Posted on 07/11/2023 5:52:00 PM PDT by DUMBGRUNT
Once one of the heaviest steam locomotives in the world, the Big Boy 4014 recently stumbled into a mission.
The famous Union Pacific Big Boy was the heaviest steam locomotive ever built when it became operational in the 1940s. An icon of the American railroads, it was retired from service in 1959 as the diesel age took hold. Recently, however, the last running Big Boy was tasked with the important mission of rescuing a freight train stalled in Nebraska.
The video shows the 4014 gently pulling up and coupling with the freight train ahead. After a spell, it roars into life, blasting the whistle before powering up its mighty cylinders to shove its way up the grade. Despite the Big Boy's heft of 762,000 pounds there's a hint of wheel slip—a rated power output of 7,000 horsepower will do that at times. The Big Boy quickly finds its footing, however, and gets the stuck machine rolling down the rails once again.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedrive.com ...
The size is difficult to imagine until your stand next to it.
In the video, you see some wheel spin and he blows sand on the rails for traction.
Interesting bit of American history on the move.
Big Boy #4012 is on static display at Steamtown in Scranton. Not the heaviest steam locomotive ever made, but certainly the longest. Sixteen driving wheels on one machine. Built by the American Locomotive Company (Alco) in Schenectady NY to UP design engineers’ specifications.
Union Pacific converted #4014 to oil burning for a number of reasons, among them prevention of track fires by eliminating coal cinders, and of course ease of refueling since they can refuel both diesels and steamers from the same fuel supply. As far as traction is concerned, #4014’s sandbox can hold 8,000 lbs of sand, so plenty is available to put under the driving wheels.
It must be difficult to find technicians who have the skills to operate steam locomotives.
Just to correct myself: Certain websites say that #4014 is set up to burn No. 5 fuel oil (usually in the form of recycled lubrication oil), although perhaps it may be that in a pinch, No. 2 (diesel) would be used.
UP has had a dedicated steam program going for 63 years, which started a year after all of their former steamers were retired from revenue service. First locomotive preserved for use was 4-8-4 #844.
Bookmark
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday morning rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders
Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail...
Rhapsody in Blue (1924)
Written on a steam train from NYC to Boston includes a train theme around the three-minute mark.
Did the steam engine leave the train safely on the siding at Winston or did Pete Buttigieg demand the train be taken through the Taggart Tunnel at once? :)
I don’t think that cinders burning the ties on the mainline is a problem anymore because they use concrete ties. But accidental wildfires would be a problem, I guess.
That song is pure Americana. I love it, especially Willie’s version.
That was very cool :-) Thanks !
I wonder if that diesel #4015 a few cars back was helping at all or just along for the ride ?
It is difficult to find mechanics and the specialized journeymen to keep the steam locomotives in operating condition. They were highly complex and required vast amounts of maintenance at frequent intervals.
but they perfectly reflected their times.
Thanks
Was involved in its Display here in El Paso, We were able to be in the yard when it came in , hearing that beautiful whistle, watching it get closer and closer bigger and bigger. Releasing steam when it stopped. It was so huge In chalk written on the front near the Bell were the words Big Boy. 4014. Lots of fun to get on board. Our Train association was asked to help with the display, by UP. Great Memory’s.
An excellent performance--from Bulgaria!
The Union Pacific operates this 4-8-8-4 and a 4-8-4 (which was never retired from active service) and after restoring its 4-6-6-4, donated it to a railway operation in Illinois.
Thanks. This is pretty cool. I enjoyed that video. I also love big machinery.
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