This is a story [ To be able to see a "Big Boy" Class Steam locomotive run again...Then to be track-side when it goes past At Track Speed.] . And an experience that many Rail Fans had long fantasized about seeing, and sensing.
I have been fortunate enough able to see both the 844 and 3985 run here in Kansas. And, witness parts of 3985's epic trip, on the CSX ( in November 1992) Stopped at Memphis for repairs, at The old Lenox Station, nee: NC&StL) running track speed, North at Bartlett,Tn.,(nee: L&N,) towards Bruceton, Tn., and her make-over as Clinchfield RR # 676)
Hopefully, in 5 or 6 years we'll see the 4014 running here in Kansas!
The Press In On the Monday, April 28, 2014 Move
For those interested, a Southern California newspaper had a staff reporter stationed in Cajon Pass, and he wrote up an article (and photographed) about the steamer’s movement.
LINK: The Press-Enterprise News Story
Interesting reading …
K.P. was somewhere near the Mormon Rock on the photo’s left …
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
The Beginning of the Journey Home
Monday, April 28, 2014
Part II (of I-II)
The two UP 4014’s (SD70M and the Big Boy) had just gone over the bridge over Highway 138.
The SD70M behind the 4-8-8-4 was UP 4884, the same unit involved in moving the steamer from Pomona to Colton back in November, 2013.
Now the two 4014’s were upon us …
… with a short train.
Just above, the beautiful Mormon Rocks is clearly seen.
The movement was running late, so K.P. did not pursue further photos. But those that were had were most memorable.
Part I (of I-II)
On the above date, steamer UP 4014 began an 11 day journey from West Colton Yard, CA (most closely associated with the City of Colton) to Cheyenne, WY.
The 4014 was first caught up with in Devore, where it was parked in the SP Dike siding. Throngs lined the area roadway. Because of an unexpected, bizarre personal equipment failure, K.P. had to correct matters in the BNSF Verdemont area. When he returned to Devore, steamer 4014 had departed, so a straight path to Cajon was taken via I-15, and he backtracked from Cleghorn Rd., but unfortunately K.P. arrived at a cool photo spot the same time as UP 4014 did, so that opportunity was thwarted. So, he went to the Mormon Rocks area railroad north of the north switch of the Canyon siding, where many people had already staked out their photo spot.
The siding area itself was packed with fans and their vehicles!
Then, after a long time at Canyon, 4014 started out of the siding area.
Continued in Part II
The UP Steam website has details of further displays (Feb 1-2 and 8-9) after next Sunday in Covina:
http://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/details.shtml
Unfortunately the Bloomington address isn't precise - West Slover Ave is adjacent to the receiving yard and East Slover is next to the engine shop. Until corrected, I'm guessing the latter.
BTW the Sunday move passes by the Amtrak platforms in Pomona and Ontario. Hmmm. Be extra safe out there!
UPDATE: @Jim Wrinn has posted that Kalmbach will have live video coverage. Not sure what will be shown on Saturday since the 4014 is leaving the Fairplex after dark ....
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
K. P. Harrier The Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper of Riverside, CA had an excellent story on UP 4014. LINK: Cool News Article According to the story, January 26, 2014 will be the big move day out of the fairgrounds!
LINK: Cool News Article
According to the story, January 26, 2014 will be the big move day out of the fairgrounds!
I also thank you for the link. To bad I don't live that far south, though.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper of Riverside, CA had an excellent story on UP 4014.
THANKS!!!!!
Update as of Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Another Darkening Afternoon Sky Visit
UP 4014 at Pomona, CA
Part “C” (of A-C)
A bunch of odds and ends are on site in the fenced area.
A banner was put up.
The current parking track twists within the fenced area. Note the ‘cow catcher’ and headlight align to the track curves!
K.P. talked to several from UP’s steam people, including Ed Dickens that heads the steam department. In the conversations, it was uncovered that 4014 will stay in Pomona Fairplex until sometime in January (2014), move to West Colton Yard …
… and stay there till summer! Some work on it will be done there, but the real reason it will move to Cheyenne, WY in the summer is that the weather will be good and sightseeing followers won’t have snow to worry about. Now, that is nice and thoughtful on UP’s part!
The Colton shops area is on the above photo's upper left where 4014 will probably stay.till summer.
Part “B” (of A-C)
A supply of panel track is on site.
Some close-ups:
Continued in Part C
Part “A” (of A-C)
Under a darkening afternoon sky, UP 4014’s current Los Angeles County Fairgrounds parking lot position by the Metrolink mainline was finally reached by this forum contributor after a circuitous, round about access route. The steamer is now fenced.
There were staffers on site getting ready to call it a day.
Just above, the actually location of the steamer and its relation to the Metrolink line is discernable as a commuter train zips by just photo right of center. The bushes and fencing will have to be cleared so the Metrolink track can be pulled over to the Big Boy.
Continued in Part B
Thanks for doing this thread KP..Looking forward to additional posts. Also an off topic point. Looks like UP is out of luck trying to double track under that Metrolink Flyover at Bassett. Thoughts?
Thanks Again
You Partially See the 4-8-8-4 Because of …
The Secluded World of the Code-3ers
WEEKDAYS, if you now want to visit, see, and photograph the Big Boy 4-8-8-4 UP 4014 where it has been moved to within the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (commonly called the Fairplex), to a location probably 90 degrees from the northeastward direction it took to by the Metrolink access track one will be severely hindered.
