UP Big Boy in Steam

softwerkslex · **Posted:** Sat Apr 27, 2019 10:54 am

Kelly Anderson wrote:

Crescent-Zephyr wrote:

When I talk to visitors, (the tourist railroad / museum I work for keeps setting attendance records... ) I’m meeting people of all ages that seem excited to see a steam locomotive in operation, and want to ask what it burns, when it was built, etc. it’s because of those electronic devices that people of all ages can discover what operations exist, the history of locomotives.

In my opinion if you think “nobody cares about history” than you aren’t talking to people and you’re only showing your own arrogance and ignorance.

Polling visitors at your site about their interest in steam locomotives is a bit like polling people sitting in pews about their interest in religion. The concern isn't with the tens of thousands to come to the local steam railroad, it's with the tens of millions who don't. Go to your local mall and start polling people about what happened at the Golden Spike ceremony to get an idea of my position regarding the general level of awareness of history in America.

I've been married 24 years. My wife is still not sure what we are really talking about.

Charlie · **Posted:** Sat Apr 27, 2019 11:16 am

Ya know, given the intense interest in the 4014, I'm surprised that people aren't pitching tents and putting up lawn chairs (off of railroad property of course) to view the goings on in Cheyenne.

xboxtravis7992 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:33 am **Posts:** 195

hamster wrote:

I cannot figure out where the strong undercurrent of pessimism is coming from! Yes, the UP steam program had some(!) teething problems, but that was YEARS and a successful 1472 Day Inspection ago. The gloom and doomers were certain that 844 would explode and kill half of Cheyenne! I think those folks are still upset that the world did not come to an end! The 4014 is going to be a star in a week and we can take that to the bank. There is absolutely no reason to suspect that any corners were clipped or any shortcuts taken. In fact, given the revisions to nearly every shop practice and process the likelihood of success could hardly be higher.

UP Steam is in better hands than ever and it is because the practices used by the "old hands" have largely been left behind in favor of modern ISO practices. Perhaps this is the source of all of the discontent. Yes, the machine is still a 1940's steam locomotive, but we've learned a lot in the last 60 years that we can apply to its operation and upkeep. It is imperative that we move away from the old ways of doing things where it makes sense, especially with these large and complex machines.

A lot of the pessimism from what I have gathered is a combination of armchair railfans with a small handful of disgruntled former-volunteers & employees of the program who lost their position during the transition from Steve to Ed, who saw a chance to fan the flames among the armchair railfans. I don't mean to say that as a disrespect to those former rail workers, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that its clear a small handful of them are still holding onto a grudge for far to long. Frankly most of it has been shot down ever since UP 844 got back to running, with TrainOrders being the only place its really still holding on at (you can make a drinking game based on the stuff TO likes to say about UP steam). I do think the "nothing is a sacred cow to PSR" attitude that has shown up on UP has re-stoked some fears especially thanks to that interview with the UP CEO that Trains Magazine posted a few months back. But in response to the "PSR will have UP 844, 3985 and 4014 as static displays in some museum by years end" rumors I say nonsense. UP would not keep investing in the steam program if they didn't believe it had a real PR or heritage value to them.

The adaptation of modern ISO standards and current tech is the most important advancement Ed could have made to the program. Yes these are antique steamers, but the way we maintain them shouldn't be limited to antique methods. Its the kind of data and information that will ensure future machinists, engineers, and crew members will be able to continue on the program even after Ed has moved on.

As to the other subject on hand... does the public respond to steam engines? From what I have seen on Facebook photos I have posted, regular freight diesels do not draw out the same response from non-railfans as photos of steam engines. People are drawn to steam engines, even if subconsciously from their trips to Disneyland as a child they know somehow that steam has a mystique that the modern diesel lacks. Adding in a caption such as "this engine was built in 19xx and has been running since 20xx when it was last restored" usually is all the context most people need to understand what makes it special and different.

When it comes to steam in the western US, especially in states such as Utah, Wyoming and Idaho were we lack in number of operational steam engines compared to the rest of the country... UP Steam is the big show; its the only chance to expose people to the appeal of steam without either driving out to Ely, Williams or Durango. As much as I love the Golden Spike site, I would be lying if I didn't honestly say those two beautiful engines are sort of working light without any trains to pull on the little trackswitcher they have out there. They feel like sized up backyard engines because they really don't have breathing room to work their paces at Promontory. UP is the only group that can put in a full steam show with a proper train and large late era steam engines in this area, at least until Heber finally finishes working on its engines. UP is the local steam king for the time being and it will draw in the non-railfans to watch their trains when they run!

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 2648

"There is no such thing as 'bad publicity'" is a truism in both advertising and entertainment (sometimes attributed to P.T. Barnum). The riders on this train know it is a break-in run, the chance to see the results of a lot of work.

https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the ... icity.html

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Sat Apr 27, 2019 7:32 pm

I do remember vividly that when the Smithsonian, under the curation of John H. White Jr., undertook to get the original John Bull running for its 150th anniversary in 1981, the big media event for its "unveiling" on the Georgetown Branch was delayed for about two or more hours after the throttle valve stuck just as the throttle was opened for its big debut, resulting in a lot of "The Little Engine That Couldn't" headlines nationwide.

buzz_morris · **Joined:** Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:32 pm **Posts:** 344

My money is on UP to make this happen as advertised.
Remember 844’s flat spots in 2012.
They dropped 4 axles, turned 8, 80" drivers at two different shops, and were back in service in 2 ½ weeks.

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

hamster · **Posted:** Sat Apr 27, 2019 10:24 pm

For all you naysayers, try this on for size! Thanks to That Steam Guy on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/31997228137936 ... SEARCH_BOX

And, on YouTube, a longer version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Hv7_Z4ypA

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Sat Apr 27, 2019 10:26 pm

This Just In:

Video (allegedly) this afternoon of 4014 under steam outside the shops, with the whistle being tested:

https://www.facebook.com/david.burritt. ... 562503893/

Kinda reminds me of the testing of PRR 1361's initial whistle in 1987--it took a couple adjustments, and several whistles, before they found one in good condition that made a decent sound.

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

Tom F · **Joined:** Mon Jul 02, 2018 8:04 pm **Posts:** 314

Was in Cheyenne today (4-27) and the Big Boy was outside the shop under full steam. Looked about 98% complete. Steam was raised enough to lift one of the safety valves. There was a minimal amount of smoke so the burner must be working normally. Did not see any steam leaks. No valves, pistons, or main rods attached. Locomotive was nearly all painted except for the main steam pipes which were still getting the shrouding attached. No stencils on the cab or tender. Whistle was hooked up and tested.

Locomotive looks absolutely stunning! Many people came to the bridge when whistle was blown. Smiles from ear to ear and much excitement. Looks like they are cutting this to the bone to get it out in time. One person close to the crew members said they are working 16 hour days trying to get this done.

tomgears · **Posted:** Sun Apr 28, 2019 5:54 am

Some of you might notice a little bit of moderation took place with this topic. If your post was deleted it was either something that needed to go because a moderator felt it did not fit the guidelines. Also a handful were deleted because, please don't take it personally, because they were no longer relevant since the post you were responding to was deleted.

Carry on and good day.

Your friendly moderator,

Tom Gears

Heavenrich · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 11:07 am **Posts:** 630

For those who belong to the 'man will never fly' school of steam engine restoration, there is a video of the 4014 all buttoned up and under steam on the NRHS facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/RailPreservation/

Note that you may have to scroll down a bit to find the video

Bob H

UP Big Boy in Steam

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