Photos of the move of Union Pacific 4-8-4 833 from Salt Lake City to Ogden a few years back, via a giant highway rig. You have to wonder if anyone asked what those big round things on the side of the locomotive were for..

http://southern.railfan.net/road/833/road-well.html

There are active UP tracks less than a block from the park where UP #833 lived in Salt Lake City before the move. Rumor has it UP was initially receptive to the idea of moving #833 to Ogden (about 35 miles north) by rail, but certain other parties involved with the planning of the move made unreasonable demands on the UP, and so they backed out. (Supposedly, UP was asked to bring sister 4-8-4 #844 to town to tow the #833, among other things) The resulting move by truck was much more expensive and difficult, though spectacular to watch!

The NRHS held it's national convention In Salt Lake City the year that the rumor began about having the 844 pull the 833 to Ogden. Though the rumor lasted a very, very long time, there never was any real discussion regarding the 844 pulling the 833 north.

The rumor started at the convention, which by the way, stirred up some problems for the planning committee. It was a classic example of railfans thinking they could get a major company to do something if they suggested the idea in such a way that may want to make the railroad actually do it.

The lesson learned is; For railfans, DO NOT START RUMORS, not only do the effect relations between companies and other parties, just as this rumor has shown, they can have very long lasting effects, just as this rumor has shown.

Now, as I stand a top my soap box, it is noted that the same types of rumors are floating around now. Such things as what color the 844 will be, or, will the smoke wings be on or off, or will the tender slope, or is the cab straight. Though good questions, they seem to be placed in such a manner as to suggest what should be done to the locomotive.

So, I offer this as an idea; Why don't we gather 'round and be happy for the fact that the engine is done, it looks as if it will be out running in the future and regardless of the color, UP still protects, promotes and sustains the program. What a notable accomplishment! If I recall, the 844 just had it's 60th birthday! Still in service, still on the active list and fresh out of what could be noted as the largest, most in depth boiler rebuild in the modern day of steam locomotives. Now that is something to be proud of. No rumors, just fact!

John E. Rimmasch

I won't start any rumors, just waiting to hear if any UP steam will be coming to the NRHS convention in Portland in 2005!

Bob,
Big round things???
Only thing I can see is a very big red thing holding the loco up about a foot ot two off its drivers {sic...}
;-)
Andrew
P.S. And yes I do know you meant the drivers
AM