Posted on 03/06/2019 2:36:06 PM PST by Texan4Life
The Glory of Steam Trains
The last steamer built in China resides (or did) in Boone Iowa. I remember following its delivery maybe 30 years ago.
Cheyenne Wy to Golden Spike 150 year anniversary.
May 10th.
Big Boy 4014 4-8-8-4
Really looking forward to seeing it!
On special occaison they bring out the old steam engine for a run of the Grand Canyon rail line from Williams to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. AAA usually has a 3 night 3 day routine where you spend the night at Williams, Morning trip to the canyon, afternoon and spend the night there. then a noon trip back to another night at Williams before the road trip to home. good fun. mostly they run a Diesel.
Bfl
Anyone who can get RFDTV (Ch345 on Directv) can watch the hour long program “Trains and Locomotives” every Monday evening at 5:00 - lots of good videos of all sorts of trains from steam excursions in the west to passenger locals into New York City - interesting historical and operational perspectives on railroading through the ages - our DVR is set to record every episode....
The 1880 Train runs two vintage steam locomotives in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
And there really was a fascination there with “Trainspotting” (nothing to do with the movie).
See also Spike150.
Follow the Great Race to Promontory, which illustrates the journey to Promontory with rare photographs and animated maps.Too many things to choose from! And not much time to plan travel. Unfortunately, many of the events are over. Remaining are:Community Traveling Exhibit
A 7-by-7-foot display featuring historical photos and descriptions will travel to communities with historical ties to the railroads’ development. A custom panel highlighting each community’s railroad connection will be created and gifted to the corresponding community. Additionally, special educational curriculum materials will be available..Commemorative Golden Spike
Union Pacific’s community partners along the transcontinental route will be presented with a commemorative golden spike encased in a glass box. The engraved message reads: “Towns developed, and the bond between UP and the early settlements grew. As we celebrate the 150th Golden Spike anniversary, UP is proud of these long-standing community relationships.” A special proclamation also will be given to each community when the commemorative spike is presented.Landmark Art Exhibition: Race to Promontory
Union Pacific holds the world’s largest photograph collection documenting the transcontinental railroad’s construction. The railroad is partnering with Joslyn Art Museum to offer a landmark art exhibition featuring this unique collection, which includes photographs rarely publicly exhibited. Exhibitions currently are planned for California, Utah and Nebraska.Steam
Union Pacific’s historic steam equipment will embark on a special excursion along the transcontinental route in the spring of 2019, leading up to the 150th anniversary in May.Anniversary Celebrations
All of these special activities and events will culminate with several celebrations on and near May 10, 2019, the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion.
Wow, that’s a far cry from the 17 year old Dorothy in Wizard of Oz. She grew up a lot in seven years.
That was made five years before I was born, but musicals like that celebrating America sure put a nostalgic lump in my throat. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for the link to the story about rebuilding “Big Boy.”
Found this humous: “the steam engines were originally going to be named “Wasatch,” after the mountains they were built to carry freight over, but in 1941, an American Locomotive Company shop worker wrote “Big Boy” in chalk on the front of the locomotive and the name stuck.”
Compare that to Elon Musk’s “BFR” which was recently rechristened to “Big Falcon Rocket” — but we all know what he was implying with the original “BFR.”
A far cry from the innocent “Big Boy” era.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Trains Magazine and Special Interest Tours will offer a multi-day Big Boy No. 4014 chase bus on the Union Pacific locomotive’s inaugural run in May 2019, promoters said Friday.
The massive 4-8-8-4 will operate from its homebase and restoration shop in Cheyenne to Ogden, Utah, in early May as part of events marking the 150th anniversary of the first Transcontinental Railroad. A Big Boy steam locomotive has not run under its own power since 1959.
Expectations are that large numbers of spectators from around the globe will travel to Wyoming and Utah to witness this once-in-a-lifetime move of one of the world’s largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built. The route is native to the Big Boy locomotives, and includes legendary Sherman Hill, spectacular Echo Canyon, and Wasatch grade.
Details
In May 2019, Union Pacific will operate newly restored Big Boy No. 4014 more than 400 miles from its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Ogden, Utah, and return in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the first Transcontinental Railroad. Seeing one of these legendary locomotives in operation is a dream of many, and we’ll make it easy for you with our exclusive chase bus. The specific dates of this trip will be set to match UP’s operating schedule when it is finalized and made public. Expectations are that No. 4014 will move on a multi-day schedule from Cheyenne to Ogden in the days before the May 10 anniversary at Promontory, Utah, and return in the days following it. While thousands will be trackside to witness this event, we’ll make you a VIP! We’ll get you close to the action, provide breakfast and a boxed lunch each day, and reserve great hotel rooms for you on what’s expected to be a multi-day event.
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
Westbound Leg: Expected to run sometime between May 1st-10th. + $1,695.00
Eastbound Leg: Expected to run sometime between May 11th-31st. + $2,595.00
Single Occupancy West Bound + $235.00
Single Occupancy East Bound + $425.00
Sorry folks,but steam trains represent filth to me-——dirty laundry on the line,dirty house exteriors etc.
Yes,I’m old.
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Saw 4014 a few years back. Sobering machine in the size and development of steam locomotion.
610 was one of those semi-streamliner engines that you see in art prints; sort of an art-deco look.
Wow...to me they represent the great westward expansion of the Union. The biggest civil works undertaking ever imagined in 1865 - 1869. Can you imagine the vision of people to sign off on such a project? Then the rapid expansion of other transcontinental lines, carrying of people and freight into the farthest reaches of the U.S., settlements all over the west. It was the very lifeblood of the new nation.
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