(The following story by Paul Hammel appeared on the Omaha World-Herald website on September 14.)
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A visit by the last steam engine built for the Union Pacific, No. 844, plus train rides and tours of the world’s largest rail year will highlight a first-ever “Rail Fest” celebration Sept. 21-23 in this Nebraska railroading center.
One of the organizers said he hopes the celebration becomes to railroad buffs what the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D., is to bikers.
“This will be a railroad celebration that features that hands-on experiences you can’t get anywhere else in the United States,” said Dave Harrold, chairman of the Original Town Association, which is sponsoring Rail Fest.
The event will be a fund-raiser for the Original Town group, which hopes to fix-up old homes and businesses on the north side of North Platte.
Tours will be held of the Bailey Yards, the world’s largest train sorting yard, and rides will be available on a diesel-engine “Operation Lifesaver” train.
A complete listing of events is at www.nprailfest.com.