A schedule for Big Boy 4014’s first operations should be out in February.
Trains: Jim Wrinn
OMAHA, Neb. — The wait for Big Boy 4014’s first operating schedule got a little shorter or a little longer, depending on how soon you want to make travel plans.
On Wednesday, the Union Pacific Steam Club, a new online offering by the railroad, said a schedule should be out in about four weeks. “Plans tentatively call for publishing the first schedules online in mid-February outlining steam specials leading up to the May 9 Golden Spike event in Ogden,” the announcement said, referring to plans to emulate the May 10, 1869 Golden Spike ceremony using 4-8-4 No. 844 and Big Boy No. 4014.
Restoration work on No. 4014 is continuing at the UP steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyo. The last report in December showed the wheels being placed under the locomotive.
Earlier this week, the Denver Post announced the end of its Cheyenne Frontier Days special from Denver to Cheyenne each July. The train was the last annual mainline steam excursion in the nation. UP has said Big Boy No. 4014 will tour other parts of the UP system after the trip from Cheyenne to Ogden. If there are public excursions with the locomotive, they will sell like wildfire.
