UP Big Boy 4014

I was a little surprised to see nobody else has posted photos of the Big Boy 4014 and the Living Legend 844. These two locomotives were recently in Ogden, Utah for part of the Golden Spike 150 festivities. I was working when they came into town, but they headed home on Mother's Day and I was able to make it out. I was unable to go scout locations ahead of time but I was able to use Google Earth to do some e-scouting. I picked out 5 locations in Weber Canyon and another in Echo Canyon. I headed out Sunday morning with a 45 minute drive to my first location. I anticipated some people coming out to see this but I was oblivious to just how popular this was. I couldn't even get off the interstate at my first location because it was so busy so I just kept on going. I decided the second location would probably be best as it had a tunnel and a bridge, so I pulled into my second location about an hour before the train should arrive and it was already a zoo. I found a spot amongst the other serious amateur photographers and waited. We were all in agreement about our framing and helped the late comers figure out that being in our frame was NOT going to work. Crazy times. It got pretty loud and even somewhat heated a couple times. Anyhow, the train finally arrived and we got our shots and then tried to leave. Seems everybody and their dog was out for the day to pace the train. That's great if you're the pace car but if not it's just a parking lot on the interstate. The train had gone by my third fourth and fifth locations before I even got on the interstate, so I just headed for my final location. I got there, still equipped with the 17-50 lens on the camera. 50 was great for shooting across the highway for a broadside picture. As I looked about the site it all came together. Looking to the west the tracks come around the hill through a cut with beautiful snow capped mountains behind. Perfect for 200mm. I scrambled back to the car, swapped out lenses and scrambled back to the shooting location. Out of breath and panting heavily I can see the smoke from the engine rising from behind the mountain. Deep breaths, control the shakes, calm the nerves. Barely pulled it together as the Big Boy blasted through the cut and rounded the mountain. I grabbed a few frames and then it was over.

It was all worth it, right? ; )

garnerfoto - great shots. really dig the mountains far off in the distance.

Awesome pics. Those are really some large locomotives. Have seen the one (4012) on display at Steamtown in Scranton, Pa.

Nice shots. I'm betting you're glad you made the effort. That Locomotive doesn't get out often enough, but you got it.

Oh yes Frank, most certainly worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you Jake. I dig the mountains too. One of the top reasons I stay in this beautiful state.

Thank you butcherman. Glad you enjoyed them. I'll have to remember Steamtown if I ever make out that way.

Thank you Ballen Photo. I'm so happy I made the effort to see and shoot this. About 5 years ago the 4014 came through town. I believe it was on it's way to Cheyenne for restoration. It was only here for a day but we made it out to see it.

Funny thing is that UP re-acquired #4014 from the fairgrounds in Pomona, CA yet there is a Big Boy #4004 in a park right there in the city of Cheyenne, WY where they took #4014 to restore her. You'd think it would have been easier to just restore the engine that was already in town rather then having to drag one half way across the country but from what I understand the city owns #4004 and they weren't going to give it up so I guess UP had to go shopping for another one.

It was more than ownership.
Most of the static display Big Boy locomotives were too far gone to be rebuildable without a ton of money.
UP was looking for the one in the best shape, and the 4014 was the best of the lot.

I'm just glad they were able to save one.

Now they need to rebuild one of the Southern Pacific cab-forward locomotives.

Interesting history. That would be nice if they did rebuild a SP cab forward.

It'll be coming through parts of Oklahoma Nov 16. I'm like a little kid waiting for Christmas. Like Garner, all of my scouting has been done from Google Maps, since I'm at least 150 miles of anywhere it will be in Oklahoma. I think I've found the perfect spot, but you never know for sure. The satellite view and the street view of the area were not taken in the same season, maybe not even the same year. I'm taking six cameras and three tripods, so I'll be busier than a one legged man in a rat stompin' contest.
Hopefully I'll have some photos and video worth sharing.

There are some really great photos and video on the Official Union Pacific Steam Club facebook page, but I think it's a private page, so you have to join to see them.