Steam Locomotive Drawing Large Crowds

[Dudester]

Union Pacific Railroad has a massive steam locomotive that is drawing large crowds as it tours the country. "Big Boy 4014" was built in 1941 with the purpose of pulling trains over the Wasatch mountains. Big Boy is massive with a 4-8-8-4 wheel alignment. Big Boy 4014 was in service for 18 years before it was retired from service for use in static display.

In 2013, Big Boy 4014 was bought by Union Pacific and began a restoration that lasted six years. In 2019, for the first time in 60 years moved under it's own power. Since then, Big Boy 4014 basically has done two tours a year and is presently on a tour across the country, where the oil fired steam locomotive draws large crowds on it's stops in certain cities.

There are at least a half dozen small railroads where one can take a trip on a train pulled by a steam locomotive, ranging from a 64 mile trip (Cumbres & Toltec Railroad) to a dinner ride (Norfolk and Western).

There is something eerily satisfying about hearing the distant whistle of a steam locomotive, and then the sound becoming larger as the train draws near. 

[watcher1]

I have seen film footage of the locomotive as it pulled cars full of war material over the mountains. One word to describe it - massive. I have taken a few trips on rebuilt steam locomotives,  mainly for sightseeing,  and though the sound of their whistles are nice, I think back to when all engines were coal fed and I think of the soot and pollution. Modern engines are slowly getting cleaner and I am thankful for that. I do enjoy traveling by train.

[msslave]

U.P. also has another big steam engine called the Challenger. I saw it years ago when it made a stop in central Iowa.

I don't remember the wheel configuration but it was big.

When I was a wee lad the railroads were just switching from steam engines to the sleek looking diesels. We called them streamliners.

I can't remember seeing the steam engines go by but I must have.

What I remember was being at the train depot to meet a relative when my dad said come here Bobby. We walked down the tracks and there was a big steam engine puffing away waiting to go somewhere. My dad said to take a good look because you won't see steam engines any more soon. It's still a great memory.