Union Pacific 119 was a freight locomotive built-in 1868 by Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works in New Jersey along with numbers 116, 117, 118 and 120. The locomotive, like Central Pacific's Jupiter, achieved fame when it completed the "Golden Spike Run" heading west.
History[]
This locomotive led a similar life to Jupiter in that after the Golden Spike run it returned to life as a freight locomotive. However, sadly like Jupiter, it's historical significance was not realized until long after it's scrapping in 1903. In 1979, to commemorate the completion of the Golden Spike Run, a replica was made by O'Connor Engineering. The locomotive now runs during demonstration sessions at the Golden Spike history museum, alongside a replica of the "Jupiter".
Trivia[]
- Like "Jupiter", the original #119 had not been the Union Pacific's first choice to haul the dignitaries to Promontory.
- It was featured in The Big Bang Theory episode "The Communication Deterioration" when Sheldon shows a photo of the locomotive to Penny.
- After the Golden Spike ceremony, #119 served as a freight locomotive at various locations on the Union Pacific system.
- Over 700 detailed engineering drawings were recreated, based almost entirely on the photographs taken of the engines during the ceremony, as most of the original drawings had not been preserved. One notable exception would be the 119's original boiler drawings, which would be referenced for the construction of the boilers on both locomotives.
- The Sandbox on this locomotive has special detailed paintings of Pioneers from the past on each side. On the left-hand side of the dome is a painting of Johnny Appleseed, and the right-hand side of the dome is a painting of Jim Bridger. These were done on the replica by famed Disney Animator Ward Kimball, most notable for creating Jiminy Cricket.
- The original locomotive has the same painting of Johnny Appleseed on the left-hand side of the dome, but one interesting part about the dome is that lots of old pictures of the right-hand side of the dome was always covered with a bunch of soldiers and people standing there so it was currently unknown what the original painting of the dome looked on the right-hand sides.
- The Omaha Zoo Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska has a replica of the 119 that was used to carry tourists around the zoo. Also when it operates at the zoo the engine is named Omaha Zoo Railroad No. 119.
- Just like the Jupiter when the replica of the 119 was made in 1979, the locomotive was first painted red; but years later, it was repainted to wine red, with dark green and has stayed that way ever since.