With the Union Pacific Railroad's historic locomotive No. 844 set to visit Las Vegas, Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman is hopeful an important piece of Las Vegas tourism returns.

"People young and old should take time to see this wonderful part of history," Mayor Goodman said. "I also hope the visit of this iconic locomotive is a reminder of the importance of passenger rail service between the two great cities of Las Vegas and Los Angeles."

The mayor has expressed great interest is seeing passenger train service restored between the L.A. area and Las Vegas. That service ceased when Amtrak closed the "Desert Wind" route in 1997.

On Sunday, Nov. 20, the UP's steam locomotive No. 844 is scheduled to arrive in Las Vegas at 1:45 p.m. According to the UP's website, it was built in 1944 and was used by the railroad through 1960. No. 844 saw a major overhaul begin in 2000 and it was returned to special service in 2005.

Currently, the historic locomotive is on a 32-day tour of the Southwest It is slated to be on display in Las Vegas through Monday, Nov. 21, at 1001 Ironhourse Ct. from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, the UP's website is http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/media_kit/steam/844/index.shtml

For nearly 100 years, passenger trains provided a key means of getting tourists to and from Las Vegas. Passenger trains were also a key link between Las Vegas and the L.A. area.