Long rusting in the park at Cheyenne, here are some Bob Collins action shots from 1955:http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?may04/05-02-04/UP4004HermosaWY_Oct16_1955a.jpghttp://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cg ... 55b.jpgAnd the last, on display in 1971:http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?may04/05-02-04/UP4044_Dec1971.jpg

When I saw it in 2000 it looked pretty good.Have some photos from that trip somewhere.At least it was painted.

I believe the UP steam crew has worked on this engine at least a couple of times, without much cooperation from the city, which has long emphasized its "cowboy" heritage over its actual railroad beginnings. Their time is limited, however, with plenty of other projects taking precedence.Despite fresh paint, the engine still has its asbestos lagging intact, and is unsheltered, which contributes to boiler corrosion, even in Cheyenne's dry climate. As much as shelters and fences hinder photography, some kind of protection is really necessary if these locomotives are to survive relatively intact in the long term. I hope any future effort at asbestos abatement will save the jacket and backhead sheets, if only as patterns for replacement with paintable galvanized steel. They could also be useful as patterns for replacement sheets for the other Big Boys that have had their jackets removed and discarded.

The UP steam crew just performed (or at least assisted in) a full repaint on the 4004, the progress of which was detailed periodically over on Trainorders. com.

You know, inspite of the nay sayers, with the number of Big Boys still around and the affection for them that exceeds even the railfan community, I would have to lean towards somebody restoring one for operation in a few years. Even U.P. would have to admit that an operable 4-8-8-4, arguably the largest steam locomotive in the world, is an awful strong draw for corporate attention. It might cost a fortune, but large amounts of money get tossed around for lesser things everyday in this country. Now which Big Boy would be the candidate for restoration, that's another discussion. It won't be 4023, sadly. BTW, any photos of the new placement with the Centennial in Kenefick Park?

Richard,Yes 4023 would have been my choice as well. According to Ron Zeil's Book "Twightlight of Steam" this engine was overhauled at the same time the 3985 Challenger was.As far as 4004 is concerned, she has been flooded up to the running boards at least once.I believer that the engine in Pamona, CA would be the best candidate. The folks there keep her greased and maintained.Can you imagine the amount of smoke the Nimby's would complain about if a Big Boy were operable?Take Care,JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Here's some photos (courtesy of the contractor's website):http://www.wasatch-rr-contractors.com/projects/images/BigBoy_4023_018.jpgand another:http://www.wasatch-rr-contractors.com/projects/images/BigBoy_4023_019.jpgand one of the centennial with the crew that did the "spit-n-polish"http://www.wasatch-rr-contractors.com/projects/images/DD40_6900_004.jpgsc 'doc' lewis --proud father of the contractor's website/graphic designer--

The 4023 discussion came up quite frequently in the Omaha area before it was put on it's high perch overlooking the Missouri River. The last time 4023 moved on track(from old Kennefick park to Union Station) it was obvious to all of us that was no lubrication in the cylinders and then when it was going to it's final resting place there was talk of using the torch to make into 2 or 3 "smaller" pieces so it was easier to move. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed. Except for the hours stuck across the UP AND BN main lines the move went pretty well. On the practical side: Where the heck could you run it? The steam crew already has found it easier to take the 3985 out cause it goes through small wyes easier than the 844 so a Big Boy could create some other logistical problems. Still the thought of a 4000 marching up Sherman Hill again does make the heart race. What ever happened to the people in Texas that were going to get 4018? running? I'll try to get a picture of the 2 engines up there, but the best view is from the I-80 bridge over the Missouri and they hate it when you stop on the bridge to get a picture.

From what I understand, the condition of 4023 was far removed from what you read in Ziel's book. Ever since I saw 4012 in Bellows Falls I dreamed of seeing one run, but don't think it will ever happen. Then again, I have heard the same of 1218, 2100, etc. I'd say the Pomona one is the best shape- is it still possible to put the track back to fairgrounds if one wanted to do so?Joshua

Toying with the idea could be a nice discussion topic. I agree, the Pomona Big Boy is probably in the best shape appearence-wise. Steamtown would be unlikely to "donate" theirs for operations. The machine in St. Louis looked good, but looks are hardly a proper evaluation. The 4018 in Dallas is accessible and the museum is out outwardly against it's usage. The pistons were cut by U.P. prior to the move in. I was told by a person in the know at Age of Steam Museum, that the 4018 was shopped prior to retirement and never run again. Cosmetics are cheap compared to pulling to locomotive's guts. I haven't read up on the preserved Big Boys since my last trip over to Steam Locomitves.Com. If a commitment to run a Big Boy was made, I think the big ticket price would have to include some track work. And so, for a locomotive that captures the hearts and minds so instantly as one of these monsters, I will bank of there being an operational 4-8-8-4 sometime in the future, and perhaps not too far off.

Took two photos yesterday while in Omaha on business. Anyone got a good idea of a place to dump them so they may be posted? AOL Hometown and Yahoo are the only ones available to me, and they seems to have reconfigured so I cannot store them there for upload to you.Steve Zuidervee

If you like, you can send them to me and I can put them up on my website, and share them with the group here. If I have them tonight, I could post them in the AM before I go to work.mail AT joshuakblay DOT com.J

Here we go- thanks Steve.http://www.joshuakblay.com/omaha.htmJ

Folks,While the idea of making the worlds largest steam locomotve run again is great; all it takes is a oto of money ta pay a lot of some ones to make it happen.but the biggest problem is the where to run one of them? Since the UP has the 3985 I don't think they would be interestedAnotherClass 1 main line? There are not many around these days!I guess it would take something like 155 pound rail in really good shape to run the monster and also consider turning it around once you get there, whereever there is?Hate to pour water on the fire! But I think we will have to be satisfied with the 3985 which haveing seen, smelled and touched her when in steam is really something to remember!Ted Miles

Ted: I think UP could do it if they were prodded by the right set of voices, and I don't mean the general railfan community. Yes, the money is huge, but recall that they once owned a fleet of these suckers and UP is one of the most profitable railroads in the country. Now before other people want to make sure I've had my dose of reality today, I need to point out that I am only making the speculation that I believe it will happen someday. Not today, not tomorrow, but someday in the not too terribly distant future. I've wait 50 years to see a LIRR G5s reborn, and I can wait that long to see a Big Boy. It's awaiting game, pure and simple.