ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014’s first nighttime departure reveals how impressive this 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive is.
The locomotive, along with 4-8-4 No. 844, a diesel locomotive, and passenger consist behind, eased out of a siding in Union Pacific’s Rock Springs yard Monday shortly after 4 a.m. The train glided on steam vented from the locomotive in the chilly morning with temperatures in the upper 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Big Boy paused at the yard’s limits in unincorporated Blairtown long enough for the crew to check train orders, whistle off and continue its journey west, to Ogden, Utah.
For more on the Golden Spike celebration, pick up our special issue Journey to Promontory and its companion DVDs, available now. Coming in June: Big Boy – Back In Steam special issue and companion DVD.
Wake up call by #4014.