Cape residents travel to Poplar Bluff on steam train

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Select local residents had a chance to take a unique trip to by steam train on Monday.

The 844 is the last steam train ever built by Union Pacific. The train stopped in Cape Girardeau on Sunday and continued on its journey to Wyoming the following day.

But it picked up a few locals for a ride to Poplar Bluff folks like Jamie Burger of Scott County.

“I just think seeing all the countryside and kind of put a, in relation to the railroad tracks some of the small communities you don’t get to go by on the highway. I thought it was pretty neat,” Burger said.

The Union Pacific did not sell tickets for the ride to Poplar Bluff. Rather, tickets were awards through a social media campaign.

Cara Wilson, KRCU

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Union Pacific steam train stops in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Union Pacific Railroad’s steam locomotive number 844 made an appearance in Cape Girardeau Sunday.

The train and its engineers were met with welcoming words from Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger.

Union Pacific’s last steam powered train attracted both enthusiasts and families. Kerrie Waggener and her children came out to see the railroad’s “living legend” because trains are part of their family history.

"I was raised from a train family," Waggener said. "My father worked on Union Pacific as a conductor. So it’s always been important to us. Braydon, he’s always enjoyed trains from Thomas the train all the way up."

The 844 will continue on to its Little Rock destination today.

Cara Wilson, KRCU

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