Union Pacific's Big Boy Locomotive (No. 4014) - 74 year-old kid, Jay Leno, Got the ride of a lifetime

[Brother Buzz]

In this special episode, Jay Leno explores the world’s largest steam engine—the iconic Union Pacific "Big Boy." This 600-ton behemoth, originally built in 1941, is the most powerful steam locomotive ever created. Join Jay as he dives deep into the rich history, mind-blowing technology, and sheer power behind this engineering marvel. Thanks to Union Pacific and National Park Foundation for making this possible!

From inside the cab, Jay takes viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime ride, showcasing:

How this 7000-horsepower giant revolutionized American transportation
Its connection to Abraham Lincoln and the Golden Spike that united the country
Incredible behind-the-scenes stories of restoring this 80-year-old masterpiece to its former glory
Witness the raw power of steam like never before, and learn how the Big Boy continues to inspire rail fans of all ages. This is more than just a train—it's a living piece of history!

[Ptah]

1. Four years ago, Big Boy came to Tucson. Here's my Youtube video:

[A HERETIC I AM]

2. The story of how they got 4014 out of the Pomona Fairplex and on to UP's line is pretty fascinating

4014 sat as a static display unit at the Pomona Fairgrounds in Pomona, CA from 1961 till it was removed in 2013 and taken to Cheyenne, WY for restoration.

A series of vids about the efforts to make her "Roadworthy" can be found here;

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh3l5IvpX5haUFK5n7yqfs2vIoq_wGTVe

[Brother Buzz]

4. Ed Dickens, Jay Leno's newest best buddy, the Big Dog engineer, talked about the move

In fact, he did the moving. That is, after he selected it from a dozen, or so, static Big Boys. No. 4014 was chosen because it was in the best shape because the California weather had been kind to the iron.

Big Boy No.4014 was rolled back to Cheyenne, but first it had to be walked out of the fairgrounds to the rails, a Herculean task. Fun informative videos, thanks.

I loved the chemistry between Dickens and Leno, two dyed-in-the-wool gearheads talking shop. And I'm guessing Ed had a blast answering questions from someone that genuinely knows steam engines

[pansypoo53219]

3. i saw a big boy engine at the green bay train museum. i got in the cab. my danish retired train epal visited me

Last edited Tue Sep 24, 2024, 10:50 AM - Edit history (1)

+ we took him there. SO MANY valve wheels + teeny tiny winow looking forward. the museum's engine older. + longer. bigger rivets.

https://nationalrrmuseum.org/union-pacific-4017-big-boy/.

PBS had a restoration show + they replaced a steam engine. under the cover is so different.