Did you see Big Boy 4014 Today? New tour schedule just released

4005,

You didn't say whether you plan to take video or not. I hope you do and share it with us poor souls in Tennessee and other places that are not close to the action like you are.

will be 30 miles away in Columbus on Friday morning, cant pass this one up.  Will stop briefly right next to main street.

I will be chasing her as she comes east.  Anyone know of some great locations she will be at when she comes to Chicago ?

The only layover will be in West Chicago.  I live in Elmhurst so I am lucky it will be passing right on by.

Dang, it will be 30 miles away from me, but I'll be in Reno for the LCCA convention 

Good luck seeing all three UP steam engines. 3985 is nowhere close to running. 

I hope to take pix for a few days from St. Paul to the Chicago area.  Should be fun.

David

I'll be in Owatonna MN on Tuesday night, head to Albert Lea early Weds. morning and follow it back to Owatonna. From there I head north to Duluth and visit the museum there on Thursday, end up back in Isanti on Thursday night and see it again on Friday morning in Isanti on it's way to Duluth. Then I head to the State Fairgrounds to see about 6000 cars at the Street Machine Nationals.

Steve_611 posted:

Good luck seeing all three UP steam engines. 3985 is nowhere close to running. 

My wife said she saw, somewhere on the internet, that all three would be there. Having read about 3985's state of disrepair here on the forum, I remain skeptical as well. You never know what will happen when UP puts its mind to it though.

Of course I will share all my stills and videos here, with you guys. I'll be there bright and early at the depot in St Paul next Thursday morning, then I'll try and catch a couple run bys on its way up to Duluth on Friday. I've chased 261 a few times, and I'm just not up to that kind of driving anymore. Beside, this trip is going to be very slow. The schedule has allowed 8.5 hours for what should be a 3 hour max trip. I should get one more chance for a run by when it passes within a couple miles of the house on Tuesday, two weeks from today, on the ex C&NW 400 route (Altoona Sub).

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Steve_611 posted:

Good luck seeing all three UP steam engines. 3985 is nowhere close to running. 

My wife said she saw, somewhere on the internet, that all three would be there. Having read about 3985's state of disrepair here on the forum, I remain skeptical as well. You never know what will happen when UP puts its mind to it though.

Of course I will share all my stills and videos here, with you guys. I'll be there bright and early at the depot in St Paul next Thursday morning, then I'll try and catch a couple run bys on its way up to Duluth on Friday. I've chased 261 a few times, and I'm just not up to that kind of driving anymore. Beside, this trip is going to be very slow. The schedule has allowed 8.5 hours for what should be a 3 hour max trip. I should get one more chance for a run by when it passes within a couple miles of the house on Tuesday, two weeks from today, on the ex C&NW 400 route (Altoona Sub).

Sorry but your wife is wrong or maybe misunderstood. 3985 is stuffed in the Cheyenne roundhouse and that’s probably where it remain. I don’t see it ever running again. 3977 is the only other Challenger in existence and it’s at Bailey Park in North Platte. Maybe that’s what they meant about 3 steam engines?

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Well, not in person yet, but my wife took a few shots of the screen as it passed by the Golden Spike Tower and Bailey Yard in North Platte, NE. This is just the beginning of the Great Midwest Tour.

I will be seeing it in person as it comes through Minnesota late next week. Then we'll be heading out to North Platte in early August in hopes of seeing all three UP steamers at Rail Days.

If you happen to catch this giant in your backyard, please share your pictures and videos here. I'll be posting a bunch as the tour continues.

Here's the first tease.

Pretty cool. I meant to get ahold of you about this. Do you know when it will be in Duluth? Is there some sort of map of it's route? 

Thanks

Does anybody know what will happen to 3985? Will it just be displayed?

Spoony81 posted:

Sorry but your wife is wrong or maybe misunderstood. 3985 is stuffed in the Cheyenne roundhouse and that’s probably where it remain. I don’t see it ever running again. 3977 is the only other Challenger in existence and it’s at Bailey Park in North Platte. Maybe that’s what they meant about 3 steam engines?

That thought had crossed my mind. I know about the one in the park. We've been to North Platte before. I have no idea where she saw it, and now she can't find it again. Then there's the question of logistics. Even if 3985 was operational, would they have three crews, one for each?

MattR posted:

Pretty cool. I meant to get ahold of you about this. Do you know when it will be in Duluth? Is there some sort of map of it's route?  

Thanks

If you haven't joined the Union Pacific Steam Club, you are missing out on updates like this. It's free, and they don't overload your email. Clearly there will be more tours this year, so sign up and stay up on its travels. 

Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 8 - June 13, 2019   The Big Boy No. 4014 is headed back out on the Union Pacific system beginning July 8 for a tour, taking it through Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Called the Great Race Across the Midwest, the tour will include displays at the following locations: July 13-14: Omaha, Neb. (paid admission required through Railroad Days) July 18: St. Paul, Minn. July 20: Duluth, Minn. July 23: Altoona, Wis. July 27-29: Chicago, Ill. Aug. 1: Des Moines, Iowa Aug. 3: Omaha, Neb. Aug. 6: North Platte, Neb. The full schedule and route map are online in the Steam section of UP.com. You can follow No. 4014 as it makes its way across the system via our Steam Locomotive Tracking map, which traces No. 4014's location using GPS. The location is continuously updated when the train is on the move. You also can track the Big Boy via the @UP_Steam Twitter page at http://twitter.com/up_steam. The account tweets the train's location as it changes. Find both the tracking map and Twitter feed, along with steam schedule information, at upsteam.com. The Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car, a new, multi-media walk-through exhibition providing a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading, will accompany the Big Boy on this tour. Find out more.     UP Steam Club 36,500 Strong! As of this mailing, there are now more than 36,500 members of the Union Pacific Steam Club, and that number keeps growing. Thanks again for joining the club! With No. 4014 about to head out again, we have a favor to ask: As a Steam Club member and rail fan, you're more aware of the dangers associated with train operations than your typical neighbor who may be trackside for the first time. Because of your knowledge, we're asking you to have the courage to tell someone if what they're doing is unsafe – whether they're standing on or too close to the tracks, running along the ballast, leaving trip hazards in walkways or climbing on equipment. You can help us and the UP steam program by spreading a message of safety or by reporting unsafe behavior.     Safety Reminder Let's go over some basic safety information: The average train overhangs the track by at least three feet and wider loads can extend even further from the tracks. Stand back at least 25 feet or more from the tracks to avoid debris and steam or being hit by the train itself. Trains can't stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks. Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property – please do not trespass. Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – ALWAYS expect a train and assume tracks are active. Look both ways when approaching railroad crossings, and stop for trains. A train's distance from you -- and its speed -- can be deceiving. Look twice at crossings with multiple tracks. Two tracks may mean two trains, so make sure all tracks are clear before crossing each rail line. Avoid distractions including loud music, texting and talking on cell phones. Look up and listen for train horns. When taking photos or video, be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure you're in a safe place or have someone "spot" you while you're looking through your camera's viewfinder. What you don't see could hurt you.     Looking Back at the 150 Celebration We've created a new 150 Celebration webpage that includes some of our best photos and video from The Great Race to Ogden and the May 9 anniversary ceremony.  Take a look.  In addition, Steam Club members who joined the Official Union Pacific Steam Club Facebook Group have contributed more than 8,600 photos, videos and stories since the page went live January 1. If you haven't joined the closed Facebook group yet, what are you waiting for? Just click this link and ask to become a member. Before joining in the discussion, take a moment to read our Facebook Policy.

