Big Boy 4014, Hitting the rails (some pics @ Pomona)

[dbaker48]

 I received this as an email from John F., he asked to go ahead and post it.  Last week when the Chief visited me, we went out to this museum, while there one of the volunteers told me that UP would be moving 4014 in October.  They were going to be putting down some temporary tracks to move it from the museum siding to the Metrolink track.  Then tow it to Colton for bearing service.  Then on to Cheyenne.  Estimated renovation complete in 2019, budget $6m.  I think it is tremendous, not enough people get to visit it in the present location.

Union Pacific Railroad Acquires Big Boy Locomotive No. 4014

Railroad Plans to Restore One of the Largest Steam Locomotives Ever Built

Omaha, Neb., July 23, 2013 – Union Pacific Railroad today announced it reached an agreement with the Southern California Chapter - Railway & Locomotive Historical Society in Pomona, Calif., to transfer ownership of one of the world's largest steam locomotives, Big Boy No. 4014, back to Union Pacific.

Union Pacific plans to relocate No. 4014 to Cheyenne, Wyo., where Union Pacific's Heritage Fleet Operations team will work to restore it to operating condition. Details regarding those efforts will be made public at a later date.

Union Pacific donated No. 4014 to the historical society December 7, 1961. The locomotive arrived January 8, 1962, at its current display location at the Rail Giants Train Museum in Pomona.

No other railroad has retained its historical equipment or honored its American roots like Union Pacific.

"Our steam locomotive program is a source of great pride to Union Pacific employees past and present," said Ed Dickens, senior manager - Union Pacific Heritage Operations. "We are very excited about the opportunity to bring history to life by restoring No. 4014."

[Blueberryhill RR]

Don,  I would love to see some pictures of that engine and it's trip.

Chuck

[dbaker48]

Chuck,

Don't have a specific date for the move.  I wouldn't be surprised if they kept it a secret, there would be a ton of people trying to get there.  At Knott's all the guys are trying to figure out how to find out so they can go.  Actually, UP, The Museum, or the Fair Grounds are missing an opportunity to make some money if they would charge admission, etc..  Let me check on pictures.

My Lovely Wife (Kay)

[Dave632]

 It sure would be nice to see one of those back on the rails again. A salute to Union Pacific for not forgetting the past.