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".