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Steve Sandberg sounds off on a possible Big Boy restoration
There are 8 preserved Big Boys, not 7.
Why does Trains keep saying only 7 survive when 8 survive?
Honestly the radius of the curves is not a problem. When the Big Boy was Brand new and running out there had no problem. I can give you a 113% guarantee that the trackage out in Cheyenne hasn’t changed and if that Big Boy was fired up right now, it’ll run fine and dandy. If 3985 can operate on CSX grades and curves in Virginia for the “Clinchfield Challenger” back in the 1990’s this unit would be fine operating on current UP Mainelines.
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i think UP would be smart to do this with a Big Boy. It can run everywhere 3985 can and dose run. If they do rebuild it I can see a dubble header with 844 or 3985 at some point.
Just where is anyone going to find 220lb rail?
Just where is anyone going to find 220lb rail?
One heck of a project to undertake!
I think curves can indeed be a problem because the line between Cheyenne via Green River to Ogden was rebuilt (perhaps adjusted or aligned might be better terms) to accommodate these engines and their overhang on curves. Clearances would have to be carefully re-examined to operate the engine on this line again as things have undoubtedly changed since the 4000s operated there. There would also be the problem of finding wyes with gentle enough curves to accommodate the locomotive when it needs to be turned as turntables no longer exist (except at Cheyenne I’d suppose). These issues might be limiting factors where the locomotive could be operated. “Captive” service between Cheyenne and Ogden would still be wonderfully exciting but there would likely be limits on other places where the engine could go.
I thought there were still eight of them, too. If UP wants to do this, UP can afford it. A wonderful prospect for railfans. But one point bothers me; why does it have to be oil fired? Oh, I know all about cinders and fires and all that jazz, but there are some really significant steam operations today that are coal-fired. Try the Cumbres and Toltec, Durango and Silverton, Nevada Northern, Cass Scenic, and . . . Maybe if this is to be a real restoration, they need to restore coal firing. There is plenty of the stuff around, and we will soon be glutted with coal.
Espee’s cab forwards with their 4-8-8-2 wheel arrangement were oil-fired and presumably had fireboxes comparable in size to a Big Boy although I haven’t taken the time to check. I hope converting a Big Boy to be oil-fired won’t be an insurmountable task.
I’m really looking forward to seeing one in excursion service. I can’t imagine she’d even have to be notched out very far to handle even a long passenger consist. Go, UP!
A Big Boy possibly challenging the Wasatch mountains between Ogden Utah and Cheyene Wyoming (the traditional running range for which it was first built) is a thought that just gives me goose bumps just thinking about it!
Reminds me of when the Navy brought back the 4 Iowa class Battleships in the early '80s & '90s. Would love to see one run triple headed with 3895 & 844.
I would think the U.P. would have assessed the track and turning questions BEFORE even considering a restoration. Why would you do a restoration with no where to operate?
Some great points! Can’t wait to follow this story.
Does anyone have any idea what MR PAUL MARYNOWYCH from DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA’s posts mean? I could never make any sense of them.
TRAINS Preservation Award
NRHS Heritage Grant Program
Charity Search Engines
Grocery Stores Fundraisers
???
Mr. Sandberg makes excellent, knowledgeable points. This isn’t the first time restoration of a Big Boy has been discussed. If it actually happens this time, I hope UP will think-through in advance where and how the locomotive will be turned. The turntables that existed when the 4000s were operating in regular service are largely gone. Track geometry on wye tracks may have changed. A number of practical issues need to be resolved before this can happen. It will be very interesting to follow this and see where it goes - or not.
I really hope they can pull this restoration off. I love to see it run.
I live in China. A proposed steam restoration for tourist and educational purposes (moderate speed, short train, flat track) was turned down, not because of initial expense, but because of pollution, operating infrastructure and long running maintenance costs.
Current proposal (which may or may not work !) uses an off the shelf electric boiler in the engine powered from the grid before operating and from a well insulated genset hidden in the tender shell when under way. No pollution, no needed on line special support, longer life and lower cost operating expenses. No opposition from rail fan “purists” as there are no rail fans here.