A group of guys are broadcasting live (barring technical difficulties) as they wait for UP 4018 at this link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/union-pacific-big-boy-chase.
UP Big Boy Restoration
- Thread starter WhoozOn1st
- Start date
Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:
From the RailGiants Train Museum e-newsletter (of sorts):
"Recently, Union Pacific’s expert steam crew arrived from Wyoming to get their initial 'hands on' view of the famous #4014. A scope of components from its pistons down to the smallest of ball bearings are being opened and inspected. There is much more to complete before it begins its first journey of the 21st Century across the fairgrounds parking lot on panel track towards Metrolink’s San Gabriel Sub. The earliest date this journey is expected to begin is in October or later."
EDIT: There's also a U.P. online update, which includes an interesting and informative YouTube video about the inspection and work proceedings on 4014. Apparently the RailGiants museum has taken good care of the locomotive, which helped make it a good restoration candidate. I'd guess the mild SoCal climate didn't hurt, either: http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/community_ties/2013/august/0815_4014.shtml
"Recently, Union Pacific’s expert steam crew arrived from Wyoming to get their initial 'hands on' view of the famous #4014. A scope of components from its pistons down to the smallest of ball bearings are being opened and inspected. There is much more to complete before it begins its first journey of the 21st Century across the fairgrounds parking lot on panel track towards Metrolink’s San Gabriel Sub. The earliest date this journey is expected to begin is in October or later."
Members of the U.P. steam crew at work on Big Boy No. 4014 at RailGiants Train Museum, which is at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (Fairplex). (RailGiants photo)
For more photos of the work in progress (they're using a blue work flag from 844): http://railgiants.org/souvenirs.htmEDIT: There's also a U.P. online update, which includes an interesting and informative YouTube video about the inspection and work proceedings on 4014. Apparently the RailGiants museum has taken good care of the locomotive, which helped make it a good restoration candidate. I'd guess the mild SoCal climate didn't hurt, either: http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/community_ties/2013/august/0815_4014.shtml
Last edited by a moderator:
Swadian Hardcore
Engineer
That clears it up.
Very good to see active work going ahead now. Get it fized up well, boys, UP would get a huge PR bonus for this!
An item in today's Trains News Wire discusses an interview with Union Pacific's Senior Manager of Heritage Operations (i.e. steam chief), Ed Dickens. Some particularly interesting excerpts:
"Union Pacific’s quest to return one of its famous 4-8-8-4 Big Boy locomotives to steam began about two years ago and soon focused on No. 4014. That rebuild could take five years or more to complete, as Trains News Wire learned in a wide-ranging interview with UP’s steam chief. He says the locomotive will have a large territory and that he’s confident conversion to oil firing will be successful."
"Dickens declines to discuss the terms of the deal between the railroad and the railroad club, but says specifics will be announced soon."
"Dickens says he looked at other survivors but 4014 soon became the front-runner because its boiler barrel is in excellent condition."
"The engine is also largely intact, down to nozzles for the injectors. Much of the air brake system is intact, which will make easier the dead-in-tow move 1,200 miles from Los Angeles to the steam shop in Cheyenne later this year."
"Removing the engine from the fairgrounds will involve using panel track to work across a parking lot for about 5,000 feet to reach a live track, a nighttime move onto Metrolink, and a visit to UP’s shop at West Colton for inspection and public display. The engine’s trip to Wyoming will take place in daylight on a published schedule with display stops. That move will likely take place later this fall."
"As to oil firing the locomotive type that traditionally burned coal, Dickens says he is confident the Big Boy can successfully be converted while still getting maximum life from its firebox sheets. He figures the locomotive, as an oil burner, is capable of developing a whopping 7,200 hp."
Much more to it than that, of course. In addition to the usual magazine subscribers who have access to Trains News Wire, this item is being left open to all registered members of the Trains Magazine website. The 5-to-6 year timeline for the restoration project, if met, could well have 4014 running in time for the sesquicentennial of the first transcon (1869-2019).
"Union Pacific’s quest to return one of its famous 4-8-8-4 Big Boy locomotives to steam began about two years ago and soon focused on No. 4014. That rebuild could take five years or more to complete, as Trains News Wire learned in a wide-ranging interview with UP’s steam chief. He says the locomotive will have a large territory and that he’s confident conversion to oil firing will be successful."
"Dickens declines to discuss the terms of the deal between the railroad and the railroad club, but says specifics will be announced soon."
"Dickens says he looked at other survivors but 4014 soon became the front-runner because its boiler barrel is in excellent condition."
"The engine is also largely intact, down to nozzles for the injectors. Much of the air brake system is intact, which will make easier the dead-in-tow move 1,200 miles from Los Angeles to the steam shop in Cheyenne later this year."
"Removing the engine from the fairgrounds will involve using panel track to work across a parking lot for about 5,000 feet to reach a live track, a nighttime move onto Metrolink, and a visit to UP’s shop at West Colton for inspection and public display. The engine’s trip to Wyoming will take place in daylight on a published schedule with display stops. That move will likely take place later this fall."
