p51 posted:I assume UP deeply regretted putting 4023 (the only survivor of the 1944 order) up the hill in Omaha once they decided they might want one running again.
No, they didn't! Previously, long prior to the 4023 being moved to its current location "up on the hill", Steve Lee made a personal proposal to CEO Dick Davidson, to allow the towing of 4023 to Cheyenne for full restoration. Mr. Davidson actually agreed! During the process of obtaining a waver from the FRA to tow the 4023 without working air brakes, sandwiched between two big diesel units in DPU. The FRA agreed, and the project moved forward to have the Steam Crew Support equipment moved to Omaha, where necessary work could begin on 4023. At the last minute, some lower level executives found out about "the plan", and quickly went to CEO Davidson to talk him out of the whole project. Thus, Mr. Davidson back-peddled and decided against the project to return 4023 to active service.
Later, 4023 was placed "up on the hill"!
I have Ron Ziel's "Twilight of Steam Locomotives" book where it shows her sitting next to 3985 inside a roundhouse and noting both had recently been shopped before putting them both inside. Then again, they'd have had to take any BB apart for the rebuild, no matter which one. But UP still owned it in recent years as I understand and when it was down at the shops, it would have been such an easier move to get her to Cheyenne...
See above information.
