If this topic has already been posted, pardon me, but I haven't found it: Has anyone else read the Ron Ziel piece in the current "Railfan and Railroad" about the scrapping of the Big Boys by the U. P.? If so, what did you think of it? Normally, steam funeral pieces upset me, but this one is very respectfully--almost reverently--done. Any thoughts?

justighe@bright.net

I haven't yet read the article, but Ron was out at Green River while the Big Boys were lined up for scrapping, and others where still nosed into their roundhouse stalls, all cold and most condemned. His first book, "Twilight of Steam" features some of the photos he took on the U.P.'s land. These include pictures of at least one of the big locos supported upon crib work, while the torch wielders sliced them up into fragments. At least U.P. took pains to maintain the locos in posterity by saving as many as they did. For a long time the Challenger sat indoors alongside 4023 (I think), and several other steamers, awaiting possible recall to service. Eventually she bacame a static display. I'd like to believe that we'll see a Big Boy in steam again someday. U.P. has the only track capable of operating them at speed, but turning is another thing altogether. Very unlikely, I fear.

glueck@maine.edu

I have to say that the article is an excellent tribute to the last moments of the Big Boys. Growing up reading "Twilight" and "Steam in the 60's" over and over, it is a treat reading more work from Ziel.
UP was and still is very aware of the contributions of the 25 locos. These monsters did everything expected- and then some. This contribution was huge to the bottom line financially, also with the war effort, and with public relations.
Seeing 4012 this summer for the first time in roughly 20 years was a truly moving experience. I forgot just how darn big she is! It does however illustrate how big the Reading Rambles is in comparison. 2124 is no piker.


bigboy4884@charter.net