Dan Hryhorcoff’s latest engineering feat is set to captivate railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike. A seasoned hobbyist, Hryhorcoff has previously made headlines with his creative projects, including a drivable bumper car and a supersized 1950s toy pedal car. His newest creation, a half-scale replica of the iconic Union Pacific 119 locomotive, is poised to make its public debut this weekend at the Steamtown National Historic Site’s annual Railfest.
The Golden Spike Legacy
On May 10, 1869, history was made in Promontory, Utah, as the Union Pacific 119 and the Jupiter locomotives marked the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The 119, carrying Union Pacific Vice President Thomas Durant and other dignitaries, played a pivotal role in this momentous event. Although the original 119 was later scrapped, its legacy endures through the Golden Spike National Historical Park, where replicas of both locomotives stand as a tribute to this engineering marvel.
Crafted without the benefit of original blueprints, these replicas were painstakingly built using a 19th-century locomotive design manual and photographs from 1869. The replicas were so precise that their dimensions were accurate to within a quarter inch of the originals, a testament to the skill and dedication of the team behind their creation.
Crafting a Modern Replica
Inspired by the National Park Service’s detailed plans, Hryhorcoff embarked on his own journey to recreate the Union Pacific 119. Utilizing a 36-volt battery drive from a golf cart as a foundation, he meticulously crafted each component, employing techniques from metal rolling to 3-D printing to achieve his vision.
Inside the locomotive’s smokebox, a charger provides power, while Hryhorcoff operates the train using a series of levers from within the cab. His woodworking expertise is evident in the finely finished cab and trim, a reflection of his commitment to craftsmanship.
Hryhorcoff’s previous projects, including a 1950s Murray Ohio pedal car replica and a Knoebels Amusement Resort-inspired Lusse Auto Skooter, are both street-legal and known to draw attention. However, the Union Pacific 119 replica, due to its limited visibility, will remain off public roads, finding a home inside or near Steamtown’s Technology Museum during Railfest.
Railfest Celebrations
This year’s Railfest, a highlight of Steamtown’s calendar, concludes a summer marked by the visit of Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 locomotive, which attracted 110,000 visitors in June. The event promises a sensory-rich experience, celebrating the past, present, and future of railroading with train rides, demonstrations, and exhibitions.
“We like to think of Steamtown as a full sensory experience,” said David Byers, program manager at Steamtown. “It’s lifted up our presence, and lots more people know about Steamtown.”
Railfest also marks several significant anniversaries, including Steamtown’s 40th year as a national park site and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Rangers from the Golden Spike park will be in attendance, and the event runs from Friday morning through the weekend, free of charge.
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