Big Boy No. 4014 heads west out of Cheyenne on Thursday evening on a test run into Colorado.
Jim Wrinn
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Union Pacific is ready to roll Big Boy No. 4014 west from Cheyenne on Saturday morning, according to the latest email update from the Union Pacific Steam Club.
“If you don’t already know by now, the Big Boy No. 4014 left the Union Pacific Steam Shop on its own power May 1, and has been undergoing last-minute road testing before its big christening event at 9:30 a.m. MT May 4,” the email reads. “After the champagne bottle breaks, No. 4014 and the Living Legend No. 844 will double-head on a short whistle-stop tour to Ogden, Utah, where they’ll meet nose-to-nose during Union Pacific’s Golden Spike celebration at 10 a.m. MT May 9.”
The railroad is also reminding visitors to be safe around the tracks.
“Remember, the average train overhangs the track by at least three feet and wider loads can extend even further from the tracks. It is imperative that you stand back at least 25 feet or more from the tracks to avoid debris and steam or being hit by the train itself,” the railroad says. “When taking photos or video, be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure you’re in a safe place or have someone ‘spot’ you while you’re looking through your camera’s viewfinder. What you don’t see could hurt you.”
Trains Magazine staff and correspondents will be following the locomotive on its journey to Ogden and back home to Cheyenne later in the month. Be sure to check Trains News Wire regularly for their stories, photos, and videos, and follow our Facebook page for live streaming video as it happens!
Doug Potter, yes, taken from UP 3985.
Thanks, Jim Kerner. I figured if Beauty and the Beast could work for a Disney movie, then by golly it could work very well for the 4014 and 844.
And thanks to Jim Wrinn for the “Beebesque” pix.
Stephen: I like your alliteration of the locomotives.
Is that really a 7 axle “tender?”
Let the show begin!! Beauty (844) and the Beast (4014) together. Awesome show anticipated.
Thank you Union Pacific for making this event possible.