Wichita Conductor Captures One-of-A-Kind Photo of ‘We Are ONE’ Locomotive

Union Pacific had just announced the maiden launch of its new "We are ONE" Employee Resource Group (ERG) Commemorative Locomotive, numbered UP 1979 in honor of the year its first ERG, Black Employee Network, was formed.

The locomotive's message of unity and teamwork captured Gatton's imagination and sparked this Kansas-based conductor's creativity.

"As soon as I saw a picture of UP 1979, I thought we've got to get this engine down to Wichita," said Gatton, who has developed photography skills alongside his railroad career. "And I knew exactly how and where I wanted to photograph this locomotive and showcase its powerful message."

For nearly 30 years, Gatton has been documenting railroad operations and infrastructure as a hobby, capturing trains next to bridges, tunnels and landscapes. His technical expertise and eye for composition led to his photo of the UP 1982 Missouri Pacific heritage engine being featured in this year's Union Pacific calendar for the month of June.

When he saw UP 1979 in 2021, Gatton saw an opportunity to create an impactful photograph. He planned to capture it in front of a community mural on a grain elevator in Wichita, which depicts people working together—complementing the locomotive’s message of collaboration.

"I thought the mural's message of bringing communities together complements what Union Pacific is about — everyone working together as a team, " Gatton said.

Figuring out a way to get the locomotive to Wichita was no small feat and required significant operational planning. Gatton worked with the local management team from Topeka, Herington and Wichita to coordinate getting the locomotive into the city to take the photo.

In March, Gatton's vision became a reality. UP 1979 stopped in Wichita for about three days en route from North Platte to Herington, Kansas. During those three days, Gatton worked with the local team to get the locomotive positioned in front of the mural.

He had about 45 minutes to capture the perfect shot, trying different angles and lighting. The end result was just what he had hoped for nearly two years earlier, when he had the original idea.

"It was mind blowing – even better than I thought it would be," Gatton said. "It's a great message – what it represents – and it's a great picture, if I do say so myself."