This painting celebrates two of the most famous steam engines in the world: Union Pacific Railroad's Challenger 3985  and Northern 844.  Two giants of steam are passing each other at a location known as the "Curvo Cross-over".  This cross-over is located at the top end of the Echo Canyon in Utah.  We are viewing the two engines around 1950 and  serving the Union Pacific Railroad in regular service.  It is early morning with the 844 leading train 23, the "Gold Coast" and the Challenger 3985 is working hard eastbound.  Steam engines will eventually be replaces by diesel yet these engines will escape the scrappers torch and accountant's pencils and continue on as ambassadors of steam and the Union Pacific.

Marc Desobeau – Copyright 2010