Working rail roads and their tracks.

[ArlyA]

If anyone hears any news on the Big Boys future plans, please post them. For anyone not following this beast of a machine, here is a nice video about its history.

 

[the old grind]

For folks who wonder why classic steam/tour trains so often tow a diesel there are reasons beside the braking or the backup pulling power that is often assumed. Better air supply for braking (thank Geo Westinghouse) but also electricity for heat and AC in the carriages. There wasn't much of either in the steam era.

 

[MossRoad]

For folks who wonder why classic steam/tour trains so often tow a diesel there are reasons beside the braking or the backup pulling power that is often assumed. Better air supply for braking (thank Geo Westinghouse) but also electricity for heat and AC in the carriages. There wasn't much of either in the steam era.

Wasn't there also mention that the steam train cannot connect to the modern signaling like the new diesel-electric can?

With something so historically valuable as the Big Boy, I can see why they'd want to take backup power with them to bring it home if there's an issue.

 

[ArlyA]

On UP site, they said something to the effect that the Big B dependability, was not 100% so they always would have a diesel electric locomotive along.

Funny, worthless fact-tiod. My nephew works for BNSF so when I was chatting with him about the Big B, all he could talk about was the UP's financial situation was so bad. I responded with "could be, but the fixing up and touring with the Big Boy, was the best marketing they've done, ever"

I love this big silly machines!

 

[oliver1555]

The UP Steam Club is a great way to keep up with the Heritage Fleet. We saw 4014 leading 844 in Laramie, Wyoming in 2019, on their way to Ogden, Utah for the Transcontinental Railway ceremony near Promomtory Point.
Join the Union Pacific Steam Club!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Filmed in bellaire Ohio. Neat old stone viaduct not shown in this clip.

The Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire, Ohio • CompassOhio

The Great Stone Viaduct stands along the Ohio River Scenic Byway and Drovers Trail Scenic Byway in Bellaire, Ohio.

compassohio.com

 

[ArlyA]

So who'll be out to look at the B Boy when he comes back out on tour??? We will!

 

[bcp]

Data from Wikipedia.

Note the tractive effort of the Big Boy compared to a common diesel locomotive.

​

​

GE AC4400CW​

Build date	1993 – 2004
Total produced	2,834

Performance figures
Power output	4,400 hp (3,300 kW)
Tractive effort	180,000 lbf (800 kN) Starting 145,000 lbf (640 kN) at 13.7 mph (22.0 km/h)

Union Pacific Big Boy

Build date	1941–1944
Total produced	25

Maximum speed	80 mph (130 km/h)
Power output	5,500–6,290 hp (4,100–4,690 kW) @ 41 mph (Drawbar)
Tractive effort	135,375 lbf (602.18 kN)

Bruce

 

[ArlyA]

Looks like the BIG Boy has less pull capability but more HP. Is that correct?

 

[bcp]

Looks like the BIG Boy has less pull capability but more HP. Is that correct?

I suspect the modern diesel's better management of wheel spin is what makes the tractive difference.

Bruce