That's all for now. Be safe, and we'll see you trackside, Union Pacific Steam Club

BTW, it was the tracking map that allowed us to capture that fleeting glimpse off the Golden Spike Tower webcam. We had it on for a couple hours, watching the yard action, and waiting. They were about an hour and a half hour late.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Spoony81 posted:

Sorry but your wife is wrong or maybe misunderstood. 3985 is stuffed in the Cheyenne roundhouse and that’s probably where it remain. I don’t see it ever running again. 3977 is the only other Challenger in existence and it’s at Bailey Park in North Platte. Maybe that’s what they meant about 3 steam engines?

That thought had crossed my mind. I know about the one in the park. We've been to North Platte before. I have no idea where she saw it, and now she can't find it again. Then there's the question of logistics. Even if 3985 was operational, would they have three crews, one for each?

Of course they would have to have three crews, kind of hard to operate a steam locomotive with no crew. It's all a moot point since I don't see 3985 running again, which is sad.

wb47 posted:

will be 30 miles away in Columbus on Friday morning, cant pass this one up.  Will stop briefly right next to main street.

Me too.

Kent in SD 

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Steve_611 posted:

Good luck seeing all three UP steam engines. 3985 is nowhere close to running. 

My wife said she saw, somewhere on the internet, that all three would be there. Having read about 3985's state of disrepair here on the forum, I remain skeptical as well. You never know what will happen when UP puts its mind to it though.

Of course I will share all my stills and videos here, with you guys. I'll be there bright and early at the depot in St Paul next Thursday morning, then I'll try and catch a couple run bys on its way up to Duluth on Friday. I've chased 261 a few times, and I'm just not up to that kind of driving anymore. Beside, this trip is going to be very slow. The schedule has allowed 8.5 hours for what should be a 3 hour max trip. I should get one more chance for a run by when it passes within a couple miles of the house on Tuesday, two weeks from today, on the ex C&NW 400 route (Altoona Sub).

Do not count on getting more than one shot per day.  There will be tens of thousands of people on 2 lane roads.  I predict parking will be impossible if arriving later than an hour before.

Kent in SD 

There are at least 10,000 parking spots in downtown Omaha if you are worried about that.

400e posted:

There are at least 10,000 parking spots in downtown Omaha if you are worried about that.

My plan is to skip Omaha entirely.  Omaha may have the highest density of foamers in the Western Hemisphere. 😀   Not sure how far you'll have to walk for those 10,000 spaces but the last I looked it's supposed to be about 95 degrees.  

Kent in SD 

I'm rather curious to see the "foamer entourage" this draws.

There will be a group of hardcore types that are going everywhere with it. There will be a small group of professionals, and then there will a more casual group that will just catch it when it comes close to them. Finally, there's the general public, who has no idea what they are seeing, but just stumble onto it.

Personally, I would place myself slightly above casual on this spectrum, as I am willing to travel with it for some distance, to keep seeing it. I'm guessing that the hardcores and pros will tend to stay away from it when it is stopped, as they are more interested in seeing it on the move, and the thrill of the chase. 

Time will tell.

I would put me somewhere at the junction of hardcore/professional/casual.  Hardcore in that I'm driving a total of 500+ miles, staying overnight, and will be up at dawn to claim my spot.  Professional in that I'm using Nikon's very best equipment, did a scouting trip, and am generally much more serious about photography than railfanning.  Casual because I'm keeping my expectations low as to what I get.😀

Kent in SD 

The latest tweet from UP Steam is not great news. They are stuck in North Platte until further notice, as water levels are rising across Nebraska.

They do have some padding in the schedule, but they are supposed to be in Omaha, Saturday and Sunday. Fingers crossed!

Two23 posted:

I would put me somewhere at the junction of hardcore/professional/casual.  Hardcore in that I'm driving a total of 500+ miles, staying overnight, and will be up at dawn to claim my spot.  Professional in that I'm using Nikon's very best equipment, did a scouting trip, and am generally much more serious about photography than railfanning.  Casual because I'm keeping my expectations low as to what I get.😀

 

 

Kent in SD 

Well Kent, by that standard, I'm more hardcore than I thought. It's the miles, the hotels and the time. I'm not a professional, and my camera is just adequate, but I'll be happy just to see it.

Two23 posted:

I would put me somewhere at the junction of hardcore/professional/casual.  Hardcore in that I'm driving a total of 500+ miles, staying overnight, and will be up at dawn to claim my spot.  Professional in that I'm using Nikon's very best equipment, did a scouting trip, and am generally much more serious about photography than railfanning.  Casual because I'm keeping my expectations low as to what I get.😀

 

 

Kent in SD 

I always considered myself casual … until  I flew my family out there to see her run, and turn it into a family vacation.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

The latest tweet from UP Steam is not great news. They are stuck in North Platte until further notice, as water levels are rising across Nebraska.

They do have some padding in the schedule, but they are supposed to be in Omaha, Saturday and Sunday. Fingers crossed!

