Pacing Big Boy In Wide Open Kansas
Imagine pacing Big Boy for miles!
Many railfans joined the chase across the midwest when Big Boy #4014 rolled into their town. As part of a Southwest tour, Big Boy’s journey rolled through the plains of Kansas.
During the winter, temperatures can be freezing on the plains, which means the cab in Big Boy would be breezy but hopefully warm for the crew. The last time we checked, Big Boy has no air conditioning or heater!
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!
