Photos published on Facebook news groups showed Union Pacific steam shop crews on Tuesday lifting the smokebox and boiler with side sideboom tractors and sliding the rebuilt front engine (the 4-8 in 4-8-8-4) under the boiler. The photos also show what appears to be an almost completed boiler with only the steam dome cover and smokebox inspection hatches missing and a complete backhead with valves, piping, waterglasses, and other controls.
Wheeling the locomotive is another major step forwarding in the restoration of the massive 1941 locomotive that is set to run in May as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad completion. UP says it plans to send both No. 4014 and 4-8-4 No. 844 to Ogden, Utah, for the celebration. No Big Boy locomotive has run under its own power since 1959, and its restoration is unprecedented in the annals of American steam locomotive preservation.
Meanwhile, a notice published in the federal register Thursday shows that UP has asked the Federal Railroad Administration for waivers on Positive Train Control compliance for steam locomotives Nos. 844, 4014, and Challenger 4-6-6-4 No. 3985, which is stored out of service in Cheyenne.
I never thought I’d live to see the day that monster lived again. I remember being a kid n seeing the Big Boy at Steamtown and asking both my dad (60 yrs railroading) and one of the men restoring the CP locomotive if they were ever going to restore one. The answer was a flat no. No shop big enough, no tracks strong enough for her to run on I was told.
( This was before UP restored the Challenger )
I just wish my dad lived to see her move under her own power.
My goal now other than being in Ogden is the day I see 844, 3985, n 4014 all on the road together. That would be a triple header of epic proportions.
If I ever hit the lotto 1/2 will be donated to steam restoration n preservation efforts especially the PRR T-1 Trust as my dad worked for the PRR.
God bless the Union Pacific and all you good people
Planning to be in Ogden in May. See you then UP!!
I agree that all steam excursions should be exempt since most only run occasionally.
Personally I think the FRA should just issue a blanket waiver for all mainline steam operations…since the vast majority are so few and far between.
Good luck UP, hope the waiver comes your way.