By Rebecca Ryser
For the first time in Olympic history the path of the torch will include a stint on a railroad.
Powered by the Heber Valley Railroad and possibly a steam engine from the Nevada Northern Railway, the Olympic flame will make its way to Rice Eccles Stadium, said Ken McConnell, marketing director for the Heber Valley Railroad.
The Olympic torch started its run from Atlanta on Tuesday.
A specially designed railroad cauldron car and steam locomotives will be waiting at Soldier Hollow for the arrival of the torch on Feb. 7.
The Heber Valley Railroad has been petitioning to get the train to be part of the torch relay for the past few months. The decision was finalized two weeks ago, McConnell said.
When the torch relay is completed it will have moved by plane, boat and train.
The day the torch arrives, a torch bearer will run to the cauldron car waiting at the Soldier Hollow platform near Midway, Utah.
The torch bearer will ignite the cauldron and send the train off on its four and a half mile ride with the flame, McConnell said.
The train will stop and pass the flame to a torch bearer at the depot at Heber City, McConnell said.
The Heber Valley Railroad and the Nevada Northern Railway will work together to form the 2002 International Winter Steam Team.
'Working together, we''ll really put on a world class steam show during the Games,' said Craig H. Lacey, executive director of the Heber Valley Railroad.
The Nevada Northern Railway is also excited about the opportunity to bear the flame.
'Participating in this event will give the Nevada Northern Railway some worldwide exposure,' said Ken Daily, Nevada Northern Railway director.
Making another Olympic first, the train will also serve as Olympic transportation during the Games.
Passengers will board the train at Heber Depot and ride about four miles through farmland to Soldier Hollow, McConnell said.
Ticket holders for the cross country, biathlon or nordic combined events can reserve a seat.