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Dickens: Big Boy in steam by 2019; 844 by 2016
Just waiting for the negative comments…
None here, steam locomotives take a lot of time to repair. You can’t just go to your local NAPA store and pick up parts. Just greatful we still have some around.
What’s up with the 3985 Challenger?
It would be cool to have 3985 join 844 and 4014, and for all three of them to be in steam at the same time!
UP is spending thousands to have two operating steam locomotives and some want a third.
Better yet, gather all 3 UP engines with the 611, the 765, the 4501, and maybe the Iowa Interstate Q
Actually U.P. is probably spending a million. Money well spent!
Don’t forget the 2925 in New Mexico, they are getting close to completion, we are extremely lucky that the UP thinks it is worth while to restore and maintain these locomotives.
Hey Trains any possibility that you could post/publish the picture of the CHP officers on the 4014’s pilot? That would be totally cool.
Somebody get us a web cam in UP’s Cheyenne, WY shop. “Inquiring minds would like to know” the details as they happen and with Go-Pro cameras being so small you could have several following the workers as they do important work, and to document this for the ages!
Be patient… Ed has promised that once the Big Boy is completed, the efforts will be put toward undoing the damage done to Challenger 3985’s firebox is the abortioned attempt to modify the ashpan and the oil burners, even if it means a complete re-build of those areas of the locomotive…
Don’t forget Daylight 4449… What’s the story om 2925 in New Mexico?
ATSF 4-8-4 2926 should soon start hydro testing, will probably be steaming sometime next year.
Rebuilding a huge steam locomotive for the 2020s is going to take time as well as money, but, Lord Bless Us, what a sight that engine is going to be, especially on a break-in run on Sherman Hill (hint, hint)!!!
Big Boy 4014 take time and money too work a Big Boy too run.
So, will U.P.'s diminished profits and layoff slow, or stop 4014’s restoration?