The 1974 Preamble ExpressHome1974 Preamble Express Timeline1974 Preamble Express Roster1974 Preamble Express Galleries1974 Preamble Express MemorabiliaForumStoreNewsLinksContact
       
 

Preamble Express
Locomotive #951

The Preamble Express' second locomotive was Union Pacific 951, seen here arriving at Omaha to take over from the 2312 locomotive.

Artist Bob Lorenz designed the paint scheme.

The original plan was to have an E9A and E9B set of locomotives repainted at La Grange, IL and take over on the train in Chicago. The A-B set would also help power the AFT (along with a smaller steam locomotive) in the Northeast during 1976. These plans were abandoned and only one UP locomotive was repainted for the Preamble Express.

Preamble Express E9 951  
 

The 951 locomotive pulled the Preamble Express for the remainder of its 48-state tour. The crew nicknamed it "Snowbird".

Afterwards, it returned to the Union Pacific and retained its Preamble Express colors through the Bicentennial. It was the only UP locomotive painted in connection with the American bicentennial.

Preamble Express E9 951  
 

In August 1977 the engine was repainted UP yellow and was retired in 1980 (with 4,220,669 miles on her wheels -- the equivalent of 170 trips around the earth!). It was a short retirement as the locomotive returned to the active roster in 1984 and continues to serve on the UP's yellow excursion/business trains to this day.

(Yes... that is the editor basking in the afterglow of a cab ride in 951 going around the yard switching UP steam locomotive 844.)

Image: Linda Hinojosa. Cheyenne, WY April 2006

 

Union Pacific 951  
 

951 is seen here in Portland, Oregon at the head of the Union Pacific 150th Anniversary Train.

Image: Lee Bishop, July 2012

Return to Roster...

Union Pacific 951  
       
The 1974 Preamble Express1974 Preamble Express Timeline1974 Preamble Express Roster1974 Preamble Express Galleries1974 Preamble Express MemorabiliaForumStoreNewsLinksContact
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Accuen Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. | The Freedom Train | The American Freedom Train Accuen