That is one HEALTHY front-end loader!! Nice shot, Steve.
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I was wondering if they were firing her up for such a short move...this explains it all. Your pictures of this great old lady are much appreciated. Wonderful series Steve, thankyou.
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Nice series of UP Big Boy photos and thanks for the updates! It's amazing how many folks are interested in the movement of this cold and lifeless hulk from her former museum home (me included)....just imagine how many more folks will show their interest when she moves under her own power!
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| Posted by Dana M. on November 19, 2013 | |
Nice to see him inching closer to "home" in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I wonder what the 4-8-4 #844 and 4-6-6-4 #3985 will say to him when he gets there? I sure would like to see the ferry move train trying to navigate this beheamoth out of California. I'm sure they won't be moving more than 25 mph as the curve radious in some areas will be a wee bit tight for this guy's wheel arrangement. Just be aware that the 4-6-6-4 #3985 can go places the 4014 can't, so he will be restricted to operating in certain areas. Don't look for him to be under steam any time soon, however, UP will take their time and do the job properly, so they will not rush the restoration. Sources are hinting to have him under steam by 2019, in time for the 150th anniversary of the driving of the "Golden Spike" that brought Union Pacific and Central Pacific together.
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They would never be able to fire up the locomotive for this trip or for any trip for that matter, until 2019 at least. Firing up a steam locomotive is not as simple as lighting a fire and filling the tender with water. This locomotive will require a long restoration to ensure that all of its running gear and boiler equipment will work properly.
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| Posted by Dana M. on November 20, 2013 | |
To respond to Billie Bell...you refered to this "grand old lady" in your comments. Well, HE is known as 'Big Boy' and is the only steam locomotive to not be designated with a female gender. All other steam (and diesel) locomotives can be called 'she'...NOT 'Big Boy'. Perhaps it would be better to say "grand old gentleman"? I can understand the confusion, just thought I'd point that out! But, it will be great to see this locomotive under it's own power again!
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