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Thebes Bridge

Something a little different

Friday, January 07, 2011
Now's a good time to take a break from worrying about Ugly Concrete Eyesore Bridges and enjoy something different. As part of a clever marketing gimmick, Union Pacific will be taking one of their steam locomotives on an excursion following a route selected by voters.

Right now the "Tuscola Turn" route around Chicago is in first place, but I'm rather partial to the "Little Rock Express" which will likely feature a crossing of the Mississippi River on the Thebes Bridge. In 2004, the UP "Challenger" steam locomotive came to Thebes, and it was quite a sight.

It looks like all four possible routes would feature photo opps of the locomotive crossing historic bridges. So be sure to vote early and vote often for your favorite route (hint: Little Rock Express).

Update Jan. 16: With just two days left, the voting is neck-and-neck between the "Little Rock Express" and "Tuscola Turn" routes.

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Comments  (5)

Something a little different
Posted January 18, 2011, by David Backlin (us71 [at] cox [dot] net)

Little Rock Express wins!

http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/heritage_and_steam/2011/0118_excursion.shtml

Something a little different
Posted January 10, 2011, by John O (bigtex144 [at] yahoo [dot] com)

I forgot to say too...

If the Little Rock Express wins, and the map of the route is remotely accurate, I think a crossing of the MacArthur Bridge is likely too. Being one of my all time favorite bridges, I'd love to see that in person sometime as well. :)

Something a little different
Posted January 8, 2011, by Todd D. Walker (mrwalk08 [at] aol [dot] com)

I agree. This is a brand new year. Enough said about UCEB's, and squabbling about them, or the submitting of them onto this site. Historic bridges is the purpose of this site. I like the steam train theme paired with a beautiful railroad truss like the Thebes bridge. More "better news" like this would make things much nicer.

Something a little different
Posted January 8, 2011, by John Oechsner (bigtex144 [at] yahoo [dot] com)

Nice to see the shout out on your page. That is a magnificent picture of 3985 on the Thebes too, I love it. If there is one thing I love more than bridges, it's trains. So naturally, the best way is just to combine my love of both. :)

Oh, and I agree, Little Rock Express is where it's at :D