News & Reviews News Wire Jay Leno puts Union Pacific Big Boy and steam program in the spotlight

Jay Leno puts Union Pacific Big Boy and steam program in the spotlight

By Trains Staff | September 24, 2024

The comedian featured the locomotive in the latest episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” on YouTube

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Jay Leno, right, and Ed Dickens, manager of Union Pacific’s manager of heritage operations, sit in the cab of Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014. UP

Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014, the railroad’s heritage fleet, and steam program boss Ed Dickens are featured in the latest episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” the former “Tonight Show” host’s YouTube program.

UP and the National Park Foundation welcomed Leno and his film crew on the Missouri Valley to Dennison, Iowa, portion of the locomotive’s current Heartland of America tour. The episode – which includes Leno’s cab ride, a tour of the Heritage Fleet shop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and an interview with Dickens – premiered yesterday.

A self-described gearhead, Leno has more than 181 cars and 160 motorcycles in his collection, including a couple of steam-powered cars. He drew on his experience with his steam vehicles during his discussion with Dickens beside the 4014.

4 thoughts on “Jay Leno puts Union Pacific Big Boy and steam program in the spotlight

  1. I criticize the UP a lot for some of their seemingly boneheaded business decisions, but circulating the Big Boy around the country during the summer months is one of their good choices.

    Lots of PR and educating kids (and adults like Jay) on steam based mechanics is one thing, but there is something about a steam engine (I am not a big follower of steam) that resonates with the general public, including the whistle. Constant romanticizing of steam power via Hollywood or other means, it does attract a crowd.

    When diesels are retired for hydrogen or EV, will people gather by the thousands to see an old Alco push out some soot? Not likely.

  2. What a great video. I enjoyed watching it. The cars are beautifully restored. Union Pacific has done an incredible job with their steam program. Definitely worth the hour of your time to watch.

  3. I saw this on You Tube early this morning. It is worth the time to watch. Ed Dickens helps Jay understand What it took to restore and operate this piece of history.

  4. This is worth watching just for the interior tour of some of the cars in the Business Train, which I had never seen. Ed does a good job explaining to Jay that railroads are still big time in the US supply chain. Jay seems unaware, on the passenger side, that they still exist today outside UP’s immaculate 70 – 80 year old fleet.

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