Hmmmm.  There's a chance they could end up running in the dark.  Nailing that shot would put me in the foamer hall of fame!  There will be 10,000 watt seconds of flash power in the back of my Subeeboo!😀

Kent in SD 

Tens of thousands all in one place seems unlikely to me.

palallin posted:

Tens of thousands all in one place seems unlikely to me.

Smaller than the crowd at a Twins or Vikings game, or Keith Urban concert.

Kent in SD

I agree, tens of thousands was a bit over the top. Let's try and apply a little common sense here. These are just guesses based on a little prior experience, and factoring in the magnitude of the event.

• Professionals, people who make a living shooting photos and videos of trains, or reporting news, under 100.
• Hardcore, under 500
• Casual, maybe 2000
• Accidental general public, this group breaks down a couple ways. Scheduled stops will get bigger numbers, because they've been publicized in advance. It's an event. Then there's spontaneous track side. These are the people who see the crowd gathering and ask, "What is everyone waiting for?"

Who here hasn't heard those words before?

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I agree, tens of thousands was a bit over the top. Let's try and apply a little common sense here. These are just guesses based on a little prior experience, and factoring in the magnitude of the event.

Well, OK.  I'm usually being a bit tongue in cheek.  I was thinking more of the crowds back East such as The Cities and Chicago etc.  than Grand Island.  I am assuming the worst though, and that way I won't be disappointed if it turns out to be better.   Having driven US 30 just last Saturday I do think that 2-laner will be jammed to the point you better not count on getting to the next stop, finding a parking spot, and getting a photo.  Maybe, but I'm not counting on it.

Kent in SD 

After UP's tweet yesterday, I was a little worried about the entire tour schedule. Better news this morning, they plan to depart North Platte at 10:00 AM CDT, and will be on display in Omaha, Saturday as originally planned. There were minor schedule revisions between North Platte and Omaha.

At least they aren't trying to go to New Orleans.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

After UP's tweet yesterday, I was a little worried about the entire tour schedule. Better news this morning, they plan to depart North Platte at 10:00 AM CDT, and will be on display in Omaha, Saturday as originally planned. There were minor schedule revisions between North Platte and Omaha.

 

Fortunately the change will not screw me up and cause me to spend another day out.  It also looks like the 45 minute stops could allow me to take several shots between Grand Island and Fremont.  Heading down this afternoon.  Might try taking a few night shots if I'm not too tired.  Friday won't be a morning for sleeping in.

Kent in SD

Two23 posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I agree, tens of thousands was a bit over the top. Let's try and apply a little common sense here. These are just guesses based on a little prior experience, and factoring in the magnitude of the event.

Well, OK.  I'm usually being a bit tongue in cheek.  I was thinking more of the crowds back East such as The Cities and Chicago etc.  than Grand Island.  I am assuming the worst though, and that way I won't be disappointed if it turns out to be better.   Having driven US 30 just last Saturday I do think that 2-laner will be jammed to the point you better not count on getting to the next stop, finding a parking spot, and getting a photo.  Maybe, but I'm not counting on it.

 

Kent in SD 

Kent, you have to be a little careful here on the forum. People around here can be very literal. 

Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if St Paul did draw around 10,000 over the course of the day. Part of the problem is it will be Thursday, and a lot of people can't get the time off. Chicago should be way bigger because the stop is two days, and it is as far east as it will travel, so a lot of people will make the trip from surrounding states.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Two23 posted:

400e posted:

There are at least 10,000 parking spots in downtown Omaha if you are worried about that.

My plan is to skip Omaha entirely.  Omaha may have the highest density of foamers in the Western Hemisphere. 😀   Not sure how far you'll have to walk for those 10,000 spaces but the last I looked it's supposed to be about 95 degrees.  

Kent in SD 

Across the street in any direction will get you to thousands of  parking spots at the home plate site. The monday station loading will be a little harder. It is also railroad days in Omaha so shuttles will be running, trust me parking is no issue if you want to go see it.

Well I got to see the Big Boy today.  It was quite a site.  Even got a little surprise as it stopped in my hometown.  It was not scheduled to stop here so I am not complaining.

Ken in Nebraska posted:

Well I got to see the Big Boy today.  It was quite a site.  Even got a little surprise as it stopped in my hometown.  It was not scheduled to stop here so I am not complaining.

Excellent Ken! Give that man a cigar, for the first, firsthand photo of this topic. I still have to wait a week.

Were there a lot of people there? I saw some video today, that Jim Wrinn from Trains Magazine, was live casting from a couple places along the route. There didn't seem to be a lot of people around, or maybe they were respecting his turf and just stayed behind him.

Elliot, there really did not seem to be a lot of people.  I believe I have seen quite a few more people in the past when the steam engines roll through my area.  I did talk with a guy who had been following 4014 for about 15 miles from the West and  he said that there was quite a following of vehicles chasing 4014 on Highway 30 which travels right along the tracks.  

An added special to this event, was that I even took my 94 year old Mom to see 4014, she gets excited as I do to see these steam engines.

For a week worth of waiting you will enjoy the experience that very few people will ever get to experience!

Here a couple of more pictures.

Big Boy 4005 can you suggest several locations to view 4014 as its leaving St Paul Fri morning the 19th.

Anyone know where and what day she will be in Milwaukee? 

Re: 3985

Happened upon this on the Trains Magazine Facebook page. This post is from the official UP Steam Facebook account and it jibes with what was supposedly said by Scott Moore (UP VP) during the Ogden festivities.

It appears he typed "just IT for another 5-10 years" when he meant "Just NOT for another 5-10 years".

4014 is going to pass Minneapolis Junction twice, going and coming from Duluth. I wonder if there are any plans between UP and the Friends of 261 to pull 261 outside for some photos with 4014.

I don't know what is fact and what is fiction, but from what I've read on here and elsewhere, Ed Dickens is regarded a a lone wolf by some of the other operators in the steam fraternity and is not held in very high esteem by many of them.

Well 4014 is coming to the Chicago burbs, so I'll make the trek out to see it in 2 weeks. 

Here's my best shot

UP is calling this trip a race.  Err, I thought you needed two, in this case, trains, to race.

