(The following story by Debra Jacobsen appeared on the Freemont Tribune website on June 26.)
FREEMONT, Neb. — The historic Union Pacific No. 844, also known as the Living Legend, arrived in Fremont Sunday. It was on display Monday at 10 S. Main St.
Delivered in 1944, it was the last steam locomotive built for the U.P.
“Whenever people hear the 844 is coming through it creates a lot of excitement,” said James Barnes, director of media information for Union Pacific Railroad.
“Any time we’re out with the steam engine it’s used as a public relations tool,” said fireman Rick Braunschweig of Cheyenne, Wyo., a 34-year employee of Union Pacific.
“My job is to make sure we have a fire rather than putting fires out,” explained Braunschweig.
Cameron MacArthur of Yuma, Ariz., has worked for Union Pacific for 32 years, but came along as a volunteer to help keep the train – and the program – running.
“I took vacation to do this. I can run or fire the engine,” explained MacArthur. “I have been involved with this since 1982. I do this a couple times a year.”
Seven cars built in the 1960s and two tenders accompanied No. 844. Tenders contain water or fuel, tools and grease sticks.
“Approximately every 150 miles we stop and grease rods. It’s part of the routine maintenance,” Braunschweig said.
The cars included a boiler dorm, which is used as originally built.
An office and sleeper car for crew members still is used as designed. But it includes a “remodeled break room” complete with washer and dryer, shower and satellite TV. Former baggage cars are now a supply room. Old wooden floors contrast with the modern bins filled with T-shirts, hats, belt buckles, pins and toys.
A dome car and a track inspection car sat on a neighboring track. The dome car is like a coach, with seating on two levels.
“We no longer give tours (of the cars) to the public due to vandalism. A few ruined it for everybody,” Braunschweig said.
However, the Sherman Hill sales car for souvenirs is open to the public.
“Sherman Hill is the highest elevation on the transcontinental railroad,” Braunschweig said.
Volunteers sell the merchandise meticulously displayed on the counter.
“Everything here is sold exclusively by us – only on this car,” Braunschweig said.
Proceeds are used for restocking and for shop equipment, Braunschweig said. Mary Nystrom is the concessions manager. Visitors from a wide area crowded aboard the narrow car.
“Every day is a work day for us, either a travel day or a display day,” Nystrom said.
Nystrom said she will volunteer on the train approximately 3 1/2 months this year.
Nystrom’s husband, Lynn, is one of the engineers on board.
Monday turned into a steamy day for crew and visitors and some were looking for a way to cool off.
“Everyone’s hot, they want a white (souvenir) T-shirt,” said concession volunteer Penny Braunschweig.
Rick Kaar of Lincoln purchased some hat pins.
“I brought my father to see the train. It’s impressive,” Kaar said.
“The 844 is continuing to serve as an ambassador,” Barnes said.
The engine wasn’t the only “ambassador” in town.
The reigning “National Mrs.,” Paula Folkers of Omaha, brought her four children to see the train and shop.
Eight-year-old Colton Folkers could hardly wait to see the train and select some prints to decorate his bedroom wall.
“We stopped in Cody Park in North Platte and heard this one was coming to Fremont – we had to see it live and hear about it from a first-hand perspective,” said Paula Folkers.
“We appreciate that the railroad is willing to continue like this. It’s so historically significant,” MacArthur said.