Union Pacific’s donated steam engines to pass through Iowa County

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad has announced two steam engines that are among the last of their kind in existence, including the 1940s-era Challenger No. 3985, will pass through Iowa County later this month as they travel from Wyoming to Illinois with other pieces of vintage rail equipment.

The engines will pause for an overnight stop at the South Amana maintenance depot Friday, Nov. 18. The train cars will arrive about 7:30 p.m. that night and depart from the depot at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, en route east through Homestead on their way to Silvis, Ill.

There will be no public access to the train cars in South Amana as that depot is closed to the public but spectators may observe them from near the tracks (at least 25 feet away) as the train travels from Grinnell (leaving about 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18) to South Amana and the following morning as it continues eastward through Homestead toward Illinois.

Union Pacific donated a small portion of its Heritage Fleet earlier this year to the nonprofit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA), as part of Union Pacific’s continued commitment to preserving this nation’s rich railroad history.

RRHMA plans a multiyear, multimillion-dollar restoration of the equipment, including returning the steam locomotives to operating condition.

“The Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shares our deep appreciation of the role railroads have played and continue to play in building America, and we are proud Union Pacific’s legacy will live on for future generations to enjoy and learn from,” said Scott Moore, senior vice president — corporate relations and chief administrative officer.

The donated equipment, which will be towed to Illinois, will leave Union Pacific’s Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Nov. 11, and will make periodic maintenance stops along the route.