I did manage to catch it in eastern Nebraska yesterday.  Got up at 6 am, was in position by 7:15 am for the first shot which happened around 9:30.  I'll write more about that this Wednesday and post more photos.  The worst case scenario crowds never showed up.  It looks like going to a rural area during the week is the best strategy to avoid them.  About 80% of the crowd was local looky-loos, another 15% were local foamers, and the rest (including me) we out of state foamers.  All but a couple of those seemed to not be from the Midwest at that.  There was no way to get ahead of the 50 or so cars following it along, and the Nebraska highway patrol was there in numbers.  No one seemed to be "driving like a foamer."  Train was traveling about 50 mph.  

I caught it at three locations and could have caught it again in Omaha, but decided to skip Omaha and head home from Fremont.  I took some shots with my Nikon D850 at my pre-selected locations, but really my favorite photo came from the stop in Fremont.  I used my 4x5 Chamonix camera shooting Ilford FP4+ b&w film.  I really like the way those turned out (just processed them today.)  I'll probably go after it again when it comes back west.

I do have some tips.  You really need to scout locations ahead, and assume there'll be a number of people there.  Best shots will be from some distance.  It's so big if you're within 100 feet you won't get much, and two thirds of the shot is up in the air.  You will never get ahead of it so plan accordingly.  I managed to jump around it when it stopped and the 30-45 minute stops gave me plenty of time.  A little altitude helps in case something gets in front of you.  I was careful to use shutter speeds over 1/1000s and did use a polarizer.  There is a lot of glare on the engine and tenders as well as green foliage.  (My polarizer is the high transmission type.)  I was using a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR on Nikon D850 (full frame), on a tripod, and that seemed about right.  The locations I picked gave me clear shots with good direction of light and no one in the way on the moving shots.  I obviously had a different strategy for the stationary shots.  When it comes back I my plan is to anchor my kayak in the river to take shots, and concentrate more on the "people" shots with my 4x5.  I brought a ladder but never used it.  The crowd wasn't that bad.

I'll mention a few other things.  Above someone brought up "casual" vs "pro" photographer and what's the difference.  The obvious difference is the pro gets paid, but that in turn means the pro HAS to deliver usable shots.  It's not necessarily about having "pro" gear, but rather a "pro" attitude.  Since a pro has to get the shot or he doesn't get paid, the strategy is to remove as many potential problems in advance as possible.  Scout the locations and your route.  Clean your camera sensor the day before, and all lenses.  Charge up your battery and spares.  Have a fresh memory card and a spare.  Know what the direction of light will be at the time of day you'll be there, and the weather.  Have a place picked out to park, bring food & water with you so you don't have to stop at a crowded store.  In short being a pro is mostly about being prepared and having an idea of what shots are your highest priority.  (But not to the extent it blinds you to a lucky shot that pops up you didn't expect.)

Kent in SD

Dominic Mazoch posted:

UP is calling this trip a race.  Err, I thought you needed two, in this case, trains, to race.

Yes, of course it's a race.  It's me against all the other foamers on the road trying to get to the best spots.

Kent in SD

Sorry I took a break from this topic guys. Tomorrow is the big day. Today I saw it pull into St Paul on the Union Depot web cam. Quite the sight.

Of the eight remaining Big Boys, this will be my seventh. By the time we got to LA, it was in the roundhouse in Cheyenne. When we were in Cheyenne to see the one in the park we drove by the roundhouse on the bridge, but couldn't see in, during the early. The only one left to see is Steamtown.

I've been following this project here on the forum, since before the UP was able to reacquire it. There were people who said it would never happen, others who said it couldn't be done, and even others were down on Ed Dickens. Say what you will about him, but he brought the project in, and on time, and that's what really matters. Proof that anything can be done for money, you also have to think big.

My fascination with 4014 is turning into an expensive proposition. At the last minute we decided to buy tickets for the museum's gala in Duluth. A once in a lifetime opportunity, with special access to the locomotive as well as the excursion cars. Should be a fun evening. Photos of course.

Not only am I a railfan, but I'm a modeler as well, and Lionel is really getting into my wallet. I'm mostly immune to the steam engines they produce, and have a very strict rule when it comes to buying them. If I haven't seen it in the Twin Cities under steam, I don't buy it for my layout. Now is the time.

Ken - Great pictures, and a really nice story about your mom getting to see 4014.

Rogerdodger - The Raymond Avenue is pretty good for an overhead shot. Minneapolis Junction is good for ground level, but may be crowded.

John - It arrives Butler next Thursday and departs Friday morning. It won't be on display in Milwaukee, which really surprised me. You won't be able to get too close in the yard. You may do better trying to catch it along its way to Chicago.

Nick - That makes perfect sense. UP kind of shot their wad for the steam program with this one. They'll need some time to catch up.

Pictures tomorrow!

I'm sorry, but I think I'm over "4014 madness". For the last week I have been watching one YouTube video after another, hoping to catch the engine making some racket. Instead I see the locomotive mostly drifting with the whistle being blown nearly constantly and nothing but siderods clanking away, in the very few moments when the whistle actually shuts up. 

The titles and comments on these videos are laughable. Words like "Blasting", "Pounding", "Roaring" etc. accompany  videos of the engine barely making any sound at all, no stack talk nothing. I swear the blower has to be on all the time because she sure as hell isn't creating much of a draft.

It's almost as if these people are seeing what they want to believe versus the reality of what they are actually seeing.

Maybe there will finally be something to see in October, when she takes on the 2.2% grades of Cajon and Cima, but I'm not holding my breath. For all I know they will throw 4 stinking GEVOs behind her and the incessant whistling and rod-clanking will be all there is to hear in the mountain passes.

Say what you want but Steve Lee and company let the old gals work and get some dirt on them.

Dickens appears not to want to muss the lady's hair.

I'm happy that I didn't waste my time and money to travel and chase after her. Maybe I'll drive over to Memphis to have a look, if and when they come this way. 

Nick, I've actually resisted looking at Youtube all week, so I'm not saturated yet by this. We'll head to the depot at eight, and hopefully it won't be too crowded. I expect to run into a bunch of friends and acquaintances down there. We'll go through the car and take a bunch of stills. Friday I plan to catch it on the fly, on its way to Duluth. Saturday evening we should get more unique pictures at the gala. Then Tuesday I plan to catch it on the move again, just a couple miles from my house, as it heads over to Altoona. 