"As to oil firing the locomotive type that traditionally burned coal, Dickens says he is confident the Big Boy can successfully be converted while still getting maximum life from its firebox sheets. He figures the locomotive, as an oil burner, is capable of developing a whopping 7,200 hp."
Much more to it than that, of course. In addition to the usual magazine subscribers who have access to Trains News Wire, this item is being left open to all registered members of the Trains Magazine website. The 5-to-6 year timeline for the restoration project, if met, could well have 4014 running in time for the sesquicentennial of the first transcon (1869-2019).
A sorry swap:
"The Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society will receive a former Missouri Pacific SD40-2 and a Rock Island bay window caboose in exchange for 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014. The chapter will also receive the proceeds of a an excursion operated in Southern California with No. 4014 once it is restored and the railroad will attach two plaques to the tender commemorating the years the locomotive spent in Pomona. This is according to the September 2013 chapter newsletter, obtained by Trains News Wire."
In my view 4014 is worth more than a fleet of tired old diesels and cabeese. But I suppose they had to get something in return, and of course everybody will eventually be getting an operational Big Boy.
"The Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society will receive a former Missouri Pacific SD40-2 and a Rock Island bay window caboose in exchange for 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014. The chapter will also receive the proceeds of a an excursion operated in Southern California with No. 4014 once it is restored and the railroad will attach two plaques to the tender commemorating the years the locomotive spent in Pomona. This is according to the September 2013 chapter newsletter, obtained by Trains News Wire."
In my view 4014 is worth more than a fleet of tired old diesels and cabeese. But I suppose they had to get something in return, and of course everybody will eventually be getting an operational Big Boy.
Trains News Wire for 9-10-13 says...
"Union Pacific steam crew members are busy this week working on 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014 to prepare the engine to leave its home of 51 years in Pomona for restoration and eventual operation.
The steam crew has been working on the running gear, taking down the main rods, and getting this giant-of-the-rails ready to roll once more."
The steam crew has actually been at work on 4014 for several weeks, and has by now surely progressed farther than it had when Team Whooz went to the L.A. County Fair on opening weekend and took several shots of the results of work on the Big Boy up to then:
"Union Pacific steam crew members are busy this week working on 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014 to prepare the engine to leave its home of 51 years in Pomona for restoration and eventual operation.
The steam crew has been working on the running gear, taking down the main rods, and getting this giant-of-the-rails ready to roll once more."
The steam crew has actually been at work on 4014 for several weeks, and has by now surely progressed farther than it had when Team Whooz went to the L.A. County Fair on opening weekend and took several shots of the results of work on the Big Boy up to then:
A rod and other parts sit on pallets beside the locomotive, with UP steam crew cover and tool trailer in right background.
Other parts removed from the engine rest on a wood platform constructed inside 4014's tender.
The locomotive is missing most of its boiler cladding - it should cover all the rivets/bolts and firebox - which has NOT been removed by the steam crew but rather has been missing for years. (WhoozPhotos)
Swadian Hardcore
Engineer
The diesels are worht a lot because they make money, and money is important. The SD40-2 in particular, it's a great money-maker.
Ryan
Court Jester
Not sitting in a museum, they don't.
Trains magazine will be live streaming video of the move of Big Boy 4014 on Wednesday and Thursday (11-13/14-13). It is registered user - not subscriber only - content, and registration is free: http://trn.trains.com/
EDIT: The locomotive won't appear quite its normal self, as a number of distinctive parts have been removed for the moves (first to the adjacent rail line, then to Colton, then to Cheyenne), e.g. crossheads and piston rods.
Night view of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. WhoozPhoto, 2013.
EDIT: The locomotive won't appear quite its normal self, as a number of distinctive parts have been removed for the moves (first to the adjacent rail line, then to Colton, then to Cheyenne), e.g. crossheads and piston rods.
Last edited by a moderator:
I watched some of the live feed, it was pretty boring for the most part. 4014 was moved 1200 feet today in 300 foot steps. The UP steam crew is taking special care as they move the track forward, no rushing around on this job. The Fairplex people (and UP) welcome well-behaved spectators (ie, stay out of the way), sounds like you even get free parking. The Fairplex blog is keeping up on things.
Devil's Advocate
⠀⠀⠀
I believe there's a hard limit on how many videos can be included in a single post, so here's a playlist on Youtube for folks who are interested in seeing the checking and preparations done prior to the initial move.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh3l5IvpX5haUFK5n7yqfs2vIoq_wGTVe
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh3l5IvpX5haUFK5n7yqfs2vIoq_wGTVe
Last edited by a moderator:
What's left of the Los Angeles Times published a sort of farewell story covering 4014's move from Pomona...
"The old engine that still could" -- http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-big-boy-20131116,0,6608450.story#axzz2kqe3Laty
"To get the old locomotive rolling again, Union Pacific crews are laying 4,500 feet of temporary track so it can cross the Fairplex parking lot and reach a nearby Metrolink line. Once it gets to Colton, it will be shuttled onto Union Pacific tracks and start heading east after being converted from burning coal to using fuel oil."
