Jake, I don’t think that the UP will have the heavy trackage to handle a “running” Big Boy (#2014). It 's just too big and weighs too much. I hope I’m wrong! -artguy
PS: I just realized that the number on the cab, #2014 is the date of this year! LOL!
Today’s UP infastructure is built and maintained to higher standards then when the 4014 was in regular service, a BB actually has a light touch on rails due to its enormous wheelbase. As to the BB canabalized for the 3985 restoration, that would be 4004 in Hoilday Park, actually very little was sourced from it, I believe a cold water pump, injector and parts for the stoker, 4004 is in poor shape mechanically and was rejected as this was the one that was immersed in flood waters for an extended period to the top of the running boards.
UP track has handled the 844 and the 3985 for years. There’s no reason to think it couldn’t handle the 4014. Yes, it is bigger than those two but the weight will also be distributed over more wheels.
I climbed up into the cab with two of our little boys just a couple years ago - thinking nothing of it. Well, thinking we were simply checking out an extinct dinosoar, appreciating it for that only.
To think one day we’ll see that thing running under its own power, and then showing my sons the pictures of them with it years before parked at the LA county fair - wow, I get excited just thinking about it!!!
Check this out - they’re pulling it with Diesel #4884. As in, 4-8-8-4. How cool is that? - along with the UP 1996 Heritage locomotive - in the Combo Daylight / Bloody Nose SP paint scheme.