On November 17, this steam locomotive will be passing through a property i own. I think it's the biggest ever built at 762,000 lbs. I have seen it's little brother 4-6-6-4 challenger twice. These have been converted to run on fuel oil. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Pacific_Big_Boy
I think I have been in the cab of this machine. If it is the one I think it is, it sat on display for many years in Pomona, Ca. . Some years ago they took it away for restoration. Seeing this thing in person is an experience. It is just too big to wrap your mind around. ...J.D.
I would encourage anybody in the northwest or southwest USA through the central plains to check the running schedule online.tbis is one monster bada$$ machine that must been seen to be believed. Most stops you can walk right up to it. Or at least you could a few years ago.
Would like to see it run. We had a Challenger through here some years back. Fortunately, I was off work that day and got to see it go by. Maybe now that I am retired I can make a point to see BB next time it is down our way. Great excuse to get one of the bikes out and put the camera in the tank bag and go ! ...J.D.
Peeps aren't they just works of art. Terrific machines. We do get the odd ones here out doing a run and I do love to see them if they come to a station near me. Not as big but just as beautiful. I am not a spotter or anything just love our history. Regards Joe.
I used to get footplate rides on these - the narrow gauge railway that operates between Ravenglass and Eskdale in the Lake district. My ex FIL was the manager of the company. Added bonus was getting there on the bike, riding over the Hardknott/Wrynose pass!
wire wheels the big boy west of the mississippi usa tour schedule https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm
Thanks Phred. I'll pursue that. Wanted to share one of the best train experiences ever. I got to ride the Durango & Silverton RR in 2014. Worth every penny. Day started sunny and I came home in a pouring rain in an open train car with coal dust in my hair, eyes, etc. Was great though. Here is a pic. ...J.D.
Durango is on my bucket list, also the narrow gage, that runs out of Chama NM. and ride the million dollar highway amoung others in that area
I have wanted to do the one at Chalma and Toltec myself. Also one near Clarkdale, Arizona on my bucket list. Trouble is my bucket is getting pretty old. I figure I am going to have to see what I can in the next year or two. ...J.D. BTW: 3 Big Boy stops scheduled in my area.
I used to drive steam trains when I was a kid My dad was involved with these guys, and spent many a Sunday running steam trains around this track in Paisley in the 70's. Went back last year and some of the old boys remembered me My dad would sit behind me as we ran around the track, but I was allowed to run the diesels by myself. All the other kids had to pay to ride behind the trains, and I got to drive them
Here is 4014 "Big Boy" southbound, nearing Cajon Summit Oct. 10. Sorry for the odd angle on this shot. After driving up there and waiting two hours my shot was just about to be blocked by a train passing the other way. Standing on a wall, leaning on a sign post, I had to use a long shot before my shot was blocked. Telephoto came in handy. ...J.D.