I think that last is probably incorrect; I doubt the conversion to oil burning will be accomplished at Colton. The article includes a good video, narrated by Ed Dickens, UP's senior manager of heritage operations.
"The old engine that still could" -- http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-big-boy-20131116,0,6608450.story#axzz2kqe3Laty
"To get the old locomotive rolling again, Union Pacific crews are laying 4,500 feet of temporary track so it can cross the Fairplex parking lot and reach a nearby Metrolink line. Once it gets to Colton, it will be shuttled onto Union Pacific tracks and start heading east after being converted from burning coal to using fuel oil."
I think that last is probably incorrect; I doubt the conversion to oil burning will be accomplished at Colton. The article includes a good video, narrated by Ed Dickens, UP's senior manager of heritage operations.
Much of the engine's boiler cladding has been missing for a very long time. It was NOT removed by the steam crew. (WhoozPhoto, 2013)
It's been a long, long, l-o-n-g time, but as this linked U.P. news release notes, "The time has finally come for UP's Big Boy No. 4014 to return to the national rail network."
Rail Fans Invited to Witness Big Boy No. 4014's Historic Return - http://www.up.com/newsinfo/community_ties/2014/january/0120_4014_departure.shtml
The page contains a link to click through for the latest schedule and route map.
"Pushed and pulled by modern diesel electric UP freight locomotives, No. 4014 will depart Fairplex, home of RailGiants Museum in Pomona, Calif., for the first time in more than 50 years. The Big Boy will travel 56 miles on Metrolink and UP track to the UP's Colton, Calif., rail yard."
In an effort to minimize interference with normal traffic, Ed Dickens, UP steam chief, said in a recent video interview that he hoped to commence the move at the viewer-friendly hour of 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 26.
Also as part of the move an old geep, old boxcar, and old caboose will be swapped in as the lame excuses for a deal for 4014 made by RailGiants.
"The move to Colton is only the first stage of No. 4014's journey to Cheyenne. Final travel preparations will be made in Colton over the next several months before the locomotive departs for Cheyenne. Rail fans are invited to view No. 4014 in Colton Yard on Feb. 1-2, and 8-9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors should access the rail yard at 19100 Slover Ave., Bloomington, Calif. Visitors will be permitted in the No. 4014 display area only. There will be no other rail yard access."
Rail Fans Invited to Witness Big Boy No. 4014's Historic Return - http://www.up.com/newsinfo/community_ties/2014/january/0120_4014_departure.shtml
The page contains a link to click through for the latest schedule and route map.
"Pushed and pulled by modern diesel electric UP freight locomotives, No. 4014 will depart Fairplex, home of RailGiants Museum in Pomona, Calif., for the first time in more than 50 years. The Big Boy will travel 56 miles on Metrolink and UP track to the UP's Colton, Calif., rail yard."
In an effort to minimize interference with normal traffic, Ed Dickens, UP steam chief, said in a recent video interview that he hoped to commence the move at the viewer-friendly hour of 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 26.
Also as part of the move an old geep, old boxcar, and old caboose will be swapped in as the lame excuses for a deal for 4014 made by RailGiants.
"The move to Colton is only the first stage of No. 4014's journey to Cheyenne. Final travel preparations will be made in Colton over the next several months before the locomotive departs for Cheyenne. Rail fans are invited to view No. 4014 in Colton Yard on Feb. 1-2, and 8-9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors should access the rail yard at 19100 Slover Ave., Bloomington, Calif. Visitors will be permitted in the No. 4014 display area only. There will be no other rail yard access."
U.P. 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 is now at West Colton yard following an early Sunday move from the Los Angeles County Fairplex fairgrounds, its home for the last 50 years or so. The move apparently went smoothly. Twits and photos posted from aboard the engine during its move may be seen at:
https://twitter.com/railgiants
Seeing as how the restoration process is really and truly underway now, perhaps a mod or admin type could remove the word "possible" from the thread title. It's an artifact of a time when it was not even known if UP could find a locomotive in suitable shape for the project.
https://twitter.com/railgiants
Seeing as how the restoration process is really and truly underway now, perhaps a mod or admin type could remove the word "possible" from the thread title. It's an artifact of a time when it was not even known if UP could find a locomotive in suitable shape for the project.
http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-trb-california-big-boy-cheyenne-wyoming-20140416,0,5883325.story#axzz2zNkN6Tl6
Making the move to Wyoming starting on April 28th. Hope someone can see it along the way.
Dan
Edited to correct link.
Making the move to Wyoming starting on April 28th. Hope someone can see it along the way.
Dan
Edited to correct link.
Last edited by a moderator:
G
Guest
Guest
Aloha
I plan to borrow the company camera and catch it on the south side of town as it arrives. Hope it is not late. If on Time I should have good light and be able to keep LV in the background.
