Great Western Railroad 2-8-0 Consolidation number 75 - Date? Photographer?.

Heber City Utah - The historic Heber Valley Railroad has added a new train for visitors to enjoy this year, and this train brings Hollywood celebrity star power along for the ride.
 
The "Great Western Number 75" has been featured in more than 30 films and on TV shows such as "Touched by an Angel" and "Promised Land."
 
The celebrity steam engine and its 10 cars have retired from two decades of film and TV stardom after being acquired by the Heber Valley Railroad this past year, although managers are quick to point out that the train, as well as all Heber Valley trains, will continue to be made available to film productions from time to time.
 
The "Movie Train," as it is now called, is just one of many attractions offered by the railroad.
 
"What makes all our work worthwhile is the magnetism of the steam engine," said Craig Lacey, the railroad's executive director.
 
"People are enthralled to be on a train where coal is shoveled by hand and water is turned into steam."
 
The "Heber Creeper" is one of the few remaining steam passenger railroad lines in America.
 
The railroad first served residents of Wasatch County in 1899, when it was installed to haul freight and livestock from Provo, and for many decades it was an integral part of doing business.
 
Now the railroad offers "Murder Mystery" excursions, as well as rides featuring bluegrass music and river rafting.
 
There is even a special Christmas ride based on Chris Van Allsburg's children's book "The Polar Express."
 
And a new "Barbecue Train" excursion will debut this summer.
 
The non-profit railroad currently enjoys the help of about 25 volunteers who do everything from repairing vintage engines and passenger cars to acting as brakemen and firemen.
 
"We need more volunteers," said Diane Grose, who has worked with the railroad for the past two years.
 
Volunteers may decide to work their way into conductor, firemen, or engineer positions.
 
For further information about volunteering or rides, call the Heber Valley Railroad at 435-654-5601.
 
Caleb Warnock.