Maybe the reason you are always hearing the whistle in the videos is, some of the best trackside access is near grade crossings. Either that or he's just whistling for the crowd as he passes. I did watch a live shot the other day, and thought that whistle was rather magnificent. Can't wait to hear the Doppler effect in person.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Nick, I've actually resisted looking at Youtube all week, so I'm not saturated yet by this. We'll head to the depot at eight, and hopefully it won't be too crowded. I expect to run into a bunch of friends and acquaintances down there. We'll go through the car and take a bunch of stills. Friday I plan to catch it on the fly, on its way to Duluth. Saturday evening we should get more unique pictures at the gala. Then Tuesday I plan to catch it on the move again, just a couple miles from my house, as it heads over to Altoona. 

Maybe the reason you are always hearing the whistle in the videos is, some of the best trackside access is near grade crossings. Either that or he's just whistling for the crowd as he passes. I did watch a live shot the other day, and thought that whistle was rather magnificent. Can't wait to hear the Doppler effect in person.

Don't let my frustrations discourage you. I hope you have a great time and stay safe out there.

Who knows? You may catch her climbing a rise somewhere where her stack can "holler" a little.

I'll use this analogy to illustrate how I feel about all the hype around 4014 and the realty of what I see.

I have been a fan of the Allman Brothers Band since I was a teenager. They are still my favorite band of all time.

One of the two living founding members, guitarist Dickey Betts, has had a decades long problem with alcohol and substance abuse. This has rendered him a shell of his former self. He cannot even play in time anymore which is a fundamental requirement for a musician.

I occasionally will look at a recent YouTube video, hoping against hope that he has overcome his problems and regained a modicum of his former prowess. That has not happened and probably never will.

The kiddies that post on these videos comment as if he is "tearing it up".  I don't know what they are watching but it's not what's on my screen.

It's the same sort of drivel they post about a locomotive that is basically a bull elephant with a house cat tied to it's tail.

Trains Magazine's coverage is no better. They are just a bunch of fanboys over at Kalmbach.

Nick Chillianis posted:

I'm sorry, but I think I'm over "4014 madness". For the last week I have been watching one YouTube video after another, hoping to catch the engine making some racket. Instead I see the locomotive mostly drifting with the whistle being blown nearly constantly and nothing but siderods clanking away, in the very few moments when the whistle actually shuts up. 

The titles and comments on these videos are laughable. Words like "Blasting", "Pounding", "Roaring" etc. accompany  videos of the engine barely making any sound at all, no stack talk nothing.

I too was hesitant to go, even though it was easily within my range at only three hours away.  In the end I went and I'm glad I did.  It really doesn't come through on videos and photos how massive this thing is.  It is something to see.  Considering how expensive it is to maintain and run who knows how many chances you're going to get to see something this big moving?  Most of the photos I've seen of it seem to be taken by people who just stand by a crossing to take a shot.  You really get no sense of its scale that way, or even see all of it at once.  As for "blasting/pounding/roaring," true there's no truth to that and it sounds like it was written by an overexcited teenage foamer.  As I watched it in Nebraska I was amazed at how silently it seemed to glide along--much quieter than the diesels that ply those tracks.  So anyway, in the end I'm glad I went for the experience.  It was a different experience than I thought it would be but it was still a good one.  I think of the 4014 in a similar way as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the big sequoias in Yosemite.  All are something you should see at least once in your lifetime.

Kent in SD

Two23 posted:

Nick Chillianis posted:

I'm sorry, but I think I'm over "4014 madness". For the last week I have been watching one YouTube video after another, hoping to catch the engine making some racket. Instead I see the locomotive mostly drifting with the whistle being blown nearly constantly and nothing but siderods clanking away, in the very few moments when the whistle actually shuts up. 

The titles and comments on these videos are laughable. Words like "Blasting", "Pounding", "Roaring" etc. accompany  videos of the engine barely making any sound at all, no stack talk nothing.

 

I too was hesitant to go, even though it was easily within my range at only three hours away.  In the end I went and I'm glad I did.  It really doesn't come through on videos and photos how massive this thing is.  It is something to see.  Considering how expensive it is to maintain and run who knows how many chances you're going to get to see something this big moving?  Most of the photos I've seen of it seem to be taken by people who just stand by a crossing to take a shot.  You really get no sense of its scale that way, or even see all of it at once.  As for "blasting/pounding/roaring," true there's no truth to that and it sounds like it was written by an overexcited teenage foamer.  As I watched it in Nebraska I was amazed at how silently it seemed to glide along--much quieter than the diesels that ply those tracks.  So anyway, in the end I'm glad I went for the experience.  It was a different experience than I thought it would be but it was still a good one.  I think of the 4014 in a similar way as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the big sequoias in Yosemite.  All are something you should see at least once in your lifetime.

 

Kent in SD

I guess you're missing my point. I've been around the 3985 under steam and have taken lots of video of her (She's only 10' shorter than 4014). I've seen six of the preserved 4000 class engines. I'm more than aware of 4014's size and scale.

The reason it glides so silently is because it is pulling nothing relative to its capabilities. The diesels you see are hauling thousand of tons of freight behind them.

4014 is hauling maybe 1200 tons. She can easily handle 10-12 times that much tonnage on the prairie.

The closest the UP gets to me is Memphis, TN,  about a 6-7 hour drive. If she comes there I'll go see her. 

Until then, I'll just hope she finally is allowed to strut her stuff on Cajon Pass and Cima Hill.

The Big Boy 4014 yesterday in Owatonna, MN.   Thanks UP!!!   It certainly is a "Must See"! 

Cheers, Dave

Making a grand entrance into Owatonna!

I was hoping that I would be the only one there!  NOT!

Heading north to St. Paul!

It would be a treat to see that ol' bigboy cruising through south Florida.

I am grateful the UP revived 4014.  Will 4014 ever run without a diesel helper?  It has been years since I saw the Challenger in StL but i don't recall 3985 having a helper...maybe it did.  With our without help, the Big Boy is a sight to see and I look forward to doing just that.

T4TT posted:

I am grateful the UP revived 4014.  Will 4014 ever run without a diesel helper?  It has been years since I saw the Challenger in StL but i don't recall 3985 having a helper...maybe it did.  With our without help, the Big Boy is a sight to see and I look forward to doing just that.

