The Locomotives of Union Station: A Journey Through Ogden’s Rail History

Step Back in Time and Explore the Engines That Defined Ogden’s Railway Legacy

Walking through Union Station in Ogden, Utah, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with towering giants of history—the locomotives that helped shape Ogden as a railway hub. These mechanical marvels are more than just trains; they are pieces of history, each telling a unique story tied to the Ogden Railway Depot and the role it played in connecting the American West. Let’s take a journey through some of the iconic locomotives at Ogden’s Union Station.

Union Pacific Steam Locomotive #833: A Speeding Legend

This 1939 steam engine, part of the “Northerns” class, is a fan favorite for rail enthusiasts. Known for its ability to haul high-speed passenger trains and fast freight, the #833 could reach speeds up to 110 mph! Towering 6.5 feet with 80-inch driving wheels, this locomotive is a prime example of Ogden’s rich railroad history. Once responsible for pulling mail and high-priority freight through Utah, the #833 now rests at Union Station, offering visitors a glimpse into Ogden’s past.

: Union Pacific Steam Locomotive #833 at Ogden’s Union Station | My Local Utah

: Experience a piece of history in Ogden with the legendary #833 steam engine.

: Standing tall at Union Station, #833 tells the story of Utah’s golden era of rail.

: Visitors can marvel at Union Pacific #833, a symbol of Ogden’s railway legacy, at Union Station.

: Union Pacific Steam Locomotive #833 at Ogden’s Union Station | My Local Utah

: Experience a piece of history in Ogden with the legendary #833 steam engine.

: Standing tall at Union Station, #833 tells the story of Utah’s golden era of rail.

: Visitors can marvel at Union Pacific #833, a symbol of Ogden’s railway legacy, at Union Station.

Utah Central #1237: A Local Restoration Project

The Utah Central Railway, a short-line service for the Ogden area, contributes its own piece to the Union Station collection with the #1237, a small yet mighty switch engine. Though it sat idle for years, this locomotive is now being restored by the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society.

: Image showing the Utah Central #1237 locomotive undergoing restoration, as a team of railway enthusiasts works to preserve its historic significance at Ogden’s Union Station.

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: Utah Central #1237 Display at Union Station

: The Utah Central #1237 locomotive, preserved at Ogden Union Station, reminds visitors of the vital role the railroad played in shaping the local community. Learn about Ogden’s history on My Local Utah.

: Image showing the Utah Central #1237 locomotive undergoing restoration, as a team of railway enthusiasts works to preserve its historic significance at Ogden’s Union Station.

: #image_title

: The Utah Central #1237 locomotive, preserved at Ogden Union Station, reminds visitors of the vital role the railroad played in shaping the local community. Learn about Ogden’s history on My Local Utah.

: Utah Central #1237 Display at Union Station

U.S. Army Locomotive #1216: Wartime Hero

Built between 1940 and 1956, this 44-ton switch engine served at the Tooele Army Depot, putting together military trains. Small but powerful, it was designed to fit onto cargo ships during wartime and operated with minimal crew. Engineered to operate with just one person, #1216 is a fascinating piece of military rail history.

: Ogden’s Union Station proudly displays U.S. Army #1216, a piece of military rail history.

: The side of #1216 reveals its streamlined shape, built for transporting supplies and troops efficiently during wartime

: Explore U.S. Army #1216 at Union Station, a symbol of wartime rail service.

: Ogden’s Union Station proudly displays U.S. Army #1216, a piece of military rail history.

: Explore U.S. Army #1216 at Union Station, a symbol of wartime rail service.

: Ogden’s Union Station proudly displays U.S. Army #1216, a piece of military rail history.

: Ogden’s Union Station proudly displays U.S. Army #1216, a piece of military rail history.

: The side of #1216 reveals its streamlined shape, built for transporting supplies and troops efficiently during wartime

Union Pacific Super Turbine #26: The “Big Blow”

Nicknamed the “Big Blow” for its jet engine-like roar, this 1961 gas turbine-electric locomotive could blast exhaust at 150 mph at a temperature of 850 degrees Fahrenheit and reach horsepower levels of up to 11,000 on cold Wyoming days! If one of these Big Blows ended up under an overpass, the heat would melt the asphalt.

These big locomotives used fuel at twice the rate of diesel engines. Running idle, they used 80 percent of what was normally used at operating speeds. One of these locomotives, according to GE, could pull up to 750 freight cars if the couplers could handle such a strain. Running from Ogden to California, this locomotive is a testament to Union Pacific’s pursuit of speed and power.

: Visitors can explore the giant Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 at Ogden’s Union Station.

: Visitors can explore the giant Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 at Ogden’s Union Station.

: Visitors can explore the giant Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 at Ogden’s Union Station.

: Uncover the History of Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 in Ogden, Utah.

: Visitors can explore the giant Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 at Ogden’s Union Station.

: Visitors can explore the giant Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 at Ogden’s Union Station.

: Visitors can explore the giant Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 at Ogden’s Union Station.

: Uncover the History of Union Pacific Super Turbine #26 in Ogden, Utah.

