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5/10/2025
 
 
 
 
 
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Clean fire
Title:  Clean fire
Description:  The 4014 shows only a little smoke as it approaches Grinell.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/22/2024 7:02:27 AM
Location:  Grinnell, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  183   Comments: 0
Another town, another elevator
Title:  Another town, another elevator
Description:  There was a brief stop at Oakley, where theres a small yard. There was construction downtown, and access was difficult, especially for someone driving a Winnebago, as I was. I took up a position at the west end of town, near a typically tall elevator. The clouds had been building since Grainfield, and now were pretty heavy, making for a dark scene. Theyd clear by the time we got to Sharon Springs.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/24/2024 6:23:48 AM
Location:  Oakley, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  165   Comments: 0
Passing the signal
Title:  Passing the signal
Description:  The 4014 smokes as it passes the signal at the west end of Oakley.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/24/2024 6:28:54 AM
Location:  Oakley, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  149   Comments: 0
Framed
Title:  Framed
Description:  West of Oakley, the tracks follow US 40 closely, making pan shots easy. I took this one out the window of the RV as I passed the head end, framed by my passenger side window. The sun gleams on the engine, the clouds now behind us.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/24/2024 6:36:15 AM
Location:  Winona, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  132   Comments: 0
Wide open
Title:  Wide open
Description:  Now away from the interstate, the line crosses the high plains, and, aside from the road(and the marker for buried cable), is about the only sign of mankind in this remote country
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/24/2024 6:38:54 AM
Location:  Winona, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  160   Comments: 0
Blowin in the wind
Title:  Blowin in the wind
Description:  One of the main features of the high plains is the wind, which was strong, and you feel it constantly, especially in an RV. Its blowing the 4014s smoke as the train passes the signal and a lone cottonwood at McAllaster. Note the lineside pole at far left, with four stripes. UP marks its poles, where they still exist, with up to four stripes, each marking a quarter mile. This one is at a milepost, having four.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/24/2024 6:42:07 AM
Location:  McAllaster, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  148   Comments: 0
Two trees
Title:  Two trees
Description:  The high plains is noted for its lack of trees, though there are oftne many near creeks, where water is more plentiful. A pair of cottonwoods frame the 4014 as it makes its way through the rolling country near Wallace
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/25/2024 6:18:49 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  171   Comments: 0
Through a sag
Title:  Through a sag
Description:  Despite its reputation as being pool table flat, western Kansas is more rolling, however gently. The 4014 rolls through a sag near Wallace. US 40 is adjacent, and much less crowded than its farther east counterparts, largely due to the remoteness of the region. Traffic really thinned out west of Oakley as chasers cut off the effort. It would be a lot less stressful all the way to Kit Carson.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/25/2024 6:21:53 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  180   Comments: 0
Bearing down
Title:  Bearing down
Description:  A tele shot of the train seems to have it charging ahead purposefully as it approaches Wallace, the fireman, ever vigilant, looking forward.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/25/2024 6:23:59 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  201   Comments: 0
Big sky
Title:  Big sky
Description:  One of the things I love about the plains is how the sky seems so expansive. Now that the rain has passed east of us, the sky is becoming that puffy cloud filled blue that is emblematic of the wide open spaces. The 4014 makes its way under the scenic blue dome.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/25/2024 6:28:54 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  187   Comments: 0
Opened up
Title:  Opened up
Description:  A wider view now really opens the sky as the 4014 rolls on, seeming to wade through the grass.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/25/2024 6:33:04 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  150   Comments: 0
Over the rise
Title:  Over the rise
Description:  The train has now passed my position, and is about to top a rise just to the west. Ill catch up to it in a few miles.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/25/2024 6:36:57 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,RollingStock,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  218   Comments: 0
The chase is on
Title:  The chase is on
Description:  The 4014 and train have passed my position, and now its back to the chase on parallel US 40, as you can see by the line of vehicles. Normally, there is nobody out here. You can go 15 minutes without seeing another vehicle. Today, more traffic than Ive ever seen here, and Ive been running this route on and off for 30 years.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:04:36 AM
Location:  Wallace, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  225   Comments: 0
Through the gate
Title:  Through the gate
Description:  The 4014 rolls past an access gate to the right of way, toward Sharon Springs, which is a mile or so to the west.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:08:51 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  153   Comments: 0
Coming on
Title:  Coming on
Description:  I wasnt able to get to a road that crossed the tracks-not familiar with the territory-but was able to get ahead enough for this dark side shot as the train slowed for Sharon Springs.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:18:34 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  176   Comments: 0
Always a crowd
Title:  Always a crowd
Description:  As with every stop along the way, there was a sizeable crowd to greet the trains arrival. Here in Sharon Springs, that was true as well-the population of the town is only 657, almost half of Wallace Countys 1400 or so residents.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:26:28 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  176   Comments: 0
Wouldnt be Kansas without one
Title:  Wouldnt be Kansas without one
Description:  The 4014 poses under the United Plains Ag elevator at Sharon Springs as the crowd checks out the train.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:28:51 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  164   Comments: 0
Tied up
Title:  Tied up
Description:  The crew has gone through the procedures to tie the train up here, and it now poses in front of the elevator, ready for tomorrows leg to Denver.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:32:15 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  194   Comments: 0
