Happy 50th anniversary, the Golden Spike Centennial Limited
Last edited Thu May 9, 2019, 02:11 PM - Edit history (2)
DU could use a group for train enthusiasts. This is what had railfans worked up fifty years ago.
For background, see this:
Steam & Excursion > NKP 759, August 17, is the 50th Anniversary of Lite-off
Fifty years ago, a train enthusiast with money thought the way to celebrate the 100 anniversary of the completion of a rail line from Omaha to Sacramento was to run a train from New York City out to Utah: the Golden Spike Centennial Limited.
The 1969 Golden Spike Centennial Limited
Timeline for High Iron Company Excursions, including the 1969 Golden Spike Centennial Limited
On May 8, 1969, it ran from Denver to Salt Lake City. Boarding in the afternoon was John Wayne, who rode the train to Salt Lake City. The next day, the 1969 version of True Grit had its world premiere.
A train enthusiast named Mike Eagleson came up with the most brilliant idea ever for a photograph of the Golden Spike Centennial Limited. He talked Island Airlines into sending one of their Ford Tri-Motors, still in regular service back then, down to central Ohio to fly over the GSCL. Then, from another aircraft or helicopter, he took a picture of the Tri-Motor and the GSCL as it made its way west, on My 6, 1969.
I don't think this can be topped:
Additional Details:
A sight that will most likely never be repeated is this Mike Eagleson view of High Iron Company's leased Berkshire 2-8-4 Number 759 leading the infamous Golden Spike Centennial Limited on May 6, 1969. Keeping pace with the ex-Nickel Plate Road 5-2 (owned by Steamtown, U.S.A.) over Ohio is an Island Airline 1928 Ford Tri-Motor
by Mike Condren
In celebration of the centennial of the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory, UT on May 10, 1869, a special train was run from New York City to Ogden, UT. On the return trip to New York City, the train traveled across the State of Missouri with a scheduled stop at Moberly.
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May 14, 1969
I drove to Moberly, MO to catch the American Railroads train returning from the Golden Spike Centenial in Utah. I chased the train from there to St. Louis.
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That's an ex-Pennsy obs.
Pole line.... Railway Express Agency truck.... All gone.
= new reply since forum marked as read
22 hrs ago
The world's only operating Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 along with Living Legend No. 844 arrive in Ogden on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, just days before the 150th anniversary celebration of the completion of the transcontinental railroad.
By Ramsey Scott Wyoming Tribune Eagle May 5, 2019