![]() ![]() And other than attracting publicity, what was the actual value of running Big Boys at 80 mph? How much of Big Boy’s running time was spent going more than even 65 mph? But USRA engines of 1919 – the 4-8-2s, specifically – with drivers only an inch larger and counterbalanced with 1919 technology, had been capable of running 80 mph for 22 years. That seems strange in light of UP’s carefully nurtured reputation for requiring only the best of everything.Īlco and UP also promoted the claim that Big Boy’s machinery was designed for 80-mph operation. Big Boy historians say that rather than deal with the tricky starting sequence of the exhaust steam injectors, many engine crews avoided their use and ran on the regular injector alone, which defeated the purpose of the application. Exhaust steam injectors were called “poor man’s feedwater heaters,” but UP was not a poor man. But why design one of the all-time ultimate steam locomotives and handicap it by using inferior fuel? If high quality coal was expensive to come by, why not burn oil?Ī curious feature of Big Boy was the use of an exhaust steam injector instead of a more efficient and reliable Worthington or Elesco feedwater heater. If higher quality fuel had been used, it might have been able to use less of it. But that’s difficult to understand, given that during its tests the Big Boy was operated at full capacity and the boiler was fully supplying the demands of the machinery. Union Pacific historians are fond of saying that the Big Boy could have produced even more than its 6300 drawbar horsepower (dbhp) if it hadn’t had to use low-quality coal. Non-employees who access these locations without permission will be treated as trespassers.The onset of World War II produced two of railroading’s most impressive “bragging rights” locomotives – Chesapeake & Ohio’s Lima-built 2-6-6-6 and Union Pacific’s Alco Big Boy 4-8-8-4.Įverything about the Big Boy grabbed headlines – from its size (UP called it the “World’s Largest Locomotive,” although C&O’s 2-6-6-6 was heavier and had about the same size boiler) to the appearance of the name “Big Boy” in chalk on the first engine, a happenstance milked heavily in advertising by Alco and UP. This usually means the locomotive will be stored within a rail yard or other Union Pacific property where live rail operations are being conducted. No Public Access: Locations where the public is not allowed to view the Big Boy because of safety or security reasons. ![]() Passenger Excursion While listed on the steam schedule, passenger excursion tickets are sold by outside entities - not Union Pacific - and are not available on the day of the excursion. Passenger Excursion: We're sorry, but there will not be opportunities to purchase tickets to ride in 2023. Unless otherwise noted on the schedule, overnight stops are "viewing only." In some cases, the Big Boy will be displayed behind a fence or other perimeter. Viewing Only: Locations where fans can safely view the Big Boy. ![]() These are the best times to see the Big Boy. On Display: Admission to display days are free (no tickets required), though parking at surrounding parking facilities may involve a charge. You can also view the route on our interactive Steam Location Tracking map. ![]()
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