(rshsdepot) Topeka, KS

["James Dent" <james.dent_@_itochu.com>]

-From the Topeka, KS Capital-Journal...

Steam train trip set to raise money for Great Overland Station project

By MIKE HALL
The Capital-Journal

Northeast Kansans will get a chance to see the largest operating steam
locomotive pulling a passenger train from Kansas City, Kan. to Topeka on
June 23.

Those willing to pay $125 or more can ride the train.

The event is a fund-raiser for the Great Overland Station project to convert
the former Union Pacific depot into a museum. The day also will include
other festivities in historic North Topeka.

UP's 3985 locomotive will pass through northeast Kansas en route back to its
base in Cheyenne, Wyo., after attending an event in St. Louis for the
National Railroad Historical Society. The train will pass through Kansas
City, Kan., Edwardsville, Bonner Springs, Lawrence, Williamstown, Perry and
Grantville before arriving in Topeka at 11:30 a.m.

The locomotive is a "Challenger" type locomotive with a wheel arrangement of
4-6-6-4, indicating four lead wheels followed by two sets of six big driving
wheels, followed by four more trailing wheels to help support the weight of
the fire box.

Alex Tice, director of community relations for UP, said the engine, built in
1943, is 121 feet long from the front of the engine to the rear of the
tender. It weighs 1 million pounds.

Those purchasing tickets for a ride will be bused to Kansas City that
morning to board the train. Tickets will be $125 for a coach seat -- $75 of
which will be a tax-deductible donation -- or $200 for a dome car seat, $150
of which will be tax deductible. Tickets may be purchased by calling (785)
232-5533. Order forms and other information also are available on the Great
Overland Station's Web site, www.greatoverlandstation.com.

David Jackson, president of North Topeka on the Move and vice president of
the North Topeka Business Alliance, said other activities in the area will
make waiting for the arrival of the train more fun. There will be a street
fair, vintage automobiles and shuttle buses from parking areas.

Inside the Great Overland Station will be displays of railroad memorabilia
contributed for the day by local collectors, according to Larry Wright,
chairman of the event committee. History buffs will be available to talk
about the history of the station.

------------------------------