Nudge Wrote:
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> Well, going back to the "Start" of the 4449, there
> were problems. The SP dragged their feet, not
> wanting a steam engine on their tracks. ALSO, when
> the SP donated the 49 to the City Of Portland, the
> agreement said that the engine could never be used
> again. Or something to that effect.
>
> SP would not move. Welllll, a very large shipper
> (GM?) had a talk with the City. All of a sudden,
> the 49 was welcomed with open arms. After the AFT,
> I think there were problems again. Maybe someone
> else in the know would comment.
>
> Since then everything was fine until UP took over
> and they put a stop to it on their rails.
>
>
> Nudge

To be perfectly clear, the SP 4449 "organization" has never, I repeat NEVER, asked ANYONE on the UP, for permission to operate on their lines!!!!!! In fact, the UP inquired about having SP 4449 come to Roseville, for the "grand opening & dedication" of the new Jerry Rice Yard in Roseville (1999). As the details were being worked out, delays were encountered in the completion of the new yard, and since Railfair '99 was approved, the UP simply sent the doubleheader 844/3985 out to Roseville, slightly in advance of "Railfair '99". Thus the big dedication event was conducted with 844 hauling a board of directors special from Sacramento, and coming nose-to-nose with 3985, at the yard dedication site.

SP 4449 subsequently was brought to "Railfair '99" by BNSF.