UP4014 in Omaha [one photo; not a Guzzi]

[Daniel Kalal]

This might be my first thread-start that's NGC.  Anyway, the newly rebuilt UP4014 Big Boy is now making the grand tour from Cheyanne to Chicago and then to Minnesota.  If you get a chance, do try to see this thing--even if it's just long enough to watch it roll by.

It's the biggest operating steam engine in the world and it's just an amazing thing to see (and hear).  In a way, it reminds me of seeing the B29 flying.  They both represent the pinnicle of 1940s technology in their respective area.  For heavy-pull, high-speed freight over the Rocky Mountains; this is the best that steam can do...

Photo taken an hour ago in Omaha, Nebraska:



The fire has been turned down, but I'd imagine it will hold heat and pressure through the night.

[Gliderjohn]

Nice photo! The steam engines were almost like real live living creatures. Oh my, the mechanical maintenance must have been mind boggling by today's standards and probalby 3/4 knowledge/skill and a 1/4 art. Would love to see it running. Thanks for posting.
GliderJohn

[Daniel Kalal]

Would love to see it running.

John, by now YouTube must be full of videos of the thing.  Just search on "4014 BigBoy" and I'm sure you'll have days and days worth of viewing.  It's best to see it in person, but...

[Demar]

Nice picture. I love steam engines. I had a chance to ride behind the SP 4449 and SP 2472 double header from Sacramento to Oakland in 1990. The 4449 Daylight is not as big as the Big Boy but it's still an impressive piece of machinery. I was told that the steam piston of 4449 weighed as much as a VW Bug and at 60mph it would change direction once every second. That's a lot of reciprocating mass slinging back and forth.

[Zoom Zoom]

Thanks Daniel. It is an amazing piece of machinery for sure! More pics are welcome if you're so inclined.

John Henry

[tazio]

What a wonderful photo!
Thank you Mr.K !

[Old Jock]

Fantastic photograph Daniel

Having done some work on steam systems in power stations, though, I prefer to look at them.

I would not like to work on them

[Roebling3]

The last OTR tractor I re-powered put down 550hp & 1900'#'s at the drive axles. Yes, I'm an old man peeing in a cup.
I sent an ex GF to see Big Boy at the Golden Spike affair. Her 1st job out of high school was building B17's at the air base; a bit North of SLC. Wasn't BB converted to diesel fuel? I doubt they would dare the road bed, on a trip to New England.  R3~
   

[s1120]

Ive seen them before sitting....  and was always told they would never steam again...  No big boys would hit the rails under its own power. but here in 2019 that's just what we have..  its amazing, and I hope one day I get to see her move.

[RinkRat II]

          Here's the schedule for it's run from Cheyenne to Duluth to Chicago and back to Cheyenne. If you can it's a must see!
                   https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm

      Paul B

[Neil]

  I doubt they would dare the road bed, on a trip to New England.  R3~
   
 Well, 4014 may not be risked on northeastern rails in operating condition, but one was on display at Steamtown USA in Bellows Falls, VT for years. When Steamtown moved to Scranton, PA, it was moved by rail in one piece ( engine and tender ) , if I correctly remember the photo in Trains magazine. I just wish I lived out West, It would be a LOT easier to make the pilgrimage to see it in person. Hats off to all the folks at UPRR and elsewhere that came together to make this restoration happen.                   
                                                                             Neil

[Idontwantapickle]

Hat's off to UP for bringing a Super Power loco back to life. A steam locomotive is a wondrous beast, they all have their own personalities and quirks. Remind you of any other machines? 
I've not seen the Big Boy in action although I have seen others including the N&W J 611. Magnificent late steam loco.
Now if CSX would just reman an Allegheny........

https://trn.trains.com/railroads/railroad-history/2018/02/big-boy-versus-allegheny

Hunter

[Daniel Kalal]

Wasn't BB converted to diesel fuel?
 

Used motor oil replaced coal to fire the boiler

[jrt]

Thanks Daniel- I sent this on to my father in law-it is passing through his town next week.   You just made his day.  Or month. 
J

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Hat's off to UP for bringing a Super Power loco back to life. A steam locomotive is a wondrous beast, they all have their own personalities and quirks. Remind you of any other machines? 
I've not seen the Big Boy in action although I have seen others including the N&W J 611. Magnificent late steam loco.
Now if CSX would just reman an Allegheny........

https://trn.trains.com/railroads/railroad-history/2018/02/big-boy-versus-allegheny

Hunter

While not quite as large or powerful as an Allegheny, this will still be very impressive (and is only 90 miles from me).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_and_Ohio_1309

[Moto]

Thanks, Daniel.

It it will stop about an hour from me, in Friesland WI, on the 25th. I hope to be there.

Moto