Union Pacific Big Boy

That is a fantastic shot! I almost wish I were in Pennsylvania. There would be some really great opportunities to see it passing through hills and across rivers and bridges.
 
1942deluxe said:
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Big Boy coming thru Lake City, PA. this morning!
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@Steve Staysko, THANKS for posting that link. I loved it. Actually I'm really enjoying this thread and the stories. I never got to see the old steam locomotives other than in museums. I did get to see the Big Boy come through Tucson. The tracks are only 3 miles or so from my house. MAN it's impressive.
 
In my family steam and rail was a big part. Here in the Bay Area my grandfather was an Engineer for Southern Pacific and in Marin my father was a welder for Northwestern Pacific. The pleasant memories as child sometimes return.....the Daylight, Cab In Front Malley and the Union Pacific Big Boy. Wonderful stuff !
 
cjshaker said:
Tubman, riding in the cab of a steam engine would be a dream come true for me. Steam trains are a mechanical masterpiece, and I absolutely love vintage mechanical equipment. From steam trains, to vintage aircraft, to mechanical watches, to our beloved NON-COMPUTERIZED vehicles. I love them all.


I've rode the Shays of Cass 4 times now, and I'd do it every year if I could. Narrow gauge, gear driven engines built for logging in the mountains. I always get the BEST seat in the house, except for the guys in the cab of
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We saw one of those logging locomotives in Townsend, TN last month. Those driveshafts and bevel gears are something. I bet shimming them for proper mesh was a job.
 
For you rail fans on the east coast this will be a special treat. The N&W J611 is kept at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, I believe. It was restored to operating service recently. However, they do not seem to run that locomotive of any distance. I'm not sure why, unless it's permission from a Class 1 railroad and insurance. Most likely a combination of both. Insurance companies and lawyers ruined most everything.


For you Midwest folks, the UP 3985 Challenger class locomotive was donated to the Railroad Heritage of Midwest America in Silvas, IL. They are currently restoring the engine to operating service. You can visit that engine and many more at their facility. I would imagine one day we will see the 4014 and the 3985 double heading on an excursion tour. If we're really lucky they will triple head that with the UP 844. Can you imagine that sight.
 
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Only rode a small steam train in South Dakota, but the big thrill for me was riding in a Ford Tri Motor. It was always on my bucket list and would do it again if it was near me.
 
Reading the latest issue of TRAINS Magazine and they mention that the Big Boy has speed restrictions on most bridges.
Thinking 1.2 million pounds and those flimsy looking support girders ---- can understand why.


Also Seth, Railroading Heritage of Midwest America is NOT open to the public. Best bet to get in is to join and become a member to get the latest news.

I have been a member since the beginning and been to 2 Train Days and 1 excursion out of the site.
 

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nelsb01 said:
Reading the latest issue of TRAINS Magazine and they mention that the Big Boy has speed restrictions on most bridges.
Thinking 1.2 million pounds and those flimsy looking support girders ---- can understand why.


Also Seth, Railroading Heritage of Midwest America is NOT open to the public. Best bet to get in is to join and become a member to get the latest news.

I have been a member since the beginning and been to 2 Train Days and 1 excursion out of the site.
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I didn't realize they were not open to the public. What do they do with their equipment if it's not accessible to the public?
 
They do have on site storage and also a very technical security system. The building is also not set up to have non-employees walk through. You know those safety standard regulations.
When I first joined, I wanted to head down there and look around and was told that only during the open house events will they allow visitors.
There 'maybe' a fall excursion planned so keep checking the website. It will probably be the weekend that I head off to Hershey, so will miss it.
The most fascinating thing I can say about it -- it is the first historical building that I have been in that was not stripped of all its mechanical parts before it was sold to RRHMA.

Here's a photo of Challenger 3985 (April 24, 2026) It may be test fired in late 2027.
 

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nelsb01 said:
They do have on site storage and also a very technical security system. The building is also not set up to have non-employees walk through. You know those safety standard regulations.
When I first joined, I wanted to head down there and look around and was told that only during the open house events will they allow visitors.
There 'maybe' a fall excursion planned so keep checking the website. It will probably be the weekend that I head off to Hershey, so will miss it.
The most fascinating thing I can say about it -- it is the first historical building that I have been in that was not stripped of all its mechanical parts before it was sold to RRHMA.

Here's a photo of Challenger 3985 (April 24, 2026) It may be test fired in late 2027.
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I'm looking forward to it returning to steam. I rode behind the 3985 in 1993 from St. Louis to Kansas City.
 
I do know that the next Silvis Train Days (2027) will be during the dedication of the new roundhouse building.
That alone is a reason to be there.
 
nelsb01 said:
They do have on site storage and also a very technical security system. The building is also not set up to have non-employees walk through. You know those safety standard regulations.
When I first joined, I wanted to head down there and look around and was told that only during the open house events will they allow visitors.
There 'maybe' a fall excursion planned so keep checking the website. It will probably be the weekend that I head off to Hershey, so will miss it.
The most fascinating thing I can say about it -- it is the first historical building that I have been in that was not stripped of all its mechanical parts before it was sold to RRHMA.

Here's a photo of Challenger 3985 (April 24, 2026) It may be test fired in late 2027.
Click to expand...
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