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.
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...
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? :)
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 ?
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.
Thanks. This is pretty cool. I enjoyed that video. I also love big machinery.
WOW. Very cool.
Sounds like the last days of the Taggart R.R.
Our father’s magic carpet made of steel.
This train’s got the disappearing railroad blues.
What a magnificent piece of machinery. Those were the days. Love that sound from my distant childhood of the train going over the overpass near my babysitter’s house.
Some days you just need brute strength.