pressure.

By the time the FEF-3 class was introduced in 1944, the design had been refined to near perfection. The FEF-3s could reach speeds of 120 mph, with one engine reportedly hauling a 1,000-ton passenger train at 100 mph. Each was capable of generating between 4,000 and 5,000 drawbar horsepower, making them among the most powerful dual-service steam locomotives ever built. Originally coal burners, the FEF-3s were converted to run on fuel oil in 1946. Despite being designed for high-speed passenger work, all units—including No. 844—were eventually reassigned to freight service as diesel-electric locomotives took over passenger operations.

Delivered in December 1944, Union Pacific No. 844 was the last steam locomotive built for the railroad. It spent the first part of its career pulling famous passenger trains like the Overland Limited, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose, and the Challenger. From 1957 to 1959, as diesels replaced steam on the main lines, No. 844 was moved to fast freight duty in Nebraska.

When Union Pacific ended commercial steam operations in 1959, most of the FEF-3s were scrapped. However, No. 844 was spared. Along with Challenger No. 3710, it was briefly tested as a snow-melting locomotive, clearing ice and snow from tracks in harsh winter conditions. In 1960, Union Pacific saw the growing value of steam locomotives in public relations and excursion service, and chose No. 844 for restoration.

By 1962, No. 844 was fully restored and officially entered the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet. Since then, it has been used for public excursions, employee specials, and even occasional freight runs during ferry moves. To this day, No. 844 remains the only steam locomotive never officially retired by a major U.S. Class I railroad, continuing to serve as a living reminder of Union Pacific’s steam era legacy.

FEF-3

The FEF-3 class (4-8-4 "Northern" type) locomotives were among the final steam engines built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), representing the peak of dual-service steam technology. As the railroad industry began shifting its focus toward diesel-electric locomotives, the FEF series was Union Pacific's answer to compete with this new technology—designed to excel in both passenger and freight service.

Like all of Union Pacific’s FEF locomotives, No. 844 was originally built to burn coal, but was converted in 1945 to use No. 5 fuel oil, improving efficiency and ease of refueling. Structurally, it featured a one-piece cast-steel bed frame for added strength and stability, along with large 80-inch driving wheels—a common design choice for high-speed, late-era steam locomotives.

Though Union Pacific timetables typically capped steam speeds at 80 mph, the FEF-3s were capable of much more. It’s believed that No. 844 could pull as many as 26 fully loaded passenger cars at speeds exceeding 100 mph on straight, level track—an impressive feat that demonstrated the power and performance of these advanced steam locomotives.

Excursion Service

Since 1960, Union Pacific No. 844 has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles as the railroad’s official excursion and publicity locomotive. It became a beloved fixture of Union Pacific’s heritage program, often pulling special trains across the western United States. For decades, it handled the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days train, sponsored by the Denver Post, making round trips between Cheyenne and Denver until the event was discontinued in 2019.

Over the years, 844 appeared at numerous major events, including Expo ’74 in Spokane, the 1978 dedication of the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden, the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans, and the 50th anniversary of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal in 1989, where it performed a side-by-side run with Southern Pacific 4449. On February 14, 1975, it even pulled Amtrak's San Francisco Zephyr between Denver and Cheyenne, accompanied by two EMD SDP40Fs. In 1981, it visited Sacramento for the opening of the California State Railroad Museum alongside Union Pacific 3985, which had recently returned to service.

Still numbered 8444 at the time, the locomotive was repainted into UP’s two-tone gray “Greyhound” scheme in 1987 and raced 4449 down Cajon Pass during the LAUPT celebration, winning by default when 4449 was forced to stop due to a roller bearing issue. In October 1990, No. 844 led the Eisenhower Centennial Special from Kansas City to Abilene, Kansas, honoring the 100th birthday of President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a train made up of historic equipment from several major railroads, as well as Eisenhower’s World War II command train, Bayonet.

Following the 1991 season, No. 844 entered the shop for an extensive running gear overhaul and returned to service in 1996, now wearing its traditional black freight livery. In 1997, it pulled a train over the scenic and soon-to-be-closed Tennessee Pass line while en route to the NRHS convention in Salt Lake City. In 1999, while on display at RailFair ’99, one of the locomotive’s boiler tubes failed, revealing that improper material had been used during its previous overhaul. This led to a complete firebox and boiler overhaul that lasted from 2001 to 2004. It was test-fired successfully in September 2004 and returned to service in November of that year.

