Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. This incredible piece of machinery was built in 1941 and weighs over 1.2 million pounds. Recently, the Big Boy was brought out of retirement and restored to its former glory. On May 2nd, 2019, the locomotive departed from Greeley, Colorado, to continue its tour across the United States.
The Big Boy was initially built to haul heavy freight trains across the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. The locomotive is an incredible feat of engineering, with a top speed of 80 miles per hour and the ability to generate 7,000 horsepower. It’s no surprise that the Big Boy was a favorite among train enthusiasts, and many were disappointed when the locomotives were retired in 1962.
The Union Pacific Railroad acquired the Big Boy in 2013 and began an extensive restoration project. The locomotive was taken apart and rebuilt piece by piece, with many parts having to be custom-made. The restoration project took five years to complete and cost millions of dollars, but the result was well worth it. The Big Boy was brought back to life, and its whistle could be heard once again.
The Big Boy has been on tour since its restoration, and train enthusiasts from all over the country have come to see it. The locomotive has made stops in several states, including Utah, Nevada, and California. The tour has been a huge success, with thousands of people coming out to see the Big Boy in action.
The departure of the Big Boy from Greeley was a highly anticipated event, with train enthusiasts from all over Colorado coming to see the locomotive off. The Big Boy left Greeley at 8:00 am and made its way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Along the way, the locomotive passed through several small towns, and crowds of people gathered to watch it go by.
In conclusion, the Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy is an incredible piece of machinery that has captured the hearts of train enthusiasts for decades. Its recent restoration and tour have been a huge success, with thousands of people coming out to see it. The departure from Greeley was a historic event, and it’s sure to be remembered by train enthusiasts for years to come.