The Union Pacific water tenders have a diverse history of operating service. Initially they were built as first-series, 800-class tenders. Upon retirement from steam locomotive service, the tenders were modified to hold Bunker C fuel for Gas-Turbine Electric locomotives and equipped with fuel heaters to keep the fuel warm. The UP Steam department has had them for some years now, however their configuration as fuel-oil cars was not very efficient for water tender service.
All of these heaters and “turbine” modifications were removed to increase the water capacity of the tender by 3,000 gallons. In steam terms, this amount of water equals some 30 miles of water for the 3985 and some 60 miles for the 844. All work took place on-site at the Union Pacific shops in Cheyenne, WY. Photos below show the tender before work began in early December 2005, and work at it progressed thereafter.
After the completion of body work, preparations began for the paint scheme and graphics, including lettering and numbering the car. The tape marks and temporary decals were positioned to allow a WRC graphic designer to construct mock-up drawings for various decal arrangements. A final design was approved, and the car finished accordingly.
The livery of the car is designed to match the rest of the heritage fleet, Union Pacific’s collection of streamlined passenger coaches used on excursions.
Water Car No. 814 was first operated with No. 844 for the 2006 Frontier Days excursion from Cheyenne to Denver and return. The car is now complete with ladders, handrails, decals, and paint. As seen in the photos, the car has UPP reporting marks, and is named “Joe Jordan”. Joe Jordan was the last Union Pacific steam pipe fitter who retired from the steam shop in 1993.
With this car complete, the capacity has been increased to 28,000 gallons. The removal of unused fuel-oil equipment also allowed the car to be re-plumbed in such a way that the car can be completely drained and the water fully utilized.
