Saturday, July 30, 2022

Big Boy


The UP 4014 returning from Denver to Cheyenne this morning.

I’m a steam engine fan and usually position myself for a great view with a photogenic background. This week life got in the way.

Eight years ago the UP brought 4014 back from a museum in California. My very amateur video is it passing Tie Siding, WY in a snow storm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7MOBSIdPuU&ab_channel=FrankWhite

Later I was able to tour the Steam Shop in Cheyenne and see it dismantled and being restored. Since then I have missed very few opportunities to see it running.

https://wellseasonedfool.blogspot.com/search?q=UP+Steam+Shop

844 is still in Cheyenne and in operating condition. The Challenger has been given to another railroad museum. I saw its last run pulling the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus train. Sadly, that was the final circus train run.

10 comments:

RHT447 said...

At the very end of this video, wife and I are among the distant folks directly across East Broad St.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uApUtd6Z9do

I filmed Challenger departing Chico, CA in September 2005, and at a stop a few miles up the line in Los Molinos. Have that one burned to DVD. Was delighted to hear that someone has plans to restore her.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

RHT447

There seems to be an increase in the interest in steam locomotives. Several operate in Colorado catering to the summer tourist crowd. Two of the most accessible are the Colorado Railroad museum in Golden and the Georgetown Loop along side I 70.

Ed Bonderenka said...

Near my sons house in Connecticut is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
https://essexsteamtrain.com/
Took my granddaughter on a ride on that.
In a couple weeks they visit and I'll take them to Greenfield Village and ride the steam train there and visit the Henry Ford Museum steam train exhibit.
https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/exhibits/railroads

Well Seasoned Fool said...

EdB
The COVID lockdown ended the Cheyenne Frontier Days excursion. Around 2000 we got tickets for my mother. Being cheap, I watch rather than ride. Not steam, but my sister treated me to a trip up Pikes Peak on the cog railroad.

Anonymous said...

It was a very busy day in our inspired town indeed. Being the music affixed fellow that I am later in the morning I got a second listen to the barbershop quartet you may have noticed mingling near that behemoth shortly after it stopped. Part of the Valentine Quartet club from the fair city of love just to our west. They were very good at their craft. The first performance was drowned out by the hiss and squall of the grand 4014.

Franknbean

Well Seasoned Fool said...

My vantage point was near LaSalle in Evans. I avoid the crowds at the depot.

LSP said...

I love that.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

LSP
And it spews huge clouds of CO2!

Anonymous said...

Oh, then you missed an extremely sappy wedding proposal that took place as a couple became betrothed while standing atop the front of the locomotive in the presence of the throng. North of LaSale was a good choice.
Franknbean

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Well shucky darn.