On the river
Title:  On the river
Description:  The 4014 crosses the Ellis River, whose water was once used to supply steam power when this was a division point. It had made a public viewing stop here.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/20/2024 6:25:21 AM
Location:  Ellis, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  155   Comments: 0
Close up
Title:  Close up
Description:  The 4014 and passenger equipment now at rest at Sharon Springs yard. It will get underway west around 0900 tomorrow, making a spirited run across the Colorado high plains.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/26/2024 6:34:50 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard,Steam
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  177   Comments: 0
Wider view
Title:  Wider view
Description:  A wider angle shows the steam engine and the back up diesel crossing the Ellis River
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/20/2024 6:33:31 AM
Location:  Ellis, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  168   Comments: 0
Canteens
Title:  Canteens
Description:  Some roads called them cisterns. In todays world with its lack of watering facilities, steam trains need to carry a lot of water, which UP does by adding these two cars to the train, seen here on the Big Creek bridge at Ellis.
Photo Date:  10/20/2024  Upload Date: 12/20/2024 6:35:49 AM
Location:  Ellis, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,RollingStock,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  165   Comments: 0
Ready
Title:  Ready
Description:  The 4014 is ready to start its westbound journey, seen in the glint of early morning sun at Sharon Springs, a bit of sheen from last nights rain making the engine shine.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/27/2024 6:52:16 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Yard,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  258   Comments: 1
Through town
Title:  Through town
Description:  Arapahoe is a very small town. The grain elevators are the most prominent feature, as the town itself is only a couple blocks long. The 4014 approaches the reason for the towns existence as it rolls west.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/27/2024 6:41:58 AM
Location:  Arapahoe, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  218   Comments: 0
Past the elevator
Title:  Past the elevator
Description:  Like just about every town out here, Cheyenne Wells has an elevator, about the only thing here of any consequence. The 4014 rolls past.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 4:53:00 AM
Location:  Cheyenne Wells, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  216   Comments: 0
More sky
Title:  More sky
Description:  The clouds are getting tall behind the train as it rolls along US 40 near Cheyenne Wells.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 4:54:15 AM
Location:  Cheyenne Wells, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  237   Comments: 0
Rolling to a signal
Title:  Rolling to a signal
Description:  There is a siding to the east of Kit Carson, with the typical "traffic light" signal used by the western roads, on each track. This one is guarding the siding as the 4014 approaches. It will make an unannounced stop here.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 4:58:02 AM
Location:  Kit Carson, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  224   Comments: 0
Splitting the boards
Title:  Splitting the boards
Description:  The 4014 splits the home signals at the west end of the siding east of Kit Carson. Note the Colorado flag on the pilot.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:01:07 AM
Location:  Kit Carson, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  224   Comments: 0
Heading to a stop
Title:  Heading to a stop
Description:  The 4014 and train are clearing the siding switch westbound home signal at Kit Carson, and heading under the US 40/287 overpass, about to stop for a public viewing in town.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:13:02 AM
Location:  Kit Carson, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  289   Comments: 0
Flying the flags
Title:  Flying the flags
Description:  The Colorado and American flags adorn the 4014s pilot.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:15:40 AM
Location:  Kit Carson, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Steam
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  205   Comments: 0
Under a cloud
Title:  Under a cloud
Description:  The 4014 gets underway after its public stop in Kit Carson as the clouds move in. The shadows will be temporary, as the sun will be back in charge at the next stop in Hugo, 45 miles on.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:22:01 AM
Location:  Kit Carson, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  214   Comments: 0
Smoke and mirrors
Title:  Smoke and mirrors
Description:  Well, lots of smoke, but no mirrors. The 4014 arrives at Hugo, where the train will make a 30 minute public stop. Dont know the reason for the smoke screen. There would be a similar display upon the trains departure.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:27:55 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  199   Comments: 0
Panoramic scene
Title:  Panoramic scene
Description:  The 4014 rolls west under the US 40 overpass about five miles west of Sharon Springs, one of the few places allowing such a view. Sharon Springs is in the distance.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/27/2024 6:09:27 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  218   Comments: 0
On display
Title:  On display
Description:  The locals arrive to see the train, coming from all around.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:29:36 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  241   Comments: 0
The crowd gathers
Title:  The crowd gathers
Description:  Seems like just about everyone in town came out for the 4014, in a town that shows 742 population.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:43:56 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  227   Comments: 0
Blowing off
Title:  Blowing off
Description:  The steam pressure has raised the pops as the 4014 is ready to move. It will blow this town shortly.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:46:17 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  222   Comments: 0
Smokin it one more time
Title:  Smokin it one more time
Description:  The 4014 lays down a pall as it gets ready to go
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:51:55 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  208   Comments: 0
Colorful
Title:  Colorful
Description:  There arent many trees out here in the high plains, but there were a few here at Hugo, and in color yet. I was able to get the engine passing a couple of bright trees as it departed.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 5:58:03 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  239   Comments: 0
Laying it down
Title:  Laying it down
Description:  The 4014 lays down a plume of smoke as it picks up speed.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:03:12 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  217   Comments: 0
4-8...
