Union Pacific Water Car - Nos. 812 & 814

December 16, 2005

Wasatch Railroad Contractors is currently removing the outer skin from the one of two Union Pacific excursion tenders.

The tenders, which were converted from old 800-series tenders, are being restored to a more orginal look. Upon retirement from steam lcomotive service, the tenders were modified to hold Bunker C fuel and equipped with fuel heaters to keep the fuel warm.

All of these heaters and "turbine" modifications will be removed to increase the water capacity of the tenders by 3,000 gallons. In steam terms, this amount of water equals some 30 miles of water for the 3985 and some 60 miles for the 844. All work is happening on-site at the Union Pacific shops in Cheyenne, WY. Photos below show the tender before work began in early December, and work in progress. All photos by Brent Milota.

A beautiful profile view of Water Car No. 814 shortly before work begins. The appearance of the car has not changed much since its retirement from "Big Blow" service.	The primary purpose of bringing the car into the shop is to remove all the fuel oil heating equipment used to operate the gas turbine locomotives.
With the painted jacketing removed, the tender body itself is washed thoroughly and prepared for cosmetic body work. John Rimmasch takes a turn with the fire hose while Matt Janssen stands clear, avoiding a cold shower.	Another view of the tender wash-down in front of the U.P. steam locomotive shop. Wait. . . What's that stencled on the side?
Looking closer, we see some older lettering that hasn't seen the light of day in quite a while. . . Possibly over 50 years!