Big Boy Restoration Run From California !

Big Boy Restoration Run From California ! | Train Fanatics Videos

The “Steam Team” in Union Pacific’s Steam Shops work hard on maintaining Union Pacific’s #4014 Big Boy!

Rail fans turn out to see Big Boy on the way from the Pomona Fair Grounds in California to Union Pacific’s steam repair shops in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The locomotive was so large that they had to modify the repair facility to accommodate the 132 foot length of locomotive and tender.

Big Boy #4014 last saw service in July of 1959 after traveling over 1,200,000 miles during her 21 year career!

Big Boy was considered the ultimate “fixer upper” after examining her core components which were considered to be in good shape. They are currently converting her to diesel fuel from coal and that process alone is expected to take 4-5 years.

Known for their size, power and reliability, the Class 4000 4-8-8-4 was the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built.

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 #4014 on her way to Cheyenne or in the repair shop. We all would love to hear you comments!

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