Steam locomotive rolls into Grand Island

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by Jordan Shefte

Story Created: Mar 23, 2012 at 4:44 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 23, 2012 at 5:40 PM CDT

A rare sight went rolling through Grand Island Friday afternoon. To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Union Pacific Railroad, Steam Locomotive number 844 made a stop in town.

That particular locomotive was the last ever steam locomotive built for U.P. and was never retired for service.

People of all ages lined the tracks for their opportunity to see a piece of working history.

"It bridges generations, both young and old, because there are those that remember when steam engines used to operate, they always come out and reminisce, and those that are younger have never seen a steam locomotive in operation so it's always a fascination for them also," said Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis. "Whenever you went anywhere you had to get on a train, and then I had to catch a train when I went in the service to go clear to San Diego."

The locomotive is transferring battle re-enactors to the site of the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee.

If you missed the locomotive this time you'll have another chance. it will be on display at the Nebraska State Fair this summer.

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