She'll almost always have a diesel in the consist.

The three reasons as stated by Ed Dickens are:

1) Dynamic braking on long downgrade runs, to preserve the air brake shoes on the Heritage Fleet equipment.

2) To reduce fuel and water consumption by assisting in hauling the train as circumstances warrant.

3) For switching, turning and positioning the consist for display.

Also, although not explicitly stated, to guard against mechanical failure of the steam locomotive and tying up the railroad.

I guess this was day one of Big Boy week for me. We got down to the depot right around 8:30, and got in line for the free commemorative poster. They had 300, and we were maybe 50th in line. Pretty poster, gotta get it framed.

Then it was on to the main event. We got down to the platform, and the observation was right there. We then had to walk the entire length of the train to get to 4014, a good quarter mile. The crowd wasn't too bad when we started, but it had really picked up by the time we were ready to head out. 

I chose to not handle the camera for this round, and left that to my wife and son. My wife was getting a little frustrated with all the people getting in her pictures. My son was a little more patient, and got some real nice shots, a bit more artistic. I hope he'll find time to post some here, as he already has an OGR account.

I think we need to point out to Lionel, that the "Excursion version" should have the chalk Big Boy on the smoke box front.

Good to see the shiny shield.

Anyone know what this chain setup controls?

She's starting to get a little dirty, as they break her in.

This just looks complicated.

The crowd and the length of the train, and this was the "back side"

The tag along diesel.

Self explanatory.

The aux tenders. The flag is just a piece of sheet metal mounted to the side of the tender, so it hangs straight down as the wall curves inward.

Me with the "Experience" baggage car Promontory. Neat little display inside. I'll get pics of the inside in Duluth.

This odd looking car makes noise like a generator

The Green River, St Paul and me.

The special drumhead on the Kenefick.

Beautiful! I think the UP just became my favourite line.

I pulled out my K Line 4009 Big Boy just so I could claim a Big Boy sighting in South Florida.

By the way, if anyone wants to see 4014 depart St Paul, you can watch the Union Depot web cam, Friday morning at 8:30 AM CDT.

Thanks Nick, I thought it might have something to do with lubrication. Now that you mention it,  I kind of remember seeing the guard on some of the other survivors. Maybe that's why the bare chain seemed odd, and caught my eye.

Thanks Elliot for the web cam heads up.   I watched it leave on my IMac.   Unfortunately, my Iphone video did not capture the whole experience.   I didn't notice that it wasn't recording at first so I missed capturing the Big Boy.  Double Darn!!!!!   Here is a short clip of the tail end cars just to prove I saw it today!!   Have fun in Duluth!

Cheers, Dave

Thanks Dave, I should be on the road in a half hour. Gonna try and catch it before it makes Cambridge. We'll see.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

By the way, if anyone wants to see 4014 depart St Paul, you can watch the Union Depot web cam, Friday morning at 8:30 AM CDT.

 

This is John Stein's photo from St Paul. Elderly people, preschoolers, all sorts of folks.

I took my family out in May, as part of an extended family vacation. I did not expect all the interest, all the people. In our hotel, were groups from the UK and from France. (My sons got into a pick-up game of rugby with them.) At the McDonalds near the hotel, people were speaking some sort of Scandinavian language.

Nick got it! It is the Lubricator. I am surprised you did not get it with all the lines coming from it.

Long day today. I got out of dialysis around 1030 , and we were on the road trying to catch up. We just missed it at Cambridge, MN and decided to jump ahead to Henriette, where Patrick, my helper on the layout, was waiting. Town only has two grade crossings, so it wasn’t very hard to find him. I was still a little wobbly from dialysis, we had brought a camping chair, so I was able to sit and wait.

Speaking of sitting and waiting, that is exactly what I’m doing right now. Waiting for my video to upload to YouTube, crappy hotel internet.  It’s too large for the forum to take it directly.

Anyway, after that we decided to break off the chase, and just head up to Duluth, when we got back to the interstate. It wasn’t that the traffic was that bad, it was almost organized chaos. People would just see a spot near a crossing and pull in, so there wasn’t really that much actual traffic.

I've done this route before, chasing 261. This being northern Minnesota two things prevent pacing the train. First, there are a lot of trees between the road and track. Second there isn’t always a road that follows the track. So it isn’t like one person hanging out the passenger side window with a video camera.

Really????? This is how you wait for a train, in the middle of the track? Darwin Award candidates.

My wife got this rather nice shot.

Here's my little video.

EBT Jim posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

By the way, if anyone wants to see 4014 depart St Paul, you can watch the Union Depot web cam, Friday morning at 8:30 AM CDT.

 

This is John Stein's photo from St Paul. Elderly people, preschoolers, all sorts of folks.

I took my family out in May, as part of an extended family vacation. I did not expect all the interest, all the people. In our hotel, were groups from the UK and from France. (My sons got into a pick-up game of rugby with them.) At the McDonalds near the hotel, people were speaking some sort of Scandinavian language.

Jim, this train world is a small place. I'm pretty sure I know John Stein, haven't seen him in over 25 years though. Long story.

Thanks for the update and vid, my friend. Have a great time in Duluth. Please tell Tammy that I need lemon bars...

You're welcome Jon. We have the lemons. All that's missing is you.

We went for a late dinner, at this little hole in the wall pizza place we've been to before. On the way back to the hotel, we went by the depot on the freeway. She was all lit up with blue light, very pretty. Wish we had stopped for a picture. Maybe tomorrow evening, after the gala, once it gets dark.

Wish I was there to join in on the fun. 

Thanks for sharing all of your photos Elliot. The video of the run by was great.

Bob

My pleasure, Jon and Bob, to share my experience with you and everyone else who isn't able to see her in person.

I see that my son hasn't had a chance to post the pictures that he took on Thursday at the depot. I went through them and picked out my favorites,so here they are.

My wife and me in front of the depot. As you can see, I'm dressed appropriately.

We'll call this an old school time stamp.

Me with the City of Denver. I spent seven years living out there, which is why I'm 4005.

A neat shot of the flag on the aux tender.

As I said earlier, my son has a slightly more artistic eye for photography.

Here's an easy one for all you rivet counters.

