Ames Historical Society Announces the Ames Whistle Stop of the 844

Thursday, August 30, 2012

On Sunday, September 9, in celebration of the Union Pacific Railroad’s 150th Anniversary, the Union Pacific (UP) will roll into Ames, IA with Steam Locomotive No. 844.

It was the last steam locomotive built for the UP. This “living legend” will be on display from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the north-south track at 20th Street and Ridgewood Avenue, Ames, Iowa.

No. 844 will be pulling “The Promontory”, a 1962-vintage baggage car transformed into a state-of-the-art traveling museum, featuring 13 large, dramatic graphics and the latest in interactive touch video screen technology, immersing visitors in the railroad’s 150th history. A souvenir car will feature commemorative items.

This is a free, family-friendly event.

Constructed in 1944, the No. 844 weighs 454 tons and is 114 feet long.

The Whistle Stop is sponsored at the request of Ames Historical Society and in conjunction with their exhibition, Rail Reality: How the Trains Made Ames on view at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas, Ames, through October 28.

For more information, visit www.upsteam.com.

Contributed by: Ames Historical Society

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