Go get me a Big Boy

June 20, 2015 11:03 AM

Ed Dickens provides an interesting and engaging update on getting the UP 4014 from California to Cheyenne. [YT 42min]
posted by pjern (3 comments total)

Ed Dickens is all talk and no action.

Before he took over the Union Pacific Steam Shops were the best staffed, best equipped steam maintenance and restoration facilities on the planet, keeping two engines (UP 844 a fast passenger / express engine, and UP3985, a fast freight engine) up and running like they day they came out of the plant in 1944.

Today? He has pissed off and scared off most of the uniquely talented individuals and taken on the White Albatross of an even larger engine, with even more difficult to make and maintain parts.

And UP hasn't run a steam engine since. From the looks at the last open house in Cheyenne they continue to plod along at a slow pace and will not have anything running for the 150th anniversary of the Union Pacific.

The UP Steam program was restarted almost three decades ago by some very dedicated individuals led by Steve Lee. It's sad to see the program fallen on hard times. It takes a special talent and training to work on steam locomotives these days. No longer can you write a letter to the eastern factories for a spare part. You either refurbish what you have or make new to replace a part that is 60 to 100 years old.
posted by nickggully at 1:10 PM on June 20, 2015

Today? He has pissed off and scared off most of the uniquely talented individuals

[citation required]
posted by pjern at 2:11 PM on June 20, 2015

Union Pacific Railroad denies conduct allegations in lawsuit

UP Steam Antics

And I know a few people involved in Steam programs around here after volunteering a few places in Colorado. It's a small group.
posted by nickggully at 7:58 PM on June 20, 2015