Watch the Retired ‘Big Boy’ Steam Train Rescue a Stalled Freight Train in Nebraska

The Drive ^ | 10 July 2023 | LEWIN DAY

[DUMBGRUNT]

Once one of the heaviest steam locomotives in the world, the Big Boy 4014 recently stumbled into a mission.

The famous Union Pacific Big Boy was the heaviest steam locomotive ever built when it became operational in the 1940s. An icon of the American railroads, it was retired from service in 1959 as the diesel age took hold. Recently, however, the last running Big Boy was tasked with the important mission of rescuing a freight train stalled in Nebraska.

The video shows the 4014 gently pulling up and coupling with the freight train ahead. After a spell, it roars into life, blasting the whistle before powering up its mighty cylinders to shove its way up the grade. Despite the Big Boy's heft of 762,000 pounds there's a hint of wheel slip—a rated power output of 7,000 horsepower will do that at times. The Big Boy quickly finds its footing, however, and gets the stuck machine rolling down the rails once again.

[flaglady47]

I am totally impressed; a massive locomotive; a blast from the past; what a mighty machine! Watch the video at the link; be patient. It’s worth it just to watch this magnificent piece of machinery built by our ingenious builders in days of yore.
Not to make a comparison, but I will. Trump is a builder of the same ilk. Taking an idea, a concept, and running with it to create magnificent edifices that will last just like this steam engine has for many years to come. Just a thought.

[tomkat]

Thank you for that - very informative and appreciated :-)

[griffin]

WOW. Very cool.

[Olog-hai]

Well, wooden ties were usually treated with creosote, which has fire retardant properties; the concern with coal cinders was being carried away on the wind and setting brush and grass on fire.

[fella]

Sounds like the last days of the Taggart R.R.

[Repeal The 17th]

Our father’s magic carpet made of steel.
This train’s got the disappearing railroad blues.

[Albion Wilde]

What a magnificent piece of machinery. Those were the days. Love that sound from my distant childhood of the train going over the overpass near my babysitter’s house.

[Let's Roll]

Love the lyrics. My favorite line is:

And the sons of Pullman porters, and the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpet made of steel.

[FrankRizzo890]

Some days you just need brute strength.

[Ezekiel]

Willie along with the rest of the Highwaymen flew right off the rails with this live performance.

Good Morning, America! How are ya?!

[Yardstick]

I like that one too. Lots of great imagery in that song.

[ABN 505]

I remember “Big Boy” when it was at the Steam town museum in Vermont. I would go up there with my kids almost every year. What a disapointment when they moved to PA.