Margaret(SP fan) wrote:

< I think that the reason the UP does not allow "foreign"
steam locomotives on its railroad is because doing
so would greatly dilute and lessen the impact of their
own locomotives.>

Margaret, first, thanks for the kind words. I only slightly disagree with the reason you offered as being the PRIMARY reason. I think what you offer is valid, but is secondary to risk management relating to "projects" not supervised by them. It is my hope that UP recognizes that they are composed of other railroads with significant histories and legions of admirers, including yourself as your handle states. The comment about UP having influence is also a good one, but that can only happen if they get involved with the groups, and that the groups realize that UP rightfully needs to be recognized and appreciated publicly for their steam operations. To me, it would be valid and appropriate for any SP heritage group to be willing to also fly a UP herald on their maintenance building to that end. We SP fans can't live completely in the past, as that day is gone. I won't beat around the bush, the CSRM CP shops would make an excellent place for this. It could be turned into the premier remanufacturing facility for all steam west of the Mississipi. I won't back away from the notion that any locomotives UP would (might, maybe)allow will have to pass deep muster with UP's steam ops group. With a first rate, modern technology facility, even UP could get benefits of hi-tech maintenance of their own steam. I simply hope that UP will see that SP, SSW, WP, MP locomotives ARE NOT foreign power. They represent the history of UP just as much as the core company. The others are just simply assimilated and no longer visible. Another positive contribution would be improved behavior of "fans" on or around RR property, especially during steam operations. I openly thank UP for their steam program.