The Union Pacific Railroad has finally decided to get “Big Boy” #2014 restored to its original splendor and will actually have it in running condition in a few years. It’s coming from a railroad museum in Pomona, California. It’s PRESENTLY being towed by diesels to the Union Pacific headquarters in Wyoming where it will totally be restored to its original glory! I’m now hoping that they will make a movie of this monumental event! I’m sure there’s a lot of railroad buffs out there (probably all around the world, even) who would enjoy seeing this incredible event! -artguy
Hi, there. Our hosts at trains.com streamed live video this past weekend of the move of #4014. It was a good show. I got several screen capture stills, but the bandwidth wasn’t all that generous and images that come close to filling my medium-sized monitor look quite ‘digital.’
-Crandell
I have seen some good quality pictures of the move on railpictures. I heard it will be converted to oil. It is cool that UP cares enough to restore it (not cheap).
Hey Guys
After seeing all the equipment and workers moving Big Boy out to the main tracks, I was wondering how much it cost just to get it to the main? Millions? That was quite an operation.
Good day
Lee
I’ve been watching on this UP site, including some good short video clips and narrative. I was happy to acquire an Athearn 4014 from the recent run.
http://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/locomotives/4014.shtml
But, I don’t see the video clip links that were there in the fall.
Even here in Europe we follow the restoration step by step.
If you tape " big boy 4014" on a google search, You can find numerous video of the move of this monster from the museum site through the parking lot just beside and the preparation to move it on the metro link to allow his travel to UP repair shop.
That’ll be terrific to see when they finally finish restoring her.
Okay - Well, I guess it’s time to head down to the basement and take a few swings again at the New York Central Board of Directors punching bag for NOT have the foresight to save any Hudsons or Niagaras for posterity. [banghead]
Tom
I have never been to the USA so far, but if they manage to make that monster rolling under it´s own power again that will surely be a reason to come on over and see this beast in real life. I think it will be an incredible steam show! Especially when they form a tripple header with 4014, 3985 and 844!!!
[:)]The actual move to Cheyenne will probably occur in the spring under more favorable weather conditions with anticipated public displays in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, meanwhile 4014 will slumber in Colton, tucked away in a shop building with an inspection pit, as one if the few details the steam crew was not able to address at the Fairplex was a frame inspection. Indeed 4014 will be converted to #5 oil despite those who claim it to be impossible.
Dave
I must admit, as a diesel fan and modeler, this restoration project has me interested and excited for steam. It has the potential to awaken (reawaken) interest in the steam era and railroading history in North America. What a great project and I hope everything works out.
Happy modeling all!
Don.
If you haven’t watched the series of clips prepared by UP on the preparation for the move, you really should take the time. The UP is doing this job with amazing care. The restoration should be facinating for all steam fans.
I can’t imaging how amazingly cool it must be to be the project manager of the restoration of 4014!
4005 was the one chosen for oil conversion, eventually the coal strike that prompted the conversion was resolved and 4005 was quickly converted back. There was a burner design readily available that UP could have installed had it been commited to the project courtesy of Southern Pacific and Baldwin which employed a 4 burner design used on cab forwards. 4005 perfomed well enough, but fuel consumption was excessive.
Dave
Yes isnt it great !! I wish they would take the N&W - J out for a spin or two. I would be upfront to buy tickets [(-D]
I’ll be heading west to see it when it runs! I saw a page on Facebook for a project to build a 1:1 scale Pennsy T1. They want to number it 5550 which would be the next number in the line of the prototypes. i wish them luck, it would be a sight to see!
“I saw a page on Facebook for a project to build a 1:1 scale Pennsy T1. They want to number it 5550 which would be the next number in the line of the prototypes. i wish them luck, it would be a sight to see!”
I tooo would love to see this happen but I am scared to throw some money out there at it and it really be some scam sombody set up…
Great news, I’m excited!
A big “Thank You!” to Kalmbach for the live video of the move. I stayed up until about 4:00am Sunday watching. It was also very interesting to see what was involved in cutting the main line and swinging it over to the panel track so they could bring the Big Boy out.
Mike
P.S. tstage: I’m with you on the NYC engines. It’s a tragedy that none of them were preserved.
I’m not sure about this but I thought I remembered reading that when 3895 was brought back to life, they cannibalized som parts from an available Big Boy. That was quite a while ago and I’m guessing they will have to fabricate parts for this restoration.
When the Big Boy runs again, I hope they put it on a cross country tour but one way or another, I will find my way to see it. Years ago I saw 4013 on display at the Omaha shops and I think it has since been moved to a park in south Omaha. Can’t wait to see one under steam.
PS. I just added another item to the bucket list.
Thanks Dave! I stand to be corrected. You prove that there’s always someone who knows more about something than yourself! LOL! -artguy