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FORMER OGR CEO - RETIRED posted:
Pingman posted:
Rich, I'm reminded of a retired CEO of a fortune 100 company telling me that "There is nothing so former as a former CEO."

As for your comment, 

Yeah...you’re right. I’m about as β€œformer” as you can get. And I like it this way. πŸ‘πŸΌ

As for my comment, I’m sorry, but I just can’t get interested in a steam locomotive that will be all show and no go while the diesel coupled behind it does all the work.

The same thing could be said about a lot of mainline steam locomotives including NKP 765 Rich...can't we just be happy we get to witness this? I guess not. 

Kelly Anderson posted:
Chuck Sartor posted:

I have heard that they are now working on 4014's tender instead of the tender from 3985. Is this true? Or just another un-confirmed rumor?

What difference does it make?  They are identical, and able to be swapped back and forth in a couple of hours. 

Really? The fact that 4014's tender is still coal, and 3985's tender has already been converted to oil (back in 1989/1990) doesn't mean anything?

jethat posted:

I thought I read somewhere that all of the oil conversion stuff for 3985 was taken off 3977 in exchange for UP doing a cosmetic restoration on it?

Only partially true.

I've also heard it speculated that some or all of 3985's oil stuff is being used on 4014..

Correct. Also all of the UP/CNW cab signal & ATC equipment, and 3985's tender.

But I have no knowledge about that...

 

Last edited by Hot Water
Dominic Mazoch posted:

I thought the late 4-8-4, late 4-6-6-4, and 4-8-8-4's were spec'ed by UP and ALCO to use common parts where possible?  Guess a tender is a "part"?  And were not all three classes coal burners as built from ALCO?

Guess they are using the MU box from 3985 also?

The UP had/has only one "Diesel MU Box", and simply moved it from 844 to 3985 and back, as needed.

 

My first question: At the Union Pacific Steam Club

Why does that Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, have a diesel pusher behind the Big Boy engine? Thanks 

This is a review of all the answers: Running on a class one railroad requires more braking to be onboard than the steamer provides and adds dynamic braking as well. Plus electrical power for the passenger cars. Also clearing the main line in case of a breakdown. The Union Pacific has liability insurance and the insurance company want back up locomotives for safety and to get the passengers to a safe area if the Big Boy breaks down. These are just some of the reasons and there are more technical issues to be resolved like PTC. (Positive Train Control) 

Source: β€œUnion Pacific Steam Club ” β€’ Excerpts from 25 answers

Gary: Rail-fan

trainroomgary posted:

My first question: At the Union Pacific Steam Club

Why does that Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, have a diesel pusher behind the Big Boy engine? Thanks 

This is a review of all the answers: Running on a class one railroad requires more braking to be onboard than the steamer provides and adds dynamic braking as well. Plus electrical power for the passenger cars.

Not true, as NONE of the UP diesel electric locomotives have HEP capability. The UP passenger car fleet have their own HEP power cars which supply all the electrical needs of the passenger cars. Plus, the Steam Crew has their own "power car", i.e. the Boiler/Dormitory car "Howard Fogg". 

Also clearing the main line in case of a breakdown. The Union Pacific has liability insurance and the insurance company want back up locomotives for safety and to get the passengers to a safe area if the Big Boy breaks down. These are just some of the reasons and there are more technical issues to be resolved like PTC. (Positive Train Control) 

Concerning the PTC comment, it would make no difference whether the trailing diesel unit/units are equipped with PTC or not, as the LEAD LOCOMOTIVE must have PTC, i.e. either FEF-3 #844 or #4014, in order for it to be in the lead/controlling position.

Source: β€œUnion Pacific Steam Club ” β€’ Excerpts from 25 answers

Gary: Rail-fan

 

Kelly Anderson posted:
trainroomgary posted:

My first question: At the Union Pacific Steam Club

Why does that Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, have a diesel pusher behind the Big Boy engine? Thanks 

 

I didn't know that it did.  Please post a photo of #4014 with a diesel pusher.

Hi Kelly: There is no photo available at this time. The 4014 is still in the steam shop. The 844 does have photos of a diesel being used. 

