Train Station Episode 4 - Steve Lee - Manager of Union Pacific Railroad's Steam Crew - Retired

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Bill and Jim are very excited about their guest on this week's episode! Steve Lee was the Manager of the Union Pacific Railroad's Steam Crew until his retirement in 2010, and everything he had to do to get ready for long trips pulling passenger trains around the country, managing the crew, making arrangements for fuel and water for the steam engines, and what he is doing now in the railroading field.

[@The60007]

I often wondered how the UP steam program kept going. Listening to Steve Lee I discovered that he had some of the same problems that we had here in the UK. Hats off to him for persevering against the odds. I found myself laughing quite frequently. I would normally switch off an American program but this was exceptional!! It leaves me feeling a great deal of respect for the man. A true railwayman in every way. I was very surprised when the Big Boy was restored to service, I was looking forward to seeing the challenger 3985 doubleheading with 4014 on Sherman Hill. I think that the very thought of that would've given management a coronary! The world is short of real characters and Mr Lee is definately one. I wish him a very long and happy retirement. He has given us a lot of fantastic memories.. We had drivers here in the UK who volunteered for steam specials . One who had been a Royal Train Driver was given a four cylindered pacific to drive on his last day at work. Les climbed aboard at Crewe and he was familiar with his engine. At the time in 1996 the speed limit was 60mph. Well Les went through Warrington at 96mph and the speed peaked at 100mph two times soon after. The whole episode was hushed up at the time. I found out through a video producer who knew the loco inspector who was on the footplate. I suppose the worst thing that could've happed was he'd have been sacked! So respected was Les that the whole issue was hushed up and the passengers were sworn to secrecy!
Steve Lee had to fight every step of the way to keep the steam program going and keep the hostile management at bay. His achievements should not and must not be forgotten . Best Regards Nigel Sowler a lifelong railway enthusiast.