UP 4014 Oct. 12, 2019
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- čas přidán 13. 10. 2019
- Pulling west out of Barstow's beautiful Harvey House passenger station to get in position for the long shove move to UP's Yermo Yard. Engineer: UP Steam Program Director Ed Dickens. Fireman known only as "Austin".
There is a backstory here: From the time I was 10 in 1971 until college swept me away in 1981, I was an active junior member of the So. Cal. Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS) located at the LA County Fairgrounds in Pomona, CA. UP 4014 was the Chapter's prize possession, but her immensity was intimidating and nobody seemed overly interested in her care. So I and another a guy a bit older than me (he could drive) adopted the 4014 as our charge and with the Chapter's blessing took on the herculean task of her cosmetic maintenance the best we could. We were young, dumb, idealistic and enthusiastic - so armed with a complete lack of knowledge and little guidance from the Chapter's "old heads" we cleaned-out the cab, hauled away years of accumulated junk and trash, chased-down and re-installed missing gauges and other cab "jewelry", made labels for the myriad of valves and controls, scraped paint, sanded rust spots, sprayed primer over them, (she sat for a few years with what looked like Rustoleum Leporsy), steam-cleaned everything, chiseled coagulated grease, grime and gunk from her running gear and finally, with professional spay paint equipment and a huge compressor rented by the Chapter, gave her a new coat of black and silver paint. In the weeks prior to painting, we tediously traced and cut stencils of all her exterior lettering. The big air compressor gave me an idea and before long I had it connected to the locomotive's main reservoir. We nearly wet our pants to watch the air gauge in the cab register pressure. I can't tell you what happened when we actually charged the brake pipe. Later, using the Chapter's tiny utility compressor (which I'm sure we burned-out) we spent many weekends chasing down and fixing leaks. We kept the mechanical lubricators filled with waste oil and manually cranked them over whenever we were there, not really knowing where the oil was going. And in doing so, although hoping to prevent decay to her more sensitive innards, we dared not harbor so much as a passing whim about her actually running again. Somehow the Automatic Train Control (ATC Cab Signals) receiver on the engine escaped salvage by the UP when she was donated. So my buddy, quite the techno-geek of the era, built a 36v DC power supply and another device that simulated the in-rail analog radio signals of the ATC system and got the cab signals working as intended. I clearly recall the first time we powered-up the receiver, which was about the size of a modern dishwasher (built today it would probably be about the size of my cell phone) and, after wiggling a couple of loose vacuum tubes, it came to life - emitting a creepy hum, its tubes glowing for the first time in over two decades. Demonstrating the air brakes and cab signals was always a huge hit to the visiting public. Whooshing air and flashing colored lights put a modicum of life into the otherwise static exhibit. With the help of an electrician we wired her to "shore power" and got all of her exterior and interior lights working. Often we'd stay after dark just to marvel at her illuminated number boards: "X4014" and white classification lights. We'd sit in the cab just staring at the headlight glow splaying out ahead. Many fantasies played out in my young mind those nights of what it must have been like to run this incredible machine. I knew every inch of that locomotive and just about everything there was to know about her and her sisters. I even wrote my high-school AP English thesis on the storied UP 4000s (got an A). Somewhere along the way we painted her again.
But alas - a dragon lives forever, but not so little boys. My life marched on and 4014 and I drifted apart. I know others followed who made significant contributions to her upkeep and well-being, but would like to think that my efforts contributed somehow to her emergence as the Chosen One. And now I had to see "my" Big Boy again up-close and personal - sort of a "pinch-me" confirmation that she was really alive again and not an adolescent hallucination playing out in an old guy's mind. So at Barstow on the afternoon of Saturday, October 12, 2019, I managed to work my way through the throngs up to the fence separating us unwashed masses from the Queen. Over the course of my professional railroad career I became acquainted with UP Heritage Steam Program Director Ed Dickens on a few occasions, mostly related to his gracious assistance with the operation of Santa Fe 3751. Never in a million years would I have expected him to recognize me in the crowd at Barstow.
But he did.
No words can express my gratitude for his warm hospitality and for the incredible, and very emotional, reunion with "my" Big Boy.
OK'd a 1450, my initials: WMP
Ed has got the greatest job in the world.
That he does! I met Ed in Duluth Minnesota when 4014 when was on display at the railroad museum there very nice guy even even signed a poster I made for the event! He certainly has the best job in the world!
Imagine getting to be the man to get to run this Locomotive Omg I would be so proud.....
His name is Ed Dickens.
Imagine how much self confidence you would get driving this beast. Super jealous
3:55 Ed: *literally steps out the window to get a better view*
Break man watching the color of the smoke coming from the stack, tending the fire.. Ed at the throttle. I use to play on this when my parents where tending there horse show's at the Pomona fair grounds. My favorite.. thanks Ed.
Truly a very special art to be a pilot on one of these great iron horses.
Nothing like being “reunited” with an old friend. You helped keep 4014 in excellent and it paid the favor back in return! Well done and well deserved!
As a Engineer working on mountain territory. I'm envy of this fine group of gentlemen that made a Bigboy live again. America has a new hero Mr. ED DICKENS.
trcmarvinmg well said
Cheers to that, I say!! 🍻
I agree 100%! I'm soon going to be working to be working alongside another legend in steam locomotive operations, Doyle McCormack, of the SP 4449 in Portland, Oregon!
I bet Ed felt like the king of the world, sitting there on his throne, in his castle of vintage Alco steel.
Such a great perspective... Ed looks as comfortable behind the controls of that fantastic machine as he would his own automobile. Great job UP steam team with getting the Big Boy on the rails again.
I just love these old sweet iron horses. They have a special place in lots of peoples hearts.
That's a fantastic backstory. Your dedication and volunteerism helped make this happen, 100%, and I say thank you for making my northbound excursion possible that day.
The art and magic of controlling live steam. And years of practice! Great video!
Best cab ride view of the crew operating 4014 I've seen. You certainly earned this ride along for your past efforts to preserve 4014. Ed Dickens and the entire UP Steam Team are wonderful ambassadors for Union Pacific.
Thanks for your kind words. Say what you will about the UP, but they run steam!
It looks like you need to have an extraordinary level of skill to tame a big fire breathing iron, and steel beast like the Big Boy. Ed makes it look so easy.
One of the best story’s I’ve ever head thank you for keeping the sleeping dragon well
As a young boy, climbing around the cab of 4014 in the 80s in Pomona. Dreaming, no no, fantasizing of her bellowing and belching to life