Union Pacific's Steam Locomotive No. 844 traveled through Lordsburg on Wednesday as part of a Centennial tour of New Mexico. (Photo Courtesy of Jane Janson)
 
Union Pacific's Steam Locomotive No. 844 steamed through New Mexico November 4-9 in honor of the state's Centennial. Visitors could view the train at events and whistle stops in Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Vaughn, Carrizozo, Alamogordo, Santa Teresa, Deming and Lordsburg.

No. 844, also known as the "Living Legend," was the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad. It was delivered in 1944 and pulled such widely known trains as the Overland Limited, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose and Challenger. It returned to service in 2005 after one of the most extensive steam locomotive overhauls in the United States since regular steam service ended.

The work, which started in 2000, included overhauling the locomotive's running gear, pumps, piping, valves and springs, along with replacement of its firebox and extensive boiler work. The cab interior also was refurbished. The engine has run hundreds of thousands of miles as Union Pacific's ambassador of goodwill.