richs09 posted:I don't know what it is about the UP steam program that seems to generate lots of heat, foam and/or steam on this forum (pun sorta intended) - and I've been on this forum for several years (so I actually do have some idea "what it is"). What I don't get is why - especially among a group of folks who, for the most part are enthusiastic about steam engines - the resurrection of the 4014 isn't more generally appreciated as the ambitious project that it is. I don't think there is any question that the UP Big Boy is iconic (but only one of several steam icons - and maybe not your favorite). Just retrieving the 4014 out of the fairgrounds at Pomona was pretty amazing - laying the 'fast-track' across the parking lot by itself was fun to watch. And watch, a lot of people did. How many YouTube videos were made of that whole process, let alone the chase half way across the country deadheading 4014 to Cheyenne.
I think UP should be given credit for being willing to undertake this effort - they obviously didn't have to. As far as I can tell, they are now the only class 1 RR with any sort of steam program, as it appears that NS has backed away from theirs (do I have that right?). So kudos to them for the effort. As far as that "diesel" in the consist goes - it may be the 'same' diesel that has run behind the 844 or the 3965 -- I didn't care about it then and won't this time either.
I thought about this the other night when I watched the SpaceX folks stick the landings of the two side booster rockets and the first main stage from their Falcon Heavy launch - the first time they've done all three - landing them vertically on their tails, straight out of the old Disney space cartoons some of us used to watch. Pretty darn cool - even though I'm not a charter member of the Elon Musk fan club... Firing up and running a large steam locomotive after it sat for 53 years as a cold museum piece (three times longer than it was actually in service) should also be pretty darn cool.
Bravo! I agree that this was a major feat, and like the Falcon heavy it is an achievement to be celebrated, the UP spent the time and money to do this,from what I have read the steam team threw themselves into this and someine told the corporate beancounters and finance guys and hedge funds to keep their soul-less selves away from this. Kind of like the Israeli moon lander that failed,they dared to try. This doesn't take away from any other steam projects,a steam engine saved and running is a delight, no matter what some say.
