1st run of UPRR's "Big Boy"
Dec 1, 2023 10:00:38 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
I was sorting out my somewhat disorganized photo library and found these shots of the inaugural run of the UPRR’s # 4014, better known as “The Big Boy".
I was still working for the railroad here in Cheyenne when they drug it in from California for a total rebuild which took 5 years, during which time I retired.
These shots were taken on it’s 1st run from the steam shop in Cheyenne over to Laramie and back home. I got these shots going eastbound just west of Cheyenne in May 2019. It certainly drew a lot of attention from railroad fans from all across the country.
I was still working for the railroad here in Cheyenne when they drug it in from California for a total rebuild which took 5 years, during which time I retired.
These shots were taken on it’s 1st run from the steam shop in Cheyenne over to Laramie and back home. I got these shots going eastbound just west of Cheyenne in May 2019. It certainly drew a lot of attention from railroad fans from all across the country.
It was a cool day, enhancing the steam visibility
(Download)
The UPRR had 25 of the Big Boys built for the mountain route
(Download)
Dec 1, 2023 16:27:51 #
2buckskin wrote:
I was sorting out my somewhat disorganized photo l... (show quote)
Very impressive shots!
Dec 1, 2023 17:50:35 #
Dec 1, 2023 22:26:24 #
gastech1949
Loc: Imperial Beach, CA.
I was preteen in Los Angeles when it first arrived in Pomona at the Fairgrounds (1956 or 57, I think) it was impressive then. I was able to climb on it and later my 2 older sons climbed on it, then the fenced it off. Fast forward to October 13, 2019 when my wife and I rode the "excursion" train pulled by the restored 4014 from Barstow CA to Colton CA. What fantastic experience seeing it restored. (Converted from burning coal to fuel oil with totally rebuilt boilers) Very impressive undertaking to say the least. Thank You for the photos
Dec 1, 2023 23:23:58 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
gastech1949 wrote:
I was preteen in Los Angeles when it first arrived... (show quote)
What great memories of this amazing engine, thanks for taking the time to relate your experience and thanks for looking
Dec 2, 2023 02:54:47 #
gastech1949
Loc: Imperial Beach, CA.
What I did not relate was that my sister-in-law, 8 years older than wife and me, lived in Pomona near fairgrounds has 3 sons who spent a lot of time at The Big Boy while it was there. Thank You for the reply. PS when we rode the train I bought the DVD about the rebuild and conversion.
Dec 2, 2023 08:09:49 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
gastech1949 wrote:
What I did not relate was that my sister-in-law, 8 years older than wife and me, lived in Pomona near fairgrounds has 3 sons who spent a lot of time at The Big Boy while it was there. Thank You for the reply. PS when we rode the train I bought the DVD about the rebuild and conversion.
Dec 2, 2023 09:22:11 #
Nice shots - thanks for posting. The only Big Boy I have seen in person was at Steamtown - not running. They are huge and it must be a real thrill to see them in action.
Dec 2, 2023 09:46:55 #
Dec 2, 2023 11:21:33 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
LovetheMts wrote:
Nice shots - thanks for posting. The only Big Boy I have seen in person was at Steamtown - not running. They are huge and it must be a real thrill to see them in action.
Yea they are huge over 1 million pounds of pure power, thanks for looking and commenting.
Dec 2, 2023 11:21:47 #
Dec 2, 2023 13:00:49 #
With all that steam coming off the locomotive how does the engineer see where he is going so he can keep the train on the tracks?
Dec 2, 2023 13:44:11 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
EdJ0307 wrote:
With all that steam coming off the locomotive how does the engineer see where he is going so he can keep the train on the tracks?
Dec 2, 2023 17:49:14 #
Dec 2, 2023 21:07:33 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
DougS wrote:
Well shot! Love the steam surrounding the cab!
Thanks for looking, I liked the steam too
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