Nostalgia & History > Coal for a 4-12-2!

In a scene that would surely impress even non-railfans, one of Union Pacific’s massive, 3-cylinder 4-12-2s pulls away from from the mainline coal chute. Look close and you can see fresh coal piled high in its tender. But the real story here is of an audible nature. The wall of sound the 9086 was making must have been daunting. But this engine had a mere 5 years left to make that noise. According to Don Strack’s UtahRails website the #9086 was “vacated” in the fall of 1955…

1. After feasting on coal UP 4-12-2 # 9086 is just getting underway in Topeka, KS on February 4, 1950.
Photograph by Ray Hilner, courtesy of Art Gibson

Thanks for looking back!
Lance Garrels (santafe199)
Art Gibson (wag216)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/23 01:43 by santafe199.

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What a classic image !  Thanks for posting.  --Kelly

I remember the filth of UP steam power late in the game, as illustrated here.  What I don't know is if, before the FT led diesel revolution, UP steam got a wash every now and then.  
I am grateful that so many individuals took the time, effort, and cash, to capture these previous eras on film.  

AA

Stanford White
Carmel Valley, CA

Reminded me of Howard Fogg’s great sound recording of UP9009 in Nebraska, which I just listened to again (also on Don’s website).

Oliver Barrett

Apparently there is some trackwork to be performed in the near future.  In the foreground sits six kegs of track spikes and the two ribbed metal containers.  I can't make out the wording, but the last word appears it might be CARBIDE.  Would this be likely for use in heating or am I missing a fact?

rrman6 Wrote:
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> Apparently there is some trackwork to be performed
> in the near future.  In the foreground sits six
> kegs of track spikes and the two ribbed metal
> containers.  I can't make out the wording, but
> the last word appears it might be CARBIDE.  Would
> this be likely for use in heating or am I missing
> a fact?
============================
for lanterns?
 

We truly missed railroading at its best. When I look at photos like this, I could never blame the steam fans when they lost interest as diesels took over. Classic shot!

Bill Rettberg
Bel Air, MD

That is a great photo and it even captured the water softening tower and tank in the background. Very Nice.

Bob Krieger
Cheyenne, WY

I would have thought the 3 cylinder engines would have vanished long before 1955 due to the constant maintenance problems of the 3 cylinder gear.  Surprised to see they made it to 1955.

On behalf of the late Mr Hilner thanks for all the nice words, guys. I know he would have appreciated them...

rrman6 Wrote: > ... might be CARBIDE ...
I took a look at the laregr scan and came up with the common industrial name "Union Carbide". But exactly what was in it is beyone me...

Lance/199

  Looks like the 9086 is on a M-KCNP---or a very Advanced M-KCNP.   ;>)
Thanks, Lance

Charlie

Nice shot, Lance!

Randy Lundgren

rrman6 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Apparently there is some trackwork to be performed
> in the near future.  In the foreground sits six
> kegs of track spikes and the two ribbed metal
> containers.  I can't make out the wording, but
> the last word appears it might be CARBIDE.  Would
> this be likely for use in heating or am I missing
> a fact?

Calcium carbide is used to make acetylene, which in turn is used for cutting torches, to cut steel. Acetylene was also used for lights, before electric headlights and classification lights. Acetylene was made by adding water to calcium carbide.

The Common Standards designated a specialized storage building for acetylene.

https://donstrack.smugmug.com/UtahRails/Union-Pacific/CS-Book/i-SZHzfGV/A

Don Strack