ChuckM

I'm spending some time in Omaha for work and managed to get some time off to chase the recently restored Union Pacific, steam locomotive #4014, known as Big Boy. My understanding is the train is making a tour of the Midwest. The schedule and route is posted on the Union Pacific website.

https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm

I took some time to scout out several location to shoot from and managed to catch the train in motion at three of them and of course in Omaha where it was on display. I did get one spot wrong or they changed the route, which resulted in standing in 90+ degree sun for over two hours watching an empty trestle.

But then at one of the stops I saw several fire trucks on either side of the track with lights flashing. It seems that the Waterloo, NE Volunteer Fire Department lost 3 men on the same date at that spot 40 years ago and they where going to pay tribute as the train came thru. If you go to the Face Book page fore the Waterloo VFD there is a great video posted taken from a drone.

It is a magnificent machine and if it is anywhere near you, well worth the effort to go see it roll by.
I hope these are not the last images I have an opportunity to capture of this train.

PS: When the train was on display in Omaha I went down before sunrise, the security guard couldn't let myself or the other few people there, into the area but she was nice enough to open the gate so we had a clear shot without the fence in the shots. Of the 5 people that took shots 3 never thanked the guard for the accommodation. Like your Mother told you always remember to say please and always say thank you.

hiker60 Loc: Northern Idaho

Beautiful train. Thanks for the series!

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Great captures.

RowdyRay Loc: MN

Very cool. Great series.

I was just reading about this train. It's scheduled to be in St. Paul, July 17th-19th.

ChuckM

Thanks, they also post the route so you can find the right track

dustywing Loc: North East WI

If only a week earlier or later, we leave for a trip east the day it hit WI
Thank you for sharing and adding the link to the schedule.

ChuckM

You are welcome sorry you will miss it.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Excellent!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice train shots.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Great images Chuck. The ones I posted a few days ago were from when it came thru Elkhorn, the next town past Waterloo. It had picked up its speed by the time it got here.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Very nice pictures of a great locomotive. I have a model in O scale.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Outstanding photos of a remarkable locomotive. Mahalo for sharing.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

OUTSTANDING Shots!!!! Great job getting them ... & thanks for sharing.

bnsf

The 4th shot is the best I have seen. With the Bigboy at sunset. After a long day at work now it is time to rest as the sun is setting and so we say "Good Night to the Bigboy and Pleasant Dreams our Dear Sweet Friend."

ChuckM

Wow I was going to go to Elkhorn but got caught in some traffic on Rt 275 so I skipped it and went to Waterloo. Wish I was going to be around when it comes back on the 2nd