4014
is the largest operational steam locomotive in the World. The now
famous Big Boy class of 4-8-8-4's were world renowned and in fact folks
came from around the world to see this one operating for the first time
in nearly 60 years.
We begin with the
first run of 4014, on a break-in run from Cheyenne in the last rays of
sunlight, as it heads south on the line toward Denver. We also have
night scenes in Nunn, Colorado where the trial run would end. These
scenes include arrival, inspection of the engine, passing freights, and
servicing with grease guns and so forth. This was May 2, 2019.
On May 4th the epic
trip to Ogden began in Cheyenne, with the goal being Ogden, Utah to help
commemorate the 150th anniversary of the joining of the first
Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869. The trip took several days in
2019, as several stops were included for servicing the engine, and for
viewing the engine at some locations. The first day ran from Cheyenne to
Rawlins. On May 5th they ran from Rawlins to Rock Springs, and on May
6th from Rock Springs to Evanston. This day was particularly interesting
as the train left well before dawn. Our video shows it arriving and
departing Green River around 5:30 in the morning, and another camera
picked it up arriving and departing Granger in great low light.
There was an off day
on May 7th, but on May 8th the train operated from Evanston, Wyoming to
Ogden, Utah. This segment starts with snow flurries out of Evanston,
and eventually improves. Scenes include Echo Canyon, Henefer, Near
Morgan, Peterson, Uintah, Devil's Slide, and nearing Ogden.
On May 9th one of
our camera crew captured the special ceremony in Ogden. This was an all
Union Pacific event hosted by CEO Lance Fritz, and included 844 and 4014
facing each other and a bit of this ceremony is included with an
enthusiastic crowded participating.
On May 10th, we have
some coverage of the activities at Promontory, Utah where the original
golden spike ceremony took place. We see some of the rehearsal, and
parts of the show including the Central Pacific Jupiter, and the Union
Pacific number 119. These replica engines are seen as they point toward
each other on a regular basis during the summer months, but this was a
special 150th Anniversary. In our preliminary footage we even see the
Jupiter moving into position.
So 4014 had made it
to Utah in time for the 150th anniversary festivities. But, our coverage
doesn't end there, quite yet. One of our cameramen stuck around, and
even shot the first day of the return trip to Evanston on May 12th. This
would be the very first excursion as a fundraiser trip was sold to the
public and more coaches were added. This was significant because it
would be the first time for 4014 climbing the Wasatch mountains, which
is the area the Big Boys were built for back in the 1940's. We see some
nice views of this train culminating in a great reflection scene
arriving in Evanston.
This show has
something for everyone, and will be a great momento of this historic
event. It's really hard to believe the Union Pacific actually restored a
"Big Boy" to operate once more, for hundreds of thousands of people to
enjoy.
