A short story from Train Room Gary • A Historic Book about the Union Pacific Big Boys
Yesterday was a beautiful spring day in Michigan, so I went for a walk to my local public library. This fifth-teen minute walk was very enjoyable and my neighbors were out doing yard work and the children were playing catch with a football.
This library was founded in 1936, the same year my house was built. In 1936 this neighborhood was founded by the Chrysler Corporation for their employees. They ran a bus from this library to the automotive plant in Detroit. This bus ran until the late 60’s.
All the homes are on a one acre lot. The lots have 100 feet on the road and the depth is about 498 feet. We also have Michigan’s oldest credit union also founded in 1936 and largest community beach. Three quarters of a mile of sandy beach, docks and a special fishing area on a large inland lake. During WWII all the home owners had a victory garden.
I was able to locate a historic book about the “Big Boy” with help from the circulation manager. The book is “Big Boy” by William W. Kratville. Copyright 1963 by; Barnhart Press Omaha, Nebraska.
The book has a hard cover and embossed with the gold foil printing process.
The book has an illustration from the American Locomotive Company, Schenectady, New York. Shown is a Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Type. Built in 1941 , order #S-1844.
I liked the book so I thought about purchasing a copy, well I had to cancel those plans after I found a copy on Amazon for $707.00
Topics covered in this book: Design & Operations, The Smokebox, The Boiler, The Firebox, Frames and Running Gear, Cab & Appliances, The Tender. Portfolio of the Big Boys and Big Boys in Action.
Gary: Union Pacific • Rail-fan & Model Railroader
