Union Pacific 1243

Union Pacific 1243
UP No. 1243 on static display at the Durham Museum
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Cooke Locomotive and Machine Works Serial number 2054 Model UP Class T-57 Build date October 1890
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-0  • UIC 2′C n2, later 2′C h2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Adhesive weight 114,000 lb (52,000 kg) Loco weight 148,500 lb (67,400 kg) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 165 lbf/in2 (1,140 kPa) Cylinders 2 Cylinder size 19 in × 24 in (483 mm × 610 mm) Valve gear Stephenson Valve type Slide
Performance figures Tractive effort 21,300 lbf (95 kN) Factor of adh. 5.35
Career Numbers 1477 (1890–1915), 1243 (1915–) Retired 1956 (revenue service) Restored 1990 (cosmetically) Current owner Durham Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Disposition On static display

Union Pacific 1243 is a preserved 4-6-0 "Ten Wheeler" type steam locomotive on display at the Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Built in 1890, No. 1243 is one of the oldest "Ten Wheelers" owned by the Union Pacific Railroad (UP). It is often named the "Harriman Engine" because, along with sister locomotive No. 1242 currently displayed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, it is the only engine owned by the Union Pacific Railroad from the era when E. H. Harriman controlled the Union Pacific.

History

UP No. 1243 was built in 1890 originally as UP No. 1477. It operated on various branch lines of the Union Pacific in Nebraska. It was renumbered 1243 in 1915. From the 1930s until 1956, the No. 1243 operated on the railroad's Encampment Branch in Wyoming. That same year, the No. 1243 was retired from active service.

Following retirement, No. 1243 resided in Rawlins, Wyoming before going to Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 1990, the 1243 was cosmetically restored and transported on a flat car in a special train to Omaha, Nebraska, where it was placed on display at the Durham Museum in October 1996.

UP 1243 is now a static exhibit at the museum, with no plans to restore it to running condition. It currently sits inside the Trish and Dick Davidson Gallery exhibit, along with a variety of other railroad equipment.