Big Boy 4023 moves to a new home!

[Anonymous]

I haven't seen this posted in this forum and I thought all you Big Boy fans may be interested in seeing #4023 being moved to its new home. These photos were taken only a few days ago, March 12 & 13, 2005!

Here's the link: http://www.uphs.org/4023move.html

Enjoy!

[brothaslide]

Great photos! Too bad it wasn't able to move out under it's own steam.

[ndbprr]

OK and for all those of you that think these things can be made to run again if UP can't or won't do it what chance does one at a museum stand to move under its own power or on its own wheels again.

[tatans]

Superb photos and coverage, does anyone know just how many of these monsters still exist??? As much as these SHOULD be in running condition, sadly, cost is just too prohibitive

[tstage]

That was fascinating! How far did they actually have to move it? Where was it being moved from?

As far as other Big Boy's. I know there's one near the entrance of Steamtown, in Scranton, PA. Are there any others?

Tom

[Anonymous]

I know #4023 was in Omaha already at a UP display. I believe it went only a short distance to its new site.

I believe there are 8 remaining of 25 built, not sure. I know there is one in Green Bay, Wisconsin also. I think it was the last built #4024. (One of these days I have to get over to the museum there!) I know #4013, like my Marklin Big Boy, was scrapped.[:(]

[Anonymous]

Additional photos are here:
http://www.matthewsteinblock.com/thumbnails.php?album=31

Here's a very brief article as well. It was only moved 1.8 miles.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1636&u_sid=1358791

[Anonymous]

Excellent job. Thanks for your efforts!

[dinwitty]

They couldnt just lay new temporary track? and disconnect the drivers?

stuck on the BNSF tracks, oboy

[Anonymous]

I can definitively answer that 8 Big Boys are still in existance. The best candidate for restoration is , I believe the 4014 at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pamona California as museum staff have consistently been performing maintence on it. I remember reading one time that one person was giving a tour of the rail Museum there. He leaned up against the tender and it started moving. The brakes weren't set.
However UP as usual is being a stick in the mud and won't restore one.

James

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: However UP as usual is being a stick in the mud and won't restore one.

I fail to see how not restoring a third steam engine - and reconstructing facilities to accommodate its large size - constitutes "being a stick in the mud". UP already spends millions of dollars maintaining and operating a pair of steam engines that can go places a Big Boy couldn't go due to its weight - that's one reason UP chose to restore 3985 in the first place instead of a 4000.

Like their other policies or not, UP has done more for steam preservation over the long term than any other Class 1 railroad. For proof one need look no further than the shop in Cheyenne.

[Anonymous]

I'd rather have a 4000 than 3985. 3985's nice, but I think a Big Boy would be better.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 8500HPGASTURBINE

This sight is for the "BIG BOY" nut.


http://www.steamlocomotive.com/bigboy/

Thanks 8500, but I've already read that page about 20 times[:p]. Steamlocomotive.com is one of my favorite sites.[:)]

[Anonymous]

I beleive the Ford museum in Michigan has one

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ndbprr

OK and for all those of you that think these things can be made to run again if UP can't or won't do it what chance does one at a museum stand to move under its own power or on its own wheels again.

There is virtually no chance that any of the remaining eight Big Boy will run again. This particular engine is at the top of a hill overlooking the valley and freeway. The EMD 6900 will also be there with it. The 4023 used to be in Cheyenne with the 3985 back in the seventies. I have been on it and would have wished it to be kept in the Cheyenne round house for posterity.

The move probably cost five hundred thousands dollars. We can watch the movies and DVD's of the Big Boy's in action and only dream.

That is why we have HO Big Boys with sound. They can run anytime and not have the maintenance headaches that used to part of the steam operations.

The locations of the eight Big Boys are listed below. I have been to each site and they are great to see anytime.

Pomona California, 4014

Scranton PA. Steamtown 4012

Dallas, Age of Steam 4018

St. Louis Transportation Museum 4006

Cheyenne Holliday Park 4004

Denver Forney Museum 4005

Green Bay, Wis 4017

Omaha 4023

[DJM UP]

Yes, 8 is the number I show too. I wonder about #4018. Was at Age of Steam in Dallas, TX and was moved somewhere for restoration, to be in a Hollywood movie. Anyone know what happend ? Is it back ?

Thanks, Dave

[grayfox1119]

Money is the big issue, with enough money and desire anything can be done.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by D_Davis

I beleive the Ford museum in Michigan has one

The loco in Detroit is a 2-6-6-6 Alleghany, I was there just five months ago.

Bob

[Fergmiester]

Thanks guys. Truly an impressive engine. It's to bad that one isn't still running!

Fergie

[Train 284]

Great Pictures!!!! To bad it can not run under its own power, or maybe be spruced up a bit and put in a muesem. Oh well, great job, wish I could have been there!

Matt

The Shasta Central Railroad