Hope this helps: Gary

trainroomgary posted:
Kelly Anderson posted:
trainroomgary posted:

My first question: At the Union Pacific Steam Club

Why does that Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, have a diesel pusher behind the Big Boy engine? Thanks 

 

I didn't know that it did.  Please post a photo of #4014 with a diesel pusher.

Hi Kelly: There is no photo available at this time. The 4014 is still in the steam shop. The 844 does have photos of a diesel being used. 

Hope this helps: Gary

OK then, why would you ask such a question about 4014?

Hot Water posted:
trainroomgary posted:
Kelly Anderson posted:
trainroomgary posted:

My first question: At the Union Pacific Steam Club

Why does that Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, have a diesel pusher behind the Big Boy engine? Thanks 

 

I didn't know that it did.  Please post a photo of #4014 with a diesel pusher.

Hi Kelly: There is no photo available at this time. The 4014 is still in the steam shop. The 844 does have photos of a diesel being used. 

Hope this helps: Gary

OK then, why would you ask such a question about 4014?

1 Rich Statement

OK then, why would you ask such a question about 4014?

Hi Hot Water: because Rich said the following on page one of this thread. β€œdiesel coupled behind does all the work”.

Is this true? "the diesel coupled behind does all the work."

Gary: Rail-fan

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  • 1 Rich Statement
trainroomgary posted:

OK then, why would you ask such a question about 4014?

Hi Hot Water: because Rich said the following on page one of this thread. β€œdiesel coupled behind does all the work”.

Is this true? "the diesel coupled behind does all the work."

Gary: Rail-fan

Maybe they will put a diesel behind it.  Maybe they won't.  844 went to Memphis in 2016 without a diesel.  Came back with one.  Most likely chance is that 4014 goes west hauling about 5 cars, which is the typical UP consist as of late.  It's a dog and pony show.  Chances of UP ever hooking up enough train behind that thing to make it work are somewhere between slim and none.  Best chance was Frontier Days, and now that's gone.

A lot of people interested in steam engines like to hear them work, especially the people that crew them.  That isn't going to happen here.  It will be a great show.  It will be fun.  It will be cool.  It's something a lot of people have never seen, and never thought they would be able to see.  It will be nothing like what the engine was designed for and used for in the steam era.....and for some people, hauling 5 cars loafing around, whether there is a diesel or not behind it, is a breaking point, and I totally understand that line of thought.

It's the equivalent of seeing a mainline locomotive like 611 run 10mph at Spencer.  Been there, done that.  It can be fun, and there are friends to see.  It's close to home, so it's cheap.....but it's nothing like seeing the engine on the mainline climbing Blue Ridge or Christiansburg Mountain with 20 cars tied to the tender.  That is worth the trip every time, whether to ride or chase.  Its a very impressive show.  That's what Rich is getting at.  The intended use isn't enough to get excited over.  Maybe I'm wrong.  I hope I am, but I'm not holding my breath either.

Last edited by kgdjpubs
Kelly Anderson posted:
kgdjpubs posted:
It will be nothing like what the engine was designed for and used for in the steam era.....and for some people, hauling 5 cars loafing around, whether there is a diesel or not behind it, is a breaking point, and I totally understand that line of thought.

Then my suggestion is for those people to stay home, so there is more room for the rest of us who appreciate seeing an engineering landmark that we never dreamed would return, rolling past under her own power.

Of course that is a pointless request, those people will be out in force, *****ing endlessly about how it is completely unsatisfactory, and if they had been in charge, things would have been completely different and oh so much better. 

I suspect they will be there anyways.  I tend to remember the same remarks for 1218 as well back in the day.  The thing was so overpowered that it didn't make much noise on large parts of the system.  I never got a chance to see 3985 run, but I suspect similar comments were made.  Still, like 4014, it is pretty cool to see something like that running under its own power.  Any steam, especially steam on the mainline, is a good thing and not to be taken for granted.  Should be a fun time.

Last edited by kgdjpubs
AmeenTrainGuy posted:

I don't get why people have to hate on Union Pacific. They could have just said F you to the big boy and not restored it. Instead, the company spent millions on equipment, parts, and labor to restore the locomotive.

Rather than spending only about 25% of that on continuing maintenance and the FRA mandated 15 year inspection on Challenger 3985.

