Union Pacific 8444: The Greyhound Legend DVD by Berkshire Productions, and presented by Yard Goat Images. 

Built in Schenectady, New York by the American Locomotive Company, 8444 was originally numbered 844 when placed into service in 1944. As the last new steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific Railroad, 844 was renumbered in 1962 to 8444 to make room on the locomotive roster for the UP’s new GP30 diesel, number 844.

Originally built as a coal burner, the “800” class Northern was converted to oil in 1945. She was one of forty-five 4-8-4’s used in regular passenger service and she pulled many of the Union Pacific’s name trains.

8444 was last in regular service in 1958, but unlike her sisters, she never retired to an early grave. For 30 years, she has been making special appearances in fan trip service and as a goodwill ambassador for the Union Pacific Railroad.

In the spring of 1989, 8444 set out on her busiest season in years. Kicking off the schedule was a special fund-raising dinner train originating in Omaha, Nebraska. Based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, 8444 would pull freight across Nebraska on her journey to Omaha. Included was the longest and heaviest freight train she had pulled since 1960.

Follow this 90-mile per hour thoroughbred as she gallops of Omaha and back. Both freight and passenger car consists, 65-mile per hour pacing, and plenty of trackside action make “8444-The Greyhound Legend” an exciting video for your collection.

53 minutes