Big Boy #4014 Leaving Las Vegas
Imagine seeing Big Boy while in Las Vegas!
Many railfans must have felt that they hit the JACKPOT when Big Boy #4014 rolled into town. As part of a Southwest tour, Big Boy’s journey rolled through old downtown Las Vegas.
During the summer, temperatures can reach over 110 degrees in the desert, which means the cab in Big Boy would be extremely hot for the engineer. The last time we checked, Big Boy has no air conditioning!
Why does Big Boy #4014 have a diesel unit in the train?
The diesel unit is included to supply electrical current to power the train as well as acting as additional weight to help with stability at fast speeds. Big Boy #4014 is a freight locomotive by design and wasn’t geared for fast passenger service.
Union Pacific Big Boys stats:
- Operated from 1941-59
- Bearing full load weighed a total of 1.2 million pounds
- Only 25 ever made
- 4-8-8-4 configuration
- Top speed of 80 Mph
Let us know if you have had the opportunity to view Big Boy #4014 up close. We would love to hear about your experience!
