The 9,867-mile Union Pacific makes more money than any other U.S. railroad, but spends it freely for improvements. Though only sixth in rail mileage and fifth in revenues,* U.P. plowed $102,300,000 this year into one of the biggest building programs in its go-year history. Last week President Arthur Stoddard fired up U.P. for another big expansion.
Two years ago, he had ordered ten General Electric gas turbine electric locomotives—the first ordered by a U.S. railroad—at a cost of $5,400,000. Last week, with only six delivered, he ordered another 15 for $8,600,000. After running his turbine locomotives on U.P.'s mountainous track...
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