The massive 4-8-8-4 will operate from its homebase and restoration shop in Cheyenne to Ogden, Utah, in early May as part of events marking the 150th anniversary of the first Transcontinental Railroad. A Big Boy steam locomotive has not run under its own power since 1959.
Expectations are that large numbers of spectators from around the globe will travel to Wyoming and Utah to witness this once-in-a-lifetime move of one of the world’s largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built. The route is native to the Big Boy locomotives, and includes legendary Sherman Hill, spectacular Echo Canyon, and Wasatch grade.
Only 25 Big Boy locomotives were built between 1941 and 1944; eight were saved for preservation; this will be the only one restored in the preservation era.
The chase bus will follow UP’s schedule, which has not been announced yet. Expectations are that No. 4014 will move on a multi-day schedule from Cheyenne to Ogden in the days before the May 10 anniversary at Promontory, Utah, and return in the days following it.
The chase bus will include transportation, stops to photograph and inspect No. 4014, boxed lunches, and hotels. Both westbound and eastbound legs of the journey will be covered.
“While we don’t know the dates of this trip right now, we know a lot of people want to plan to be there to see No. 4014 run,” says Trains Editor Jim Wrinn. “We also know a lot of people want to participate but without the hassle of lining up rooms or dealing with traffic.”
For details and pricing, see specialinteresttours.com.
Oh man — I think chase buses would be more likely. I was worried how I was going to ably cover all that unfamiliar territory!!!
See horse, see cart, one might want to plan their wagon ride based on the position of the horse.