Why The Big Boy Needs A Diesel Helper

Comments · 344

• BO

  @boblloyd75 · 5 months ago

  May Big Boy have a long life of service so all can appreciate it in today's modern world.

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• BE

  @benjaminromberg2091 · 3 months ago

  The big boy needs to stay on the rails and run instead of sitting in a museum, watching it chuffing down the tracks is better than any museum

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• MA

  @Machino2.o · 4 months ago

  This isn’t just a locomotive, it’s a time machine trying to run on a modern operating system. The Big Boy isn’t weak… the world around it just stopped speaking its language.

  18

• CR

  @crashburn-s3b · 3 months ago

  The cost of operating Bog Boy, is quite high, and it is very nice of UP to do this run with it!<br>Thanks to all who are making all of this possible!

  8

• RI

  @RickyJr46 · 5 months ago

  In October 2019 I got to chat with 4014’s engineer Ed Dickens before the Rail Giants excursion from West Colton yard to Barstow. When asked if the diesel units were needed to ascend Cajon Pass, Ed said no, the helpers were present for three reasons:<br><br><b>Dynamic braking capability:</b> besides the added braking power this capability reduces the burden on 4014’s brakes, thus extending brake component life and reducing operating costs. Without the dynamics Ed said 4014’s brake shoes would require replacement on a weekly basis, at a cost exceeding $10K per axle. <br><br><b>Reserve motive power:</b> in the event of a 4014 break-down, helpers will be used to promptly move the train and keep the mainline clear for revenue freight service.<br><br><b>Extend operating range:</b> when fuel and/or water sources are spaced too far apart the helpers will allow 4014 to run at reduced output to conserve fuel and water.<br><br>Throughout this discussion Ed emphasized his responsibility to run the train in a manner which minimizes its impact on Union Pacific revenue service, and failing to do so would put at risk future UP Steam operations.<br><br>Ed Dickens is both very personable and dead serious about all of this.

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• ME

  @MegaGeorge1948 · 6 months ago

  Big Boy only used a steam powered mechanical stoker. Big Boy coal consumption would exceed a fireman&apos;s ability to shovel it.

  103

• WI

  @williammetcalf7239 · 5 months ago

  Big respect to UP for restoring a Big Boy and taking it on runs. I saw it in Roseville CA last year. Very cool to one of the biggest steam engines ever made.

  41

• RI

  @Rick-sq8xg · 5 months ago

  I recently &nbsp;saw Big Boy when it was on public display in Ogden Utah &nbsp;April 18-19 2026 &nbsp;and on the following Monday &nbsp;when it stopped in Morgan. &nbsp; One word to describe &nbsp;Big Boy &nbsp;........Spectacular &nbsp;!

  13

• TI

  @Tinykraken · 5 months ago

  I love watching videos that spread misinformation that google could correct in like 5 seconds

  35

• SL

  @slowcooker100 · 3 months ago

  The regulations make far more sense than operating without them.

  1

• RE

  @rehabmax · 3 months ago (edited)

  The 4140 is now powered by diesel fuel for heating of the water to create steam. &nbsp;The locomotive is running under its own power. &nbsp;Water and diesel fuel are now carried in the tender. It is not being pushed by a diesel engine (unless it breaks down)

  6

• TH

  @TheBlueRoan316 · 5 months ago

  My grandfather work at the roundhouse in Baton Rouge, and worked on Steam Locomotives. When he passed, we found all kinds of hand made tools from his roundhouse days in his workshop. I was in middle school when he died, so I don&apos;t know what became of them.

  4