AmeenTrainGuy posted:
Hot Water posted:
AmeenTrainGuy posted:

I don't get why people have to hate on Union Pacific. They could have just said F you to the big boy and not restored it. Instead, the company spent millions on equipment, parts, and labor to restore the locomotive.

Rather than spending only about 25% of that on continuing maintenance and the FRA mandated 15 year inspection on Challenger 3985.

What happened to 3985?

Absolutely NOTHING! The current manager wanted #4014, and subsequently stuffed poor 3985 into the last stall of the roundhouse, back in the winter of 2010/2011.

AmeenTrainGuy posted:
Hot Water posted:
AmeenTrainGuy posted:
Hot Water posted:
AmeenTrainGuy posted:

I don't get why people have to hate on Union Pacific. They could have just said F you to the big boy and not restored it. Instead, the company spent millions on equipment, parts, and labor to restore the locomotive.

Rather than spending only about 25% of that on continuing maintenance and the FRA mandated 15 year inspection on Challenger 3985.

What happened to 3985?

Absolutely NOTHING! The current manager wanted #4014, and subsequently stuffed poor 3985 into the last stall of the roundhouse, back in the winter of 2010/2011.

Do you think a triple header with 4014, 3985, and 844 is possible? 

NO.

AmeenTrainGuy posted:
Hot Water posted:
AmeenTrainGuy posted:
Hot Water posted:
AmeenTrainGuy posted:

I don't get why people have to hate on Union Pacific. They could have just said F you to the big boy and not restored it. Instead, the company spent millions on equipment, parts, and labor to restore the locomotive.

Rather than spending only about 25% of that on continuing maintenance and the FRA mandated 15 year inspection on Challenger 3985.

What happened to 3985?

Absolutely NOTHING! The current manager wanted #4014, and subsequently stuffed poor 3985 into the last stall of the roundhouse, back in the winter of 2010/2011.

Do you think a triple header with 4014, 3985, and 844 is possible? 

Maybe, but it would be Foamer City if it happened.

Kelly Anderson posted:
Then my suggestion is for those people to stay home, so there is more room for the rest of us who appreciate seeing an engineering landmark that we never dreamed would return, rolling past under her own power. 

No problem, Kelly. You can have my spot.  

If/when this thing ever runs, I’ll be somewhere else doing something interesting.

Dominic Mazoch posted:

And the big question:  Where can you run a BB locomotive?  Length?  Weight? 14 wheel tender?  North Platte to Ogden, OK?   Hopefully they have checked the railroad for more places to run.  Withoit any fore seen isdues.

By and large, it should be able to go the majority of places you can take 844 or 3985.  I'm sure there are a few spots here and there where you might have an issue turning it on a wye or getting it into a display site..."mundane", but important, concerns.  I'd be surprised if most of the mainlines themselves present many issues.  It's the side tracks and switches once you get off the mainline to tie up for the night where you might find some issues.

FORMER OGR CEO - RETIRED posted:
Kelly Anderson posted:
Then my suggestion is for those people to stay home, so there is more room for the rest of us who appreciate seeing an engineering landmark that we never dreamed would return, rolling past under her own power. 

No problem, Kelly. You can have my spot.  

If/when this thing ever runs, I’ll be somewhere else doing something interesting.

I won't be going either but not because this planned event is not interesting.  You imply the restoration and likely operation of one of the biggest, strongest, and successful steam locomotive types in U.S. history is not interesting? Really?

I remember when I use to think you were a "train guy."

Last edited by R. Hales
R. Hales posted:
FORMER OGR CEO - RETIRED posted:
Kelly Anderson posted:
Then my suggestion is for those people to stay home, so there is more room for the rest of us who appreciate seeing an engineering landmark that we never dreamed would return, rolling past under her own power. 

No problem, Kelly. You can have my spot.  

If/when this thing ever runs, I’ll be somewhere else doing something interesting.

I won't be going either but not because this planned event is not interesting.  You imply the restoration and likely operation of one of the biggest, most powerful, and successful steam locomotives in U.S history is not interesting? Really?

I remember when I use to think you were a "train guy."

Exactly.

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