In 2012, Union Pacific Railroad turned 150 years old. In celebration, a special train toured the vast UP system, usually with 844 on point. In October, the train made its way to Houston through the piney woods of East Texas. Michele and I took the day off of work and gave chase.

Arriving in Livingston on "The Rabbit" - former Houston, East & West Texas - former Texas & New Orleans - former Southern Pacific.

A few miles south of town we waited with some locals near the location where the WBT&S had a junction with the TNO. For the select few that appreciate the significance of this location, it's a special place.

844 charges into view near the "Wobbly" junction

I'm diggin' the marker lamps!

In Cleveland, Texas we set up near the BNSF/UP diamond

The rain that had been threatening since dawn finally fell, but not too hard. The cool air that accompanied this cold front announced the late arrival of fall in southeast Texas. The damp, cool air only magnified the show as 844 stormed out of Cleveland and went south to Houston.

We intended to stop once more before giving up the chase at the San Jacinto River crossing in Kingwood. However, despite my 85 mile-per-hour driving, I was unable to catch the train and we arrived 30 seconds too late to see her fly out over the river. Oh well... next time...

The following day Michele and I took my mother and niece to see 844 on display at the Houston Amtrak depot. The crowd was far larger than expected and we didn't stay long.

Heritage Units 1982 (MP), 1996 (SP), and 1988 (MKT) were also on display at the Amtrak Depot

Me and my niece

Kaylie and 844's drivers

Safety First

A parting look at the Katy unit