Union Pacific SD40-2 1947 hauls three tank cars to the north end of the small yard in Mason City IA. Now classed as an SD40N by UP, this locomotive was built as UP SD40-2 3195 in August 1972. UP 1947 is one month shy of its 52nd anniversary as an active UP locomotive, although that pales in comparison to the electric locomotives in operation on the town's Iowa Traction Railroad, most of which are just over 100 years of age. And, about 100-feet ahead of this train, it will pass one of those old electric locomotives, AITR 50, parked near the crossing of the IATR and UP. Still, 52 years is a great accomplishment as well. (Mason City, Iowa – July 19, 2024)
