Found Iron

I recently found this big steam engine, the world's largest, in the rail yards in Rock Springs Wyoming.  It was in a viewing stop as part of the long excursion trip underway.

Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014 was brought back to life by the UPRR in it's shop in Cheyenne in order to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

It's now on a long trip from Cheyenne to Salt Lake City, then on to Los Angeles, Tucson, El Paso, Houston, Kansas City, Denver then back to Cheyenne.  It is pulling a long train of vintage cars, including sleepers, observation, dining, and passenger cars. Viewing opportunities available at all points along the way.

I love big machines, and this one is special.  I was able to get up real close for inspection. It was dripping more 90wt oil than my Land Rover.  All the drive mechanisms are interconnected with lots of pins and bushings, and they all require plenty of lubrication.  My schedule didn't allow me to hang around and see it underway, but one day I will.

If you are interested, you should look the engine up on Wikipedia, lots of information there.  UP also has a great website on their heritage fleet, including timetables, along with many great photos and video.

The most up-to-date part of No. 4014 is that it Tweets!  You can follow along @UP_STEAM or here: https://twitter.com/UP_Steam

Kudos to the UP and all the employee's that put it back under steam! It's AWESOME!