Any "Big Boys" restored and running that you know of?

[Anonymous]

IF one was to be restored, there are many factors to consider:

Where would you run such a huge beast? UP was the only one that ran them (had to enlarge serveral curves to do it, too), and they're still about the only one's who could.

Where would you store it? UP's steam roundhouse in Cheyenne could do it, but show me another engine house with that big of a stall and enough floorspace.

Where would you turn it? UP only had 2 or 3 turntables capable of turning one, and only one's left. Wyes are comprable, but how many would be able to support all that weight? Turning the Challenger is hard enough, just think what a headache a Big Boy would be.

In the end, UP is about the only one who could A. Have the money to restore it B. Run it C. Turn it D. Store it. Maybe someday, but with two active steamers, I doubt UP wants to restore another. Maybe when 3985 or 844 is retired, but by that time, any remaining Big Boys will be close to 100 years old.....

[Anonymous]

The unit in Dallas recently (read within the last 5 years) had its rods cut so it could be moved around. A movie company wanted the Big Boy checked out to determine if it was worth restoring for a movie. As you would expect, the project was killed due to the extreme cost and lack of places to run the beast. The last I time I was at the museum, the engine had a nice coat of paint and little visible rust or damaged body parts but I'm sure that the working innards are shot. This loco is nice in that you can still climb on parts of it (cab, front porch and part of the tender) to look it over. Look up the Dallas Railway Museum online for more info.

[cefinkjr]

QUOTE: Originally posted by consolidation280

The unit in Dallas .... Look up the Dallas Railway Museum online for more info.

I do wi***he museum folks would at least cosmetically repair those burnt-off main rods. Even dummy sheet metal rods would be better than seeing those awful wounds. Nearly brings tears to my eyes every time I see 4018 (about once a year).

[:(]
Chuck