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Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 - Restoration & Excursions (& 844 updates)


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19 hours ago, Rayman4449 said:

More from Cliff Simmons

 

Cliff-Simmons-021017_013.jpg.c11f77bbe0bc141c127ef2904732f4da.jpg

 

Seeing this picture reminded me of when Steamtown was relocating from Bellows Falls Vermont to Scranton Pennsylvania USA and a couple of us volunteers from the local chapter of the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley NRHS drove up to Vermont in a snowstorm in 2 rental trucks to pickup wheelsets for the Canadian Pacific 2317; ended up sleeping on tables in the depot in the cold--could not get the wheelsets in the trucks with the small forklift and ended up filling both trucks with odds and ends and returning to Scranton!  Bummer....

 

 

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Steam Update(03/16/17): No. 844 Readies for 2017 Excursions

http://www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/steam-update-3-14-2017.htm  - Includes video

 

 

Steam Update: No. 844 Readies for 2017 Excursions

Locomotive No. 4014 disassembly continues in March 2017.

The massive overhaul of locomotive No. 4014, left, continues, while No. 844, center, prepares for its spring and summer excursions.

The scream of its whistle and the vibrations felt as it chugs down the tracks are unmistakable. This year, Union Pacific’s “Living Legend” steam locomotive No. 844 will return to the rails for three excursions.

No. 844’s first trip, following a break-in run in the Cheyenne-Colorado area, will take the locomotive through Wyoming, Idaho and Utah beginning April 18. Several stops are scheduled throughout the 11-day roundtrip. A detailed schedule, including locations and display times, as well as route map and a GPS monitor is available on UPsteam.com.

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The Steam Team also will travel with No. 844 to Omaha, Nebraska, for the 2017 College World Series in June and Cheyenne Frontier Days in July.

“We’re excited to get the locomotive back out and showcase it,” said Ed Dickens, senior manager-Heritage Operations. “It’s always a highlight seeing the public’s reaction and hearing their stories.”

Recently, the team used liquid nitrogen to shrink a valve bushing for No. 844’s steam chest, the area directly above the large cylinders on both sides of the locomotive, housing the 12 inch diameter piston valves used to distribute high pressure steam to the pistons below. As the new bushing warmed to room temperature, it swelled, fitting precisely into position between the two components.

“No. 844 has needed new valve rings for years,” said Dickens. “We’ve had to prioritize and fit that work into the overall plan to keep the locomotive in top shape and on the road.”

Machinist Garland Baker machines No. 844's valve.

Garland Baker, machinist, machines a valve bushing for No. 844's valve chest on the shop's VTL machine.

In the midst of planning No. 844’s ongoing maintenance needs and operating plan, work continues on restoration of the Big Boy, locomotive No. 4014. The difference between the two locomotives is size – Big Boy is the world’s largest steam locomotive – and the number of heavy components the UP Steam Team is busy cleaning and rebuilding is astounding.

Big Boy's Massive "To Do" List

Senior Manager - Heritage Operations Ed Dickens discusses the scope of work necessary to rebuild No. 4014.

Each day in the Steam Shop is carefully orchestrated with team members working on many different components simultaneously. While one team works on the new boiler, another is cleaning and rebuilding numerous parts.

“It’s been six decades since the Cheyenne Steam shop has worked on a Big Boy locomotive,” said Dickens. “Each day brings a new, but rewarding challenge as we work to bring No. 4014 back to life.”

Welder Don Crerar inside Big Boy's boiler.

Don Crerar, welder, works inside the Big Boy's boiler.

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Wow. I didn't know how many, if any of those tenders survived. I wonder if MTH will make some in G to go with their engines? They did make some versions in O scale.

How cool would it be to own that real number plate too.

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UP Steam Shop tour schedule:

 

https://www.cheyenne.org/listing/union-pacific-steam-shop-tours/1223/ 

 

Take advantage of this rare opportunity, available only in Cheyenne! Now is your chance to visit the Union Pacific Steam Shop where Big Boy #4014 is undergoing restoration to operating condition, with the goal of running the rails once again! RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. 

 

You'll receive: 
Tour of UP steam shop
Trolley transport to steam shop
Admission to Cheyenne Depot Museum

 

$20/person.  12:30pm. Tours begin at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. Must wear sensible closed-toe shoes. Hard hats will be provided. Liability forms must be signed before touring. 

 

2017 - Fridays 
Aug 18 & 25
Sep 15 & 29
Oct 13 & 27
Nov 10 & 17

 

Note: Union Pacific does not charge for the tour. The fee goes to the Cheyenne Street Railway and Cheyenne Depot Museum.
Phone 307-778-3133 for tickets or email info@cheyenne.org

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Nice work!

 

Wonder why he felt the need to change the exhaust nozzle design? The UP used a modified Pepperbox design but they're going to try the PRR design. Time will tell if the thing will draft properly.

 

 Steam_Exhaust_Nozzles_from_Johnson.JPG.1e8ceb256661858105217dce3c8a8b43.JPG

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