Return of 618

This 1995 video by Kent E. Brown, Jr., tells the story of Union Pacific 2-8-0 No. 618 from its time on the Oregon Short Line in 1907 to its rebirth by Utah's Heber Valley Railroad in 1995. Featuring historic and contemporary photos by John Shaw, Steven Belmont, W. A Gibson, and others of No. 618 in regular service and in operation on Utah's Heber Creeper. The video is narrated by Ken McConnell, one of the principals in the rebirth of the railroad in 1993. The informative script was written by McConnell, Brown, and Craig Drury, the latter having been involved with the operation of No. 618 since the early 1970s. Video footage shows the first runs of No. 618 in May 1995 after restoration; Fall 1995 runs to Vivian Park (including a UK photo charter); winter operation in December 1995; and a cab ride with engineer Bill Schultz and fireman John Rimmasch.
Thanks to Kent E. Brown, Jr., for this interesting look at at very unique steam locomotive.

[@jacksalvin364]

618 was saved from the scrapyard. Build in 1907 by Baldwin. The Consolidation is been 100 years old in 2007.

[@rogerlollar4325]

Why are they converting her to burn oil

[@rudycarlson8245]

That’s my question as well!

[@rogerlollar4325]

@@rudycarlson8245 and when will she return to service

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@rogerlollar4325 don’t know hopefully soon one thing I read is she was supposed to return last year but couldn’t because of Covid but I don’t know if that’s true but hopefully she returns soon!

[@rogerlollar4325]

@@rudycarlson8245 maybe sometime this year

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@rogerlollar4325 hopefully!

[@rileysanesh9238]

I haven’t went to Utah before when I was little I didn’t go there but now as I’m grown up now I’m thinking of going here because I never got a chance to ride two steam trains nos.618 and 75

[@nicholasmedovich8691]

What’s even more dissapointing they dont have the open air cars made from flat and boxcars anymore. And the old DLW MU coaches. Unknown where they went

[@nicholasmedovich8691]

Be nice if heber valley had a 2-8-2 or GW 51 2-8-0 on their roster

[@rileysanesh5203]

I thought 75 would do the Heber Creeper event too

[@MrJuvefrank]

I'm glad to see engine 618 in Union Pacific paint scheme. Union Pacific is not a "fallen flag;" people say it's been around since Abraham Lincoln was president.

[@ThatUtahRailfan]

that is correct!