Union Pacific #616

UP #616 at the servicing area In Idaho Falls, Idaho on April 24, 1949. Photo courtesy of Don Stark (www.utahrails.net)

History of 616

#616 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907 for the Union Pacific subsidiary, the Oregon Short Line. Originally numbered #1066, it is one of 358 of what became known as "Harriman Common Standard" Consolidations built for the UP and its subsidiaries by Baldwin, Brooks and Schenectady from 1904 to 1910. She was renumbered #616 in 1915 and was leased to the Union Pacific In 1936. In working order, the locomotive and tender weighed 347,850 pounds or approximately 174 tons. The tender carried 14 tons of coal and 7,000 gallons of water. From our research this locomotive spent the majority of its life working in various parts of Idaho. She was donated by Union Pacific to the City of Nampa, ID, in 1958 and is on display in Lakeview Park.

Goals

The goals of TVHRS for Union Pacific 616 are the following:

Cosmetically restore the locomotive to a historically accurate appearance.
Abate the locomotive of it's asbestos boiler insulation.
Perform all restoration work with the intention that the locomotive may be restored to operation at some point in the future.
Improve the display area In Lakeview Park, including a cover to protect the locomotive from the elements.
Host "open houses" so that the public will get the chance to engage with the locomotive up close and personal so that they are able to connect with local history.

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