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Post by Admin on May 20, 2019 18:13:29 GMT -5
Scranton, PA. Big Boy 4012One of the best preserved Big Boys I know. There are 8 in existence. 3 of the photos were taken exactly two years ago during a visit to Steamtown National Historic Site. My first visit to Scranton was back in 2002 and the photo that shows the whole locomotive was taken then. Today with the rumors about bringing one Big Boy back to steam, this could be the candidate. Currently 4014 in Los Angeles County is the preferred locomotive. Los Angeles, CA. Big Boy 4014Since I was in LA when I wrote the Scranton Big Boy post, I just had to take the trip to see how 4014 was doing. The locomotive is part of an exhibit in the LA Fairgrounds out in Pomona. It is owned by the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Southern California Chapter. Unfortunately the locomotive is somewhat hidden by other locomotives which makes a photo shoot challenging. Also, if you want to get close, only the 2nd weekend of each month is available.
The 4014 does not look its best at the moment, but that is due to an ongoing inspection by Union Pacific RR. As you can see from one of the photos, a yellow maintenance rig hovers over the Big Boy. As a railroad enthusiast (aren’t we all) I truly hope that one of the Big Boys will be steaming again. It could very well be 4014. If it happens, I wonder if UPRR will opt for oil instead of coal? Several Challenger locomotives were converted to oil burners, but the Big Boy was tricky due to a special design of the firebox. One unsuccessful attempt was made with the 4005. Hans
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 6:03:20 GMT -5
Well, now we know the rest of the story. Big Boy 4014 is restored and have just completed an amazing journey from Cheyenne WY to Utah and back together with UP FEF 844.
Over the years I saw 4014 several times at the LA Fairground complex. I was also present when UP moved the locomotive out of this location on its way to the Cheyenne Steam Shop. And seeing the 4014 last Saturday (May 19 in Laramie WY was nothing short of great.
Hopefully we can do another AZL brass run next year.
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:51:32 GMT -5
 UP 4014 and UP 844 early morning in Laramie WY |
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:52:49 GMT -5
 4014 and 844 picking up speed just outside Laramie on their way to Sherman Hill |
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:54:27 GMT -5
 Locomotives heading into early morning fog. Outside temperature 32F |
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:55:52 GMT -5
 Trip almost over. 4 miles left to Cheyenne WY |
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:57:09 GMT -5
 And there is a second Big Boy in Cheyenne. UP 4004 |
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:58:31 GMT -5
 And a third in Denver. UP 4005 |
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 22, 2019 9:58:42 GMT -5
Will post video links later
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 23, 2019 2:02:37 GMT -5
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 23, 2019 2:05:04 GMT -5
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 23, 2019 2:06:40 GMT -5
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 23, 2019 2:07:48 GMT -5
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on May 23, 2019 2:16:29 GMT -5
Almost home
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Post by Admin on Aug 27, 2021 12:34:33 GMT -5
Tough to find "bad" footage of this loco, but here's some of the most beautiful IMO!
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