In the following years, No. 844 continued its role as a goodwill ambassador, running special trips including the Puget Sound Excursion with SP 4449 in 2007 and participating in Milliken, Colorado’s centennial in 2010. During Union Pacific’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2012, the locomotive’s tender derailed while entering the California State Railroad Museum but was quickly rerailed. In 2013, its original Mars light was removed due to corrosion, and that same year, Union Pacific announced that Big Boy No. 4014 would be restored and eventually join the steam program alongside No. 844 and No. 3985.

Following the 2013 season, No. 844 was taken out of service for boiler work prompted by a change in water treatment protocol and underwent its 15-year inspection ahead of schedule. It was test-fired in June 2016 and completed a successful break-in run the following month. It pulled the Cheyenne Frontier Days train that year and embarked on a longer journey known as the “Trek to Tennessee” in October 2016. In 2017, it visited Boise to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the Boise Depot, although the trip was cut short due to flooding.

In late 2018, UP sought waivers from the Federal Railroad Administration regarding Positive Train Control (PTC) requirements for its steam locomotives, but the FRA later determined waivers were unnecessary. In May 2019, No. 844 participated in the inaugural run of newly restored Big Boy No. 4014, with both locomotives running from Cheyenne to Ogden for the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike. Since 2020, 844 and 4014 have been the only two operational steam locomotives on Union Pacific’s roster following the retirement of No. 3985. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of all steam operations in 2020.

While No. 4014 returned to active service in 2021, No. 844 has not run any excursions since 2019. Despite this, Union Pacific continues to maintain the locomotive in operating condition and has considered equipping it with a modern PTC system to allow for future excursions.