This one is a little harder.

Good luck here!

My son and his friend took the time to check out the cab.

That gave him the chance to get this unusual angle shot.

Builder plate.

He did a nice job getting clean shots of the front of the locomotive.

The crowds were still pretty light as it was before 10 AM.

That's just cool.

The other side of the cab.

I really like this one with the skyline in the background.

Love the drumhead! The chrome stanchions are so shiny, you can actually see the reflection of my son's friend, Bobby, in the one on the right.

Saw Elliott and Tammy at Henriette, MN yesterday. Here is my video:

Great pictures!  Thanks!

Cheers, Dave

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

 

My wife got this rather nice shot.

 

 

I took the liberty of cleaning it up a little for you.  Hope you don't mind.

Kent in SD

Thanks Kent, my wife really likes what you did, and so do I. Almost good enough to submit to railpictures.net. I'm sure they are inundated with Big Boy shots these days.

Great weekend in Duluth! Byrdie from the forum spotted me right away, and we spent quite a while chatting, getting the gala off to a great start. More about all that later, and photos of course. There are so many to go through.

The real point of this post is to give everyone another chance to catch 4014 on the Union Depot webcam again. Scheduled arrival is set for 3:45 CDT, but it could go either way, a little early or a little late, depending on BNSF traffic. They will probably use two legs of the wye this afternoon and back into the depot track, so they are facing out in the morning.

More later. You can also catch her leaving at 8:00 Tuesday morning, on the near track of the wye, just like last Friday morning. I'll watch her leave, then jump in the car and quick find a spot by the tracks near the house for one last video.

Edit / Update

She's just about to move off the Hinckley Sub, and onto the Staples Sub for a few miles, before finishing the day on the Midway Sub, which goes through Minneapolis and St Paul.

Here's UP's tracking map, but remember it can lag a fair amount between updates 

BNSF dispatch seems to have "called an audible" and rerouted 4014 over the St Paul Sub, ex NP instead of the Midway Sub ex GN. In the grand scheme, it makes no difference, because both sets of tracks end up in the same place. The only people it makes a difference to, are those standing trackside. Only the most serious railfans will catch this in time to move and find a spot. 

Elliot, appreciate the updates on 4014's trip.  Also your great pictures.  I mentioned to my son, who is at Mayo today, that 4014 was in the area.  He is actually the person who got me back into model railroading.  Darn him anyway!  I told you the wait would be well worth it.  I am hoping to see 4014 when it comes back through my area on August 5th.  Thanks again for the updates and pictures.

Ken

Well guys, sad to say, Big Boy week is over for me. I will see her one ore time when we go out to North Platte in a couple weeks. This video was shot at the grade crossing about two miles from my house. I go over it almost every day. We had about 30 - 40 people at this crossing. We quickly scouted the crossings in the area, and decided there's no place like home.

I was feeling brave today, and got within ten feet of the track as she thundered past. Enjoy the steam!

There are a couple stills from this run by, and all the Duluth material left for me to go through. I will get that posted here soon. After that, I'm out for a couple weeks, so you guys have to pickup the ball.

     Great photos and videos Elliot !     really liked this last one ...

               had to be awesome standing there as it rolled by !

                         can't wait to see the Big Boy running on your layout 

Thanks Brian, that was fun. I got pretty close to 261 and CP 2816, but this takes the cake, and right in my own back yard too.

As for the model, I haven't ordered it yet, but I will, and the rest of the excursion cars. I wish Lionel would make the Kenefick, I could put my wife and me on the platform. This was us in Duluth at the gala.

P.S. I'm going to tweak the title of this topic to better reflect what is going on for the future.

                 that would be COOL Elliot !!  

                     you may have to kitbash one in your spare time...

                          then you two could take a ride around your layout.

Here's a couple videos from today. First one is not far from Union Depot in St. Paul - train left the depot, then stopped for 25 or 30 minutes at the first wye. A couple freights went by. Then it was on the move, slowly, around the wye. This was a few seconds after the loco had cleared the wye, though most of the train was still on it.

Next one is the train going by at Knapp, Wis. There were maybe 12 people there, including folks who live or have relatives on the other side of the private crossing.

Elliot - Sorry for not following up. Plans kept changing. Then today, there was a wreck on 94 that had traffic backed up. Had planned to go to Eau Claire, but I goofed by staying on 12 and not going back to 94 after Knapp. Lost too much time to get to Eau Claire before the train. Looks like you had a great time.

ADDITION - I was one of those caught out by the change in routing on the Monday return. Was waiting along Shepard, west of the depot. Thought I heard whistle coming from the "wrong" direction. Others there said it was a boat. Not that I had much confidence in my idea.

David

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Well guys, sad to say, Big Boy week is over for me. I will see her one ore time when we go out to North Platte in a couple weeks.

 

Look me up.  I intend to be there.

Kent in SD

A friend of mine sent me this link to a Youtube video that was shot last Friday and Monday going to Duluth and coming back. This guy was a true chaser. All things considered the results are pretty good. Lots of trees, but there are some nice breaks with clear views. Decent editing too. Enjoy!

David, no problem. I meant to email you too, so I guess we're even on ball dropping. Nice videos.

Sorry to say, but if you were west of the depot on Shepard Rd, you were never going to see the Big Boy there. Those tracks are the UP Mankato Sub and the CP Merriam Park Sub, AKA Short Line Hill. The Builder uses the hill. There was zero chance the Big Boy ever would go down there. Track ownership, curves and grade all factors on that route.

What I was talking about was the original route through the cities that it used on Friday to head to Duluth, the Midway Sub ex GN, that passes next to the Jackson Street Roundhouse, and through Minneapolis Jct.

The St Paul Sub ex NP runs parallel to it, with about a quarter mile separation in most places, though it varies to maybe up to a mile. The decision was made just north of Northtown where the track splits. They come back together at the north end of the wye down by the depot.

Technically, UP's rights were with the GN and not the NP, and arose from their merger with the C&NW. BNSF dispatch just wants to get traffic through the area as efficiently as possible. As long as the Big Boy wasn't trying to go to UP's East Minneapolis Yard, both routes would work. BNSF's Twin Cities intermodal facility is on  the Midway sub, so there was probably traffic, and they just sent it around on the wide open St Paul Sub.

