Heritage
Heritage 01292019
Steam Update: Big Boy’s Restoration Nearly Complete
Union Pacific steam locomotive No. 4014, the Big Boy, is in one piece again nearly two years after the behemoth was disassembled to begin its restoration.
Heritage 10312018
Steam Update: Big Boy’s New Suspension System Promises a Smooth Ride
With completion of steam giant No. 4014’s massive front engine restoration looming, the UP Steam Team has rebuilt and installed a cushion to cradle all that heavy metal: a brand new coil and leaf-spring suspension system.
Heritage 10052018
The Eighth Wonder of the World’s Crown Jewels
Done. A single word telegraphed around the nation triggered champagne toasts, cannon booms from coast to coast, fireworks and the ringing of The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. It was a celebration of the country’s greatest achievement – completion of the transcontinental railroad – and the joining of East and West. Reporters, politicians and workers heralded the completion as the Eighth Wonder of the World on May 10, 1869.
Heritage 08292018
Steam Update: Big Boy’s Cylinders Undergo ‘Boring’ Process
Union Pacific’s Steam Team has a new boring process that is anything but boring. Used to restore steam locomotive No. 4014’s main cylinders, Ed Dickens compares the 1930s-era “boring bar” to a spider.
Heritage 05072018
Steam Update: Modern Bolts and Big Announcements
Before we get to the details of the Steam Team’s big May 10 announcement, here's a look at how new technology is being applied to locomotive No. 4014’s restoration.
Heritage 03222018
Putting the 'Big Boy' Back Together
Since disassembling UP No. 4014, the ‘Big Boy,’ the Union Pacific Steam Team has cleaned, inspected and repaired nearly every part of the locomotive down to its smallest piece.
Heritage 01032018
A Look Inside the Spine of the 'Big Boy'
Union Pacific's steam team finally is getting down to the bones of UP No. 4014, the 'Big Boy.' The locomotive's big steel front engine bed has been exposed and has a glossy new coat of black paint.
Heritage 10272017
Locomotive Honors, Remembers Those Who Served
The design of Union Pacific's heritage locomotive goes back to the 1940s, but its inspiration came about a year ago.
- Steam Update: Refurbishing an Articulated Locomotive Requires Plenty of Flexibility 08252017
- Steam Update: Forging Ahead with Big Boy's Restoration 05312017
- Move Over, Sir: Women Working on the Railroad 05052017
- Steam Update: No. 844 Readies for 2017 Excursions 03162017
- Steam Update: With Disassembly Complete, Big Boy Fabrication Underway 02012017
- Steam Update: No. 844 Readies for 'Trek to Tennessee' 10122016
- Steam Update: Big Boy No. 4014 Restoration Begins 08112016
- Locomotive No. 844 Makes First Return Journey 07132016
- With Testing Under Way, No. 844 Prepares for Frontier Days Debut 06232016
- Locomotive No. 844 Scheduled for Frontier Days Debut 05112016
- Steam Update: Preparing for Boiler Testing 04182016
- Steam Update: Putting the Brakes on a Living Legend 02262016