Trivia

• 844 was renumbered to 8444 from 1962 to 1989, due to an E.M.D. GP-30 diesel locomotive wearing the road number of 844(this locomotive is preserved at the Nevada State Railroad Museum). Upon the retirement of the GP-30, 8444 was renumbered back to 844. Ironically, there's a EMD SD70ACe on the UP roster with the number 8444.
• 844 was painted in the "greyhound" passenger paint scheme from 1987 to 1996.
• 844 derailed during the final excursion for the 150th anniversary celebration of the Union Pacific.
• In 2011, 844 operated several excursions throughout New Mexico and Arizona (aside from parts of Nevada and Texas) to celebrate New Mexico and Arizona's "Centennial" celebration events.
• In 2007, 844 double-headed several excursions in the Pacific Northwest with SP 4449.
• UP 838 (another member of the FEF-3 Class) is another 4-8-4 preserved at the UP's Cheyenne, Wyoming roundhouse (UP 844's main home) and is primarily used as a source of spare parts for 844. The smokebox, headlight, bell, and whistle have been used on or swapped with those from 844.
• In 2010, 844 hauled the LCCA Steam Train Special with its tender was re-lettered "Lionel Lines" to celebrate Lionel's 110th anniversary.
• In 1984, 844 traveled to New Orleans to represent the UP at the World's Fair.
• In June 2013, the red mars headlight was removed from the locomotive and stored as the bolts that held it in place had deteriorated beyond use.
• In late 2013, 844 was taken out of service early for a 15-year inspection and overhaul. The locomotive returned to service in July 2016.
• 844 is famous for her film history. She has been on:
• 1. Trains Unlimited,
• 2. Ghost Trains of the West,
• 3. Extreme Trains,
• 4. Grandpa Worked On The Railroad,
• 5. Train Adventures for Kids,
• 6. Running a Steam Locomotive Vol. 2,
• 7. Steam Giants Across America,
• 8. Railfair 91,
• 9. Steam in St. Louis 1990,
• 10. Steamin' To Los Angeles,
• 11. The 100 Engine Tape,
• 12. St. Louis 1990 NRHS Convention,
• 13. St. Louis Steam Spectacular,
• 14. Cheyenne Steam Train,
• 15. Eighty Four Forty Four,
• 16. Today's Steam Across America,
• 17. Best of 1987,
• 18. Best of 1990,
• 19. Steam Over Tennessee Pass,
• 20. SP 4449 The Daylight,
• 21. Union Pacific Steam Volumes 1 & 2,
• 22. Steam in the West,
• 23. Union Pacific in the '90s,
• 24. 844: the Early Years,
• 25. Sacramento Steam '99,
• 26. Steam to Railfair '99,
• 27. Steam Over Donner,
• 28. Steam on the Double,
• 29. Northwest Doubleheader Steam,
• 30. 8444-The Greyhound Legend,
• 31. Sacramento Steam Showcase,
• 32. California 1999 Rail Adventure,
• 33. Sacramento '99,
• 34. Union Pacific's Sherman Hill,
• 35. Into the Feather River Canyon,
• 36. A day at El Pinal,
• 37. Legends of Steam Trilogy,
• 38. Return of the Big Boy,
• 39. A Giant Returns,
• 40. Big Boy 4014 West,
• 41. Northwest Shortline & Regional Railroads Volume 1,
• 42. Year of the Big Boy Volume 1,
• 43. In Search of Steam Trilogy,
• 44. Big Boy Return to the Mainline,
• 45. Big Boy 4014 Returns to Steam,
• 46. The Best of 2019,
• 47. Big Boy Back in Steam,
• 48. Reflections,
• 49. 44 Years of 8444,
• 50. 8444 Rides Again,
• 51. Union Pacific Steam '81,
• 52. Battle Up Sherman Hill,
• 53. Steam Smoke & Thunder Volume 2,
• 54. Midway USA,
• 55. Steam to Sacramento,
• 56. Sacramento Railfair 1991,
• 57. Big Steam is Back,
• 58. Sacramento Steam Spectacular,
• 59. Steam '98,
• 60. Steamin' in 2012,
• 61. Steamin' in 2016,
• 62. A Quarter Century of Steam,
• 63. Lots & Lots of Trains,
• 64. The Alphabet Train,
• 65. Challenger 3985,
• 66. 844 Still Going Strong,
• 67. Union Pacific Supercabs & Steam,
• 68. Union Pacific's Last Steam Giants,
• 69. Union Pacific Odyssey,
• 70. A Boatload of Steam,
• 71. Big Steam on the Mainline,
• 72. Union Pacific Steam; New Century Journeys,
• 73. A Northern A Challenger & A Big Boy,
• 74. Classic Steam Excursions,
• 75. Steam Across America,
• 76. Big Boy on Tour,
• 77. Colorado Railroads,
• 78. Union Pacific Steam Specials 1989 Parts 1 & 2,
• 79. Union Pacific Steam Specials 1990 Parts 1 & 2,
• 80. The Best of Union Pacific Steam Specials,
• 81. Mainline Steam Across the US,
• 82. Steam Festival USA,
• 83. Titans of the Tracks,
• 84. Herron Rail Video's Union Pacific Streamliners and Classic Steam,
• 85. HD-Moods: Trains
• 86. Steam Giants
• 87. Tracks Ahead
• And in the music video for Last Train Home.
• The Locomotive also appeared in the Opening & Closing credits of the children's PBS series: Shining Time Station with footage from the 1981 Short Film: Eighty Four Forty Four.
• 844 is one of the original choices to pull the American Freedom Train but it didn't pull it. However in early October 1975, it was seen double-headed with Southern Pacific No. 4449 to travel west while rejoining the AFT at Ogden, 4449 pulled the train to pull it the rest of the way into Salt Lake City.
• In June 1990, 844 was one of four steam locomotives attending the 1990 NRHS Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, and did a double-header run to Kirkwood with Frisco 1522 during the event.
• On July 22, 2018, 844 was involved in a fatal pedestrian accident in Henderson, Colorado.
• In December 2018, Union Pacific requested from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) waivers to exempt 844, 4014, and 3985 from federal Positive Train Control (PTC) requirements. In February 2019, the FRA officials responded that such waivers were not needed, although after 4014 was successfully fitted with PTC technology in August 2021, the UP is still planning to eventually install PTC technology on 844 too.
• From May 4 to May 17, 2019, 844 double-headed with newly restored Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 to Ogden, Utah to participate in the 150th Golden Spike anniversary celebration. Both locomotives were on display in Ogden from May 9 to May 11, 2019. Following this, 844 didn't run in any excursions, although it was confirmed that the locomotive has been maintained in operating condition.
• In 2022, 844's whistle was swapped with 4014's whistle. The whistle from 844 is 4014's original service whistle which 4014 wore during its freight career. However, in 2023, 4014 was given back its excursion service whistle.

Gallery

• Gallery

References

• Official Union Pacific Page
• Wikipedia Aricle