Title:  4-8...
Description:  The lead engine of the 4014 crosses in front of me as it gets out of town.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:04:31 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  203   Comments: 0
A little more color
Title:  A little more color
Description:  Theres just a hint of color in the cottonwoods as the 4014 rolls away toward Limon
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:07:09 AM
Location:  Hugo, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  320   Comments: 0
Out of the trees
Title:  Out of the trees
Description:  I bypassed downtown Limon-its kind of a pest to get in and out of, and the tracks are on the back side of town, away from the highway-this is where US 40 rejoins I 70 to head into Denver, along with US 287 up from Amarillo-and I knew Id lose time against the train there, where there was no public stop. A few miles west, I found a side road with some trees, and caught the train rolling out from behind the ubiquitous cottonwood
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:13:28 AM
Location:  Limon, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  221   Comments: 0
The whole shebang
Title:  The whole shebang
Description:  The entire train is seen at this spot a few miles west of my last photo, still only a few miles west of Limon, its four passenger cars, 11 freight and a caboose in tow. At this point, the line has gained over 2000 feet in elevation since leaving Sharon Springs.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:17:31 AM
Location:  Limon, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  235   Comments: 0
Caboose west
Title:  Caboose west
Description:  A quick run to the other side of the road yielded this shot of the trains caboose going away, framed by the chain link fence atop the concrete guard rail.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/27/2024 6:12:01 AM
Location:  Sharon Springs, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,RollingStock,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4)
Views:  279   Comments: 0
Hay in the field
Title:  Hay in the field
Description:  They dont grow much out here, and what they do grow is mostly irrigated. This part of Colorado is on the western edge of the Oglalla Aquifer, which waters most of the area from north to south, between the Missouri River and the Rockies. Hay, however, is grass, which grows here naturally, a good fit for the semi arid climate-about 14" of rain annually-and is seen where there isnt grazing. A small section of hay bales greets the train near Agate.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:23:55 AM
Location:  Agate, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  228   Comments: 0
More train, less hay
Title:  More train, less hay
Description:  A wider view of the 4014 and train at Agate. As always in this part of the country, an elevator is in the distance.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:27:11 AM
Location:  Agate, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  236   Comments: 0
Colorful cottonwood
Title:  Colorful cottonwood
Description:  The cottonwood is a common tree here. It usually grows where there is underground water, a creek or pond. The leaves turn yellow in the fall, making for a good photo prop.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/28/2024 6:31:10 AM
Location:  Deer Trail, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  222   Comments: 0
More colot
Title:  More colot
Description:  The 4014 passes two cottonwoods, displaying their fall color
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/29/2024 5:17:02 AM
Location:  Deer Trail, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  245   Comments: 0
Just the engine
Title:  Just the engine
Description:  A close up of the 4014 as it passes through Deer Trail
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/29/2024 5:23:26 AM
Location:  Deer Trail, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  253   Comments: 0
More color
Title:  More color
Description:  The 4014 rolls past a few more cottonwoods, and a silo. The town here is on the other side of the tracks.
Photo Date:  10/21/2024  Upload Date: 12/29/2024 5:26:43 AM
Location:  Deer Trail, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  UP 4014(4-8-8-4) UP 9625(C44-9W)
Views:  234   Comments: 0


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