| Owner: | Union Pacific | Number: | UPY 896 |
| Built: | Dec. 2007 | Serial Number: | 1RPBDB20875000187 |
| Genset History: | UPY 896 (2008-present) | Converted at: | CAD, Lachine, QB |
| Donor Unit: | Railpower (RPRX) 4298 (EMD SD40-2) | Built: | July 1979 |
| Build No.: | 786182-7 | Frame No.: | |
| Unit History: | Missouri Pacific (MP) 3298 (To UP merger) | ||
| Union Pacific (UP) 4298 (converted to B) | |||
| UPB 4298 (Ret. 2001, poss. to NRE) | |||
| RPRX 4298 (conv. to RP20CD at CAD) |
|
|
| Notes: | |
A |
UP's first order for four RP20CD locomoitves was announced by Railpower in a Sept. 12, 2007 press release. The units will go into service in Roseville according to other sources, and will be classed as RP20SD by UP. |
B |
Core unit numbers for the first four units was provided by Railpower in mid-Jan. 2008. According to Railpower, the group includes former UP SD40-2's UP 3728 (UPY 896), UP 7891 (UPY 897), UP 7916 (UPY 898) and UP 3635 (UPY 899). |
C |
According to initial reports, the core unit for UPY 896 is UP 3728, built Feb. 1980 and carrying the same number until retirement. Builder's number 796297-70. That doesn't appear to be correct, though. Shop reports have the unit as RPRX 4298, former UPB 4298. That unit, stripped of its engine and components, shipped to CAD in July 2007. Later reports, frame comparisons, and builder's plate data support the 4298. |
D |
Previous unit data from Don Strack's UP rosters. (http://www.utahrails.net/all-time/modern-index.php). |
E |
During its rebuild, UPY 896 was photographed at CAD in Dec. 2007 by Marc Chouinard as part of a complete tour of the plant posted as a special report on Canadian Railway Observations. Click the link to read the tour report, which includes several items relevant to Railpower. |
F |
UPY 896 was released from CAD in early March 2008. It was photographed headed south through Smiths Falls, ON on Canadian Pacific train 235 at about 1230 local time. 896 is supposed to be joined by a second unit (897?) for shakedowns at Proviso yard. |
G |
Builder's plate information verified by Ken Larson. Frame check should be forthcoming soon as well. |
H |
In mid-May 2008, UPY 896 was part of an officer's special train to Sacramento. The unit was displayed at the California State Railroad Museum for several days before traveling back to Roseville. The event was covered in a UP press release found here, and a Railpower press release. |
| Photos: | |
 |
A cab close-up of UPY 896 at Proviso Yard in IL. Photo by Ken Larson. March 11, 2008. Click to enlarge. |
 |
Ken Larson sends us this shot of UPY 896 at Proviso Yard in IL. March 11, 2008. Click to enlarge. |
 |
Another shot of the UPY 896 headed through Smiths Falls, ON on March 5, 2008. Photo by Bob Heathorn. Click to enlarge. |
 |
Marc Caya shot RPRX lettered ex-UPB 4298 prior to conversion as UP Y 896. Aug. 30, 2007. Click to enlarge. |
For corrections, questions or to contribute photos, please e-mail me at: potb101@aim.com. Thanks!
Back to the RP20CD Rosters or click here to go back to the home page.
