President George H.W. Bush's custom-made train finishes its journey to final resting place

Friday, December 7, 2018
Bush 4141 called to its next mission
Bush 4141 called to its next missionPresident George H.W. Bush to be transported to Texas A&M presidential library aboard Bush 4141.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After spending years sitting in waiting, President George H.W. Bush's custom-painted train Bush 4141 took him on his final ride on Thursday.

Painted to resemble Air Force One, Union Pacific railroad honored President Bush with Bush 4141 back in 2005.

VIDEO: Dave Ward gives you an inside look at Bush 4141

Dave Ward was given an exclusive tour of the funeral train that carried President George H.W. Bush's casket from Houston to College Station.

Unlike other engines on the rails, Bush 4141 is the only one to have ever been driven by its namesake and a former U.S. president.

Michael Iden, who worked closely with the crew to create Bush 4141, was aboard the historic ride.

Iden says Bush requested to take a tour of the locomotive the day after it was dedicated to him.

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE: Experience the legacy of President George H.W. Bush

To view on a mobile device or full screen, click here

"The president looked at us and said with a smile on his face, 'Do you mind if I take it on a drive?'" Iden said.

After a brief lesson, Bush took control of the train and went on his first ride.

Since then, Bush 4141 has been in storage.

The locomotive was called to duty to transport President Bush from Houston to his final resting place at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library behind the Texas A&M campus.

WATCH: Bush 4141 arrives in Houston for funeral honors

Bush 4141 arrives in Houston

REMEMBERING 41: Services planned to honor President George H.W. Bush

What to expect in days to come for George Bush services.

'I love you, too' were George H.W. Bush's final words

"I love you too" are George Bush's last words.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.