Big Boy 4014 Back In The Day
Grainy footage helps set the mood for this workhorse!
Over 25 Union Pacific “Big Boys” were built by the American Locomotive Works between 1941 and 1944. All were articulated locomotives with a separate truck on the front end that pivoted the curves allowing the super long boiler to actually go straight while the locomotive frame was following the curve on the tracks.
Of the 25 Big Boys that were built, all but 8 were scrapped, unfortunately.
The Union Pacific Steam Shop has been giving periodic updates as to her restoration progress and has noted that the Union Pacific Challenger #3985 is sitting in storage while the work is being completed on UP Big Boy #4014.
Now there are two Big Boys in Cheyenne. #4014 now under restoration, and #4004 sitting as a display in Holiday Park, also in the town of Cheyenne.
The Big Boy could pull a 5 1/2 mile long train on level ground!
Quick Facts
- Rail Line: Union Pacific
- Train Name: Big Boy
- Power type: 4-8-8-4 Steam Locomotive Class 4000
- Builder: American Locomotive Company
- Coal Consumption: 22,000 lbs per hour
- Locomotive and tender weight: 1,250,000 lbs
- Max Speed: 80 mph
Please let us know if you have ever had a chance to see Big Boy #4014 on display. We would love to hear about your experience!