Union Pacific DDA40X #6916: A Centennial Giant

Union Pacific had a reputation for using large and powerful steam locomotives. In 1941, they began using the largest of them all, the Big Boy, to carry freight over the Rocky Mountains. This reputation continued into the diesel era with the most powerful locomotives available.

Built-in 1969 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the DDA40X Centennial is the world’s most powerful diesel locomotive, boasting a jaw-dropping 6,600 horsepower. This engine ran millions of miles in its heyday, embodying the pioneering spirit of Ogden, Utah. With its connection to the Golden Spike, Ogden’s Union Station is fortunate to have #6916 on display. It is one of 13 Centennials available to see. Centennial no. 6936 is still in operation and based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Rio Grande #5371 – The Tunnel Motor Diesel

The SD40T-2 is a diesel-electric locomotive known as the “Tunnel Motor Diesel,” and Rio Grande purchased 73 of the 312 built in 1975. Nicknamed tunnel motors for their ability to better cool engines in mountainous areas, this particular model (#5371) served heavy coal and fast freight trains between Ogden and Denver. What sets this engine apart from its cousin, the SD40-2, is its lower-positioned radiator air intakes at the back of the locomotive, a cooling design that helped prevent overheating in tunnels and snowsheds.

In this diesel-electric engine, a diesel motor drives an electrical DC generator (or AC alternator), which powers the traction motors responsible for driving the locomotive. This innovation allowed #5371 to excel in long hauls, eventually retiring in 2008 after serving at Helper, Utah, where it assisted on local and helper duty.

: Ogden Utah’s Rail Museum – Union Station.

: See the Rio Grande train’s passenger cars on display at Ogden Union Station, where visitors can immerse themselves in Utah’s transportation past. Find more adventures in Ogden with My Local Utah.

: The restored Rio Grande train stands proudly displayed at Ogden Union Station, offering a glimpse into the golden age of railroads. Learn more about local historical sites with My Local Utah.

: The restored Rio Grande train stands proudly sits at Ogden Union Station, offering a glimpse into the golden age of railroads. Learn more about local historical sites with My Local Utah.

: Ogden Utah’s Rail Museum – Union Station.

: The restored Rio Grande train stands proudly displayed at Ogden Union Station, offering a glimpse into the golden age of railroads. Learn more about local historical sites with My Local Utah.

: See the Rio Grande train’s passenger cars on display at Ogden Union Station, where visitors can immerse themselves in Utah’s transportation past. Find more adventures in Ogden with My Local Utah.

: The restored Rio Grande train stands proudly sits at Ogden Union Station, offering a glimpse into the golden age of railroads. Learn more about local historical sites with My Local Utah.

Union Pacific Caboose #25766

Remember watching freight trains as a kid and waiting for the caboose to pass by? It was always the final moment of excitement. This caboose held the train’s crew, who managed everything from load-shifting to equipment and axle checks. It served as the conductor’s office and even included sleeping quarters on longer routes. However, cabooses were fragile, especially the older wooden ones. Between 1930 and 1941, over 200 wooden cabooses were retired, often due to wreck damage.

By the 1940s, more efficient locomotives and changes in rail operations reduced the need for cabooses. The introduction of steel cabooses in 1942 marked the decline of their wooden predecessors, and eventually, technological advances made cabooses obsolete. Today, cabooses have been replaced by FRED (flashing rear-end devices), which provide essential communication to engineers, rendering the beloved caboose a relic of railway history.

Discover Ogden’s Railway Legacy

Union Station in Ogden is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring the city’s rich railway history and vibrant culture. Beyond the Railway Museum, visitors can dive into the Utah State Railroad Museum, John M. Browning Firearms Museum, or Carriage House Museum. The building itself is a historical landmark, offering insight into Utah’s rich transportation history.

Whether you’re here for the legendary locomotives or simply looking to enjoy all that Ogden, Utah has to offer, you’ll find no shortage of exciting activities. From the historic engines at Union Station to the nearby galleries, shops, and dining options, Ogden is your gateway to discovering Utah’s past and present.

Things to Do Near Union Station

While you’re exploring the locomotives, don’t miss out on other Ogden attractions. Check out Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, filled with charming shops, galleries, and delicious local eateries. History and great eats make for a perfect pairing! If you’re into history, take a short drive to Fort Buenaventura, where you can explore the site of the first permanent Anglo settlement in Utah.

For nature lovers, venture to the nearby Eccles Dinosaur Park or take a scenic walk along the Ogden River Parkway—there’s no shortage of things to do in Ogden! Antelope Island State Park is also just a scenic drive away, offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and incredible views.

For art lovers, you can head to The Monarch, a creative hub that brings together Ogden’s vibrant arts community. The Monarch hosts local artists, events, and workshops. If you’re in the mood for more, explore Gallery 25 and the Local Artisan Collective, both packed with one-of-a-kind works from Utah artists.

Dining Near Union Station

When hunger strikes, Ogden’s downtown is a foodie’s paradise. Try the local brews at Roosters Brewing Co., grab gourmet burgers at Slackwater Pub, enjoy farm-to-table dishes at Table Twenty-Five, or enjoy some fresh pastries at Great Harvest Bread Co. There’s something for everyone in Ogden.

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