Following the retirement of the Union Pacific GTEL 8,500 Horsepower “Big Blow” Super Turbines in the 1968-70 timeframe, the unique 23-C-GTE and 24-C-GTE fuel tenders were saved. They were repurposed for various duties around the UP system including water or fuel oil storage and for assignment to derrick outfits. While most faded into obscurity behind backshops and were eventually scrapped, several were destined for bigger things.
Tender 24-GTE-14 and 24-GTE-16 were renumbered 907857 and 907856 respectively. They were used as support cars in derrick service before being reassigned as fuel/water storage tanks at UP facilities in Los Angeles, CA.
By the 1980s they were reassigned for use with the UP steam program. While outwardly identical to their appearance in GTEL service, 907857 and 907856 featured differences in water connections and plumbing. They operated with these numbers until 2003 when they were renumbered UPP 814 and UPP 809 to signify their dedicated usage with the steam program.
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