Prototype News

The Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA) announced Tuesday that Union Pacific 2-10-2 “TTT-6” 5511 successfully passed its first steam test at the former Rock Island shops in Silvis, Ill., last week. Now, the locomotive is expected to operate by summer 2027. 

RRHMA says this is a significant achievement in the efforts to return the locomotive to service, but there is still work to be done over the coming months, including final mechanical adjustments, testing of critical operational systems, additional inspections and trials to guarantee safe and reliable operation. 

“This historic achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of RRHMA’s volunteers, contractors, members, and supporters,” the organization said in a release. “Their continued commitment to railroad preservation has helped RRHMA achieve the goal of preserving and interpreting this significant piece of railroad history.”

Additional updates on the final stages of 5511’s restoration will be provided as it nears its anticipated return to service in 2027.

Locomotive 5511 was built in 1923 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works to haul heavy freight trains on the UP system. After being removed from active service in 1956, the locomotive served as a stationary boiler in both Ogden, Ut., and Green River, Wyo. 

In December 1958, it was used in the filming of UP’s documentary Last of the Giants, which covered the final years of operation for the railroad’s 4-8-8-4 Big Boy locomotives. 5511 was no longer in service by this point, and the engine was attached to a string of freight cars with a diesel pushing at the rear while tires were burned in the smokebox to create the illusion of a working steam locomotive. 

The locomotive was stored in Green River until 1968, when it was moved to Cheyenne, Wyo. Union Pacific donated the locomotive to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in 2022.

To learn more, visit www.rrhma.com. 

— Nick Stewart

The post Union Pacific 5511 Undergoes Steam Test, on Track to Operate in 2027 appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division is in talks with the Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad to acquire 60 miles of inactive rail in the Upper Peninsula to expand the state’s recreational trail network. The purchase would include the grade between Channing and Wells, where rails were recently removed. 

DNR and railroad officials last met Sept. 25 to discuss every Escanaba & Lake Superior grade that could be sold or is already having its rails pulled.

“Both the DNR and E&LS are looking at cooperating on purchase/sale of the grade,” Ron Yesney, DNR Upper Peninsula trails coordinator, said in a release. “Both parties are interested in preserving the integrity of the grade for future rail use.”

The E&LS line between Channing and Wells has been in the process of removal since summer. The railroad recently removed stored cars from the Channing end of the line before service would officially be severed. This line was part of the original E&LS main line constructed in the early 20th century to connect with the Milwaukee Road at Channing. 

— Nick Stewart

The post State of Michigan Looks to Turn Inactive E&LS Trackage Into Trails appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.