Union Pacific Big Boy by Richardphotos

Photography • Historical • posted on Apr 13, 2012

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Description

they are trying to get everything lubricated before they try to take the railroad items to Frisco, TX.I took this Wednesday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXSgCnbbjf8&feature=relmfu http://ageofsteam.org/bigboy.html Union Pacific's route across the Wahsatch mountains in southwest Wyoming and northern Utah, part of the original transcontinental railroad, provided a significant obstacle to moving freight. As steam locomotive technology progressed, Union Pacific ordered larger, faster and more powerful locomotives: 2-8-8-0s in 1918, the three-cylinder 4-12-2s in 1926, then 4-6-6-4s in 1937, and ultimately a locomotive which could move freight over steep Sherman Hill unassisted and maintain a fast schedule. In 1941, Union Pacific received the first out of an eventual 25 locomotives in the 4000 class dubbed "big boys," the last five of which were delivered in 1944. At the time, these were the longest and among the heaviest, most powerful steam locomotives in the world. Big Boy 4018 was in service and assigned to Wyoming's Cheyenne-Green River territory in September of 1957, having received its final repairs at the Cheyenne shops in April of 1957. By October of 1957 engine 4018 was stored serviceable at Green River. 1958 saw several 4000s in service on the Cheyenne-Laramie segment only. As a result some 4000s were stored at Laramie at the end of 1958, and the last six 4000s located at Cheyenne were placed into service for just 15 days in 1959. Union Pacific 4018 was officially retired in 1962 and donated in 1964, traveling from Wyoming to Kansas City, then south via the Santa Fe into Dallas. In 1998 the museum was approached with a proposal to restore 4018 to operation for a feature film which did not materialize. Union Pacific 4018 remains on static display at the museum site in Dallas as it has been since 1964. There are no plans for an operational restoration.

Comments (63)

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claude19

1:05PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

SPLENDID capture ! Very Great thanks !!!

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T.Rex

1:23PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Oh, my! A real "Big Boy". And a Penn GG1 beside it! Please, pretty please, do you have more photos of these two great locomotives? Beautiful photo! The man is good - gives an idea of the size of the locomotive! Keep up the good work! :-)

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kbrog

1:30PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Excellent capture! :)

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bombenleger58

1:31PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

The "OLd Lady" looks Good. Nice Shot! You have more from her????????

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farmerC

1:43PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Exellent shot.

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sharky_

1:48PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Interesting train and info. I noticed they have a chain tied down to it, almost as if its for theft proof? :) Excellent. Aloha

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brycek

2:31PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Magnificent capture, Richard!!

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carlx

2:43PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Superb machine and capture!!!

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mgtcs

2:51PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Amazing photo Richard, excellent moment, very well done!

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emmecielle

2:54PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Fantastic image! Excellent capture! :)

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bazza

5:38PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

Wow great shot Richard I love these giants of the steam world, and all trains in general just a buff lol..

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jocko500

10:40PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

wonderful shot here and the man shows the scale of this train

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Digitaleagle

11:51PM | Fri, 13 April 2012

this is outstanding Richard, great old engine and wonderful history behind the image. It's sad there are no plans to restore it and use it for tourism.

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DennisReed

12:43AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

Superb relic!

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rainbows

3:37AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

Outstanding capture, of this huge train, dear Richard. A classic shot. Hugs for all day. Diane. xx

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VDH

3:39AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

Interesting photo!

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ysvry

4:26AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

great foto.

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greyone

6:29AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

Great looking capture! A serious piece of history

bebert

7:38AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

i like that

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goldie

9:22AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

now that is one grand looking train...do wish the USA would start using more trains for coast to coast transport and get all those dirty 18-wheelers slowly retired...thanks for the share--really enjoy US historical stuff :)

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TheBryster

9:51AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

I'd love to see more shots of this loco. The Big Boys have always fascinated me.

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bobrgallegos

10:27AM | Sat, 14 April 2012

Outstanding capture and narrative of this beautiful engine!

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danapommet

2:41PM | Sat, 14 April 2012

A fantastic photo Richard and impressive information.

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moochagoo

2:45PM | Sat, 14 April 2012

Oe of the most powerful. I've seen one in Cheyenne.

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alessimarco

8:32PM | Sat, 14 April 2012

~Very cool capture!~

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Radar_rad-dude

1:10AM | Sun, 15 April 2012

An extraordinary looking engine and a most superb photo, Richard! Thanks for sharing this and also for the most interesting and informative details! Very much appreciated, all!!!!!

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