UNION PACIFIC’S BIG BOY MAKES WHISTLE STOP IN GREEN RIVER As Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 rumbles into town Tuesday May 6th, a piece of Green River history returns too. The Union Pacific Railroad is both the framework and inspiration for the City of Green River. Bisected by the UP mainline, generations grew up around the rails. The chuffing of the steam locomotives, and later the horns of diesels, have echoed from the bluffs above the town since the railroad arrived in 1868. Union Pacific long has played a key role in building America, starting when Abraham Lincoln signed the railroad into existence more than 150 years ago, said Ed Dickens, senior manager - Union Pacific Heritage Operations. Restoring No. 4014 is a great way for us to honor employees past and present while bringing to life Union Pacifics history for rail fans everywhere. By restoring No. 4014 to operating condition, Union Pacific Railroad will be sharing the company’s rich history with the communities it serves. One of the world’s largest steam locomotives, Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive will be moved across Wyoming to Union Pacifics Heritage Fleet Operations headquarters in Cheyenne, Wyo., marking No. 4014s first move in more than two decades from its home at the Rail Giants Train Museum. No. 4014s nearly 1,300-mile trek to Cheyenne began on April 28, 2014 in Colton, Calif. The 1.2 million pound steam locomotive is set to go through a three to five year restoration. Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. The locomotives were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds. The massive engines normally operated between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyo. To get the best view of Big Boy No 4014 join Mayor Hank Castillon on the lawn near the west end of the historic depot at 5:30 pm Tuesday May 6th and welcome home an important remnant of this community’s industrial history, built on the backs of strong men and women, and mighty machines. The Big Boy is only making a whistle stop in Green River, arriving at 5:45 pm and departing for Rock Springs at 6:15 pm – SO DON’T MISS IT!
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 02:10:00 +0000
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