However if you were standing along the track waiting for it, at say, Minneapolis Jct, it would have been a mile away, on the other tracks. If you were waiting along Energy Park Drive, by Midway Stadium, you would have caught a quick glimpse, as you did an about face, and your pictures wouldn't have been very good.

Those who knew, in time to take action, would probably have gathered on the top floor of the Bandana Square parking ramp for a nice vantage point. Bandana Square is the NP's passenger car shops, and on the NRHP. It was also the former home to the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum. Great place to watch trains on a normal day, though the best in town is along Warner Rd, AKA Hoffman or Dayton's Bluff, east of the wye by the depot. UP, CP and BNSF all go through there, as well as a couple other roads.

Kent, I'll be in touch so we can meet up out there.

That Big Boy was rollin'! Did your friend say how fast they had to drive to keep up?

balidas posted:

That Big Boy was rollin'! Did your friend say how fast they had to drive to keep up?

Sorry, but I would guess around fiftyish, It was movin'! Gotta remember he was in a line of cars doing the same thing. Speed limit on the road was mostly 55, as it that mattered. 

We drove a good part of the road on the way up, but we were ahead of the train, then pulled off at Henriette to wait with Patrick, as the guy shooting the video flew past on the main road. I gave up the chase after that because it took about 5 minutes to get back on the road, and there was a stop sign where 107 dumped into 23 which cost another three minutes. 

balidas posted:

Yea ok, I see what you're saying. I didn't think of that. Does anybody know how fast Big Boy can do

 

No faster than the posted speed limit.

 

if they opened him up?

 

Steam locomotives, and ships, are referred to has "She" and/or "Her".

Got it.

Just got this off the Waupaca Wisconsin cam chat..."Big Boy will be on the Kearney cam in a couple weeks as it returns to Cheyenne. At Kearney Aug 5th about 10:30 am where it will stop in front of the camera for 15 minutes.

balidas posted:

Yea ok, I see what you're saying. I didn't think of that. Does anybody know how fast Big Boy can do if they opened him up?

Maybe Hot Water will poke his head in here on that one. I can only guess, around 70? Not sure if this train qualifies for passenger or freight track limits. If we were ever going to find out it would probably be in Nebraska in its way home.

Jack, you're too quick for me.

Elliot, Great Picture of you and the Mrs! Finally get to place a face to the name!

Train was moving at 50 mph on open track in eastern  Nebraska.

Kent in SD

balidas posted:

Got it.

Just got this off the Waupaca Wisconsin cam chat..."Big Boy will be on the Kearney cam in a couple weeks as it returns to Cheyenne. At Kearney Aug 5th about 10:30 am where it will stop in front of the camera for 15 minutes.

That's were I am planning to be on August 5th.  I only live about 3 miles from its planned stop in Kearney.  Actually it is my old stopping grounds while growing up.

Thanks for the clarification, Elliot. I should have run my information by you!

Here's a couple pix from today - also shot video at both places, but I'll stick with stills. First is a few miles south of Merrillan; the second is at Wyeville.

Wyeville started out well, but the fellow in the green hat just to the left of the plume along the ballast squatted maybe three feet from the tracks just past the crossing. Photogs who had been in place for a long time yelled to him, but it did no good. Yes, he finally moved two or three seconds before the loco was even with him.

Oh, decided to add one more - I'm not used to seeing both insulators on and wires between the telegraph poles.

When the train stopped for the day, Ed Dickens was talking to some folks. Among the things he said - he was on the lookout for the photographers who were on a bridge.

David

Again, great pictures David. 

The reason I know as much as I do about the Twin Cities railroad scene, is because that's what I model. I'm not much of an historian, sticking to the more modern. In a way this is cheating, because most of the design work is done for me, and with Google Earth, I almost never have to leave my house to see all kinds of things about what I'm modeling. Every once in a while, I'll take a field trip and get pictures. That reminds me, I do need to take one fairly soon. One of my flour mills just closed down. Get it before it's gone condo. An entire section of my layout may be fading into history. Doing my best to keep it alive.

OK gang, lots of great pictures and videos of the outside of the train, but unless Byrdie posts his pics, what follows is rather exclusive. As I mentioned earlier, we attended the gala to benefit the railroad museum in Duluth. This gave us almost private access to the train, including three of the executive cars at the back end. With so few people around we got shots inside the Experience car, and my wife became almost obsessed with all the mechanical workings of the engine itself.

Let's start inside.

This first batch is the Experience baggage interior. It's a nicely done history and technical display. You simply walk through and read the material on the walls. It's air conditioned too.

Looking at this UP system merger map, I tried to speculate where the Big Boy would go next. I foresee two more of these tour loops, one to the southeast part of the system and another to the west, along the coast.                                                  

This is the part where the public never gets to go. I wish we had taken more pictures. If you look at the book shelf you'll see the familiar blue box of Trivial Pursuit. A nice space to chill and watch the miles go by.

We had a drink and Hors d'oeuvres hosted by UP. Very nice. This was originally a dining car, but was converted to a chair lounge. All kinds of historical pictures line the walls. 

The current dining car. I poked my head in the kitchen as they were preparing more hors d'oeuvres. They looked good but there was no turning back at that point.

The door to the Kenefick observation. This is the UP's President's car. We sat in the small lounge at the back end and chatted with other guests and a couple of museum volunteers, before stepping out onto the platform to get our picture taken. In hindsight, I wish we had taken more pictures inside.

That's it for now. I'll post some of the Big Boy close up shots in a day or so.

Where are the rest of the pics? Wish I was able to make the trip North to Duluth. It's bee some time since my last visit there. 

Sorry Jon, my hands are getting so bad with neuropathy that I can barely hold the camera and press the shutter release. Tammy took all the pictures except the ones of us on the platform and this one I managed to take of her. It took me nearly three minutes to get it, and I was pretty frustrated. 

By the way, lemon bars! She was talking later today...

Hahaha...no wonder Tammy looks so exasperated. It's all good, just giving you a hard time. What a fun trip, nonetheless. Wish I had been there. As for photography, all my cameras are film cameras. I don't own a digital camera. As film died, I packed up my darkroom, Hasselblad, and the rest of it. Someday I may get back into it. So, no harm, no foul. Lemmon bars later today? what a tease...