After a six-year “nap,” the Union Pacific’s steam locomotive No. 844 reawakens on July 23 for the 14th annual ride of the Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days Train.
Tickets for the train go on sale Sunday. Details will appear in a full-page ad in The Sunday Denver Post and online at www.cfdtrain.com starting Saturday. Another sellout is anticipated.
The trip will mark 844’s first public excursion since it was put into the UP’s steam shop for a complete overhaul in July 1999. It last pulled the Post special to Cheyenne in 1998.
Built in 1944, 844 was the last steam locomotive delivered to the UP, which used the 454-ton engine to pull the Overland Limited, Portland Rose and other famed passenger trains. In its prime, it was capable of traveling more than 100 mph.
The Post train began its annual treks in 1908 and ran annually until 1970 when rising costs and a lack of passenger equipment brought it to an end.
Now an annual rite of summer, the train was revived in 1992 to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the newspaper. Since then, almost 10,000 celebrants have ridden it back to the rodeo days of the Old West.
Notables who have ridden during the train’s history include then-Vice President Lyndon Johnson, presidential candidate Wendell Wilkie, former Gov. Roy Romer and Mayor John Hickenlooper.
Passengers have a full day of activities, including the Frontier Days parade through downtown Cheyenne, a catered private barbecue at the rodeo grounds, the 109th “Daddy of ’em All” rodeo, a light breakfast and supper on the train and a souvenir of the day.
And they can dance in the baggage car to the bluegrass/swing music of Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams.
Ticket prices, other information are available by calling 303-820-1904 or at www.cfdtrain.com.