A clear-shot photo of No. 4014 now cannot be taken (because of the trees on the right), as above. Why? Reportedly, on weekdays the Sherriff Dept. uses the parking lot for training purposes, and practices high speed maneuvers in Code-3 mode (lights and sirens).
It is kind of exciting to watch from outside the grounds (at the few locations halfway accessible, and the tire screeching is NOT as in the overdramatic movies), but if you want to see No. 4014, you will be disappointed. You cannot access No. 4014 during those sessions (unless you know some magical tricks). K.P. hears it is better on the weekends when the practices are not undertaken, but has not tried it.
(The police hot-pursuits practices and other maneuvers were halted for two weeks so the steamer could be moved from the southern end of the parking lot to the northern end.)
An entrance shack person told K.P. UP 4014 will be moved onto the Metrolink line sometime in the latter two-thirds of December 2013.
KP: Can only add to what desertdog said earlier...
Looks like another terrific photojournalistic exercise for a great subject, that many here are interested in following. THANKS ! Once again, K.P. Harrier.
looking at it I was drawn back to a couple of days in 1992 at UP's end of track in Memphis,Tn. ( At the old Lenox Station location) #3985 had blown her smoke box forced-draft nozzle coming out of Arkansas while she was enroute to become Clinchfield #676 for CRR's Santa Special) She spent two days there, (They had to drop her fire and cool it down so the smokebox hatch could be opened to repair the nozzle- then bring her fire back up for the move to the CSX Leewood Yard at Memphis). Until one is able to stand along side these Big Steam engines, pictures cannot give one a grasp of their shear size..
UPDATES: Big Boy 4-8-8-4 UP 4014 (w/ Photos)
Initial Posting Series
Part VIII (of I-VIII), Section “B”
Travel Area: West Colton Yard, CA
From Riverside Ave., some eastward views of the shop area at night (December 4, 2009).
Pepper Ave. (about a mile away) is in the distance on a few of the above photos.
The Big Boy reportedly is supposed to stay at West Colton Yard for an extensive preparation for its trip via Las Vegas, NV and Salt Lake City, UT to Cheyenne, WY, where it will be rebuilt or otherwise prepared for eventual service again. According to others, it will also be on display at West Colton Yard too, probably when awaiting any needed parts or fabrication of such.
Any news contributions (posts, and pictures) on the current status of UP 4014, the travel to Cheyenne, or the rebuilding are most welcome.
Part VIII (of I-VIII), Section “A” (of A-B)
Close-up of the shop area, that had a unit or two from Mexico thereat:
That shop area is in the distance behind cantilever signal structure.
It is unknown at this time how the steamer will get to the engine shop area, whether from the west, or by looping around the Balloon and then approaching the shop area from the east.
Continued in Part Section B
Part VII (of I-VIII)
Travel Area: City of Industry, CA
Looking east from Puente Ave. towards the ‘Up and Over’ (a flyover).
From Valley Blvd. looking east (the way the steamer reportedly will be facing) at the City of Industry Yard:
A wye is available if steamer UP 4014 needs it.
Continued in Part VIII
Part VI (of I-VIII), Section “B” (of A-B)
Travel Area: Bassett, CA
Looking east again, at a key location: UP on right, Metrolink cantilever signal structure on left:
Looking west at the UP siding signal. A Metrolink passes.:
Steamer UP 4014 will come west on the Metrolink track, go east to the UP track.
Continued in Part VII
Part VI (of I-VIII), Section “A” (of A-B)
Looking west, an eastbound Metrolink comes down the flyover. Note the rare three head UP (SP) signal. The second head is for the Bassett siding, and the third head is to access Metrolink. To the west, the Metrolink line flies over the UP Sunset Route.
A telephoto looking east: Metrolink siding and Main are on the left, UP Sunset Route is on the far right.
Looking west again, down the UP (SP):
Continued in Section B
Part V (of I-VIII)
Travel Area: Covina, CA
At Covina, looking east:
Two view looking west.
Continued in Part VI
Part IV (of I-VIII), Section “C” (of A-C)
November 20, 2013
Two views looking eastbound:
In the view above UP 4014 will have to have trees removed to access Metrolink’s San Gabriel Sub.
Continued in Part V
Nice series, K.P. Keep us posted on the move.
John Timm
Part IV (of I-VIII), Section “B” (of A-C)
Steamer 4014 will head west on the Metrolink line.
Above, note the green speed limit sign on the right. Los Angeles bound commuter trains once past the curve can go 79 M.P.H. here.
The grade crossing electrical box:
Continued in Section C
Part IV (of I-VIII), Section “A” (of A-C)
UP 4014 had reached the drag racing stadium within the vast parking lot.
Trees separate the Metrolink tracks and the fairground.
LINK: Aerial of Metrolink's Fair Stop Gate
Part III (of I-VIII), Section “B” (of A-B)
November 16, 2013
Triangle blocks and chains insured the steamer would stay put.
The progression of laying track and pick it back up behind the steamer was relentless..
Fairplex security reportedly was in charge of guarding the 4-8-8-4 overnight.
Continued in Part IV
Part III (of I-VIII), Section “A” (of A-B)
Many had come to gawk at the parking lot spectacle.
Part II (of I-VIII)
November 14, 2013
No. 4014 patiently waits for additional track to be built, reminiscing of the track it had gone over just recently, and was dreaming of the operating great grandeur in its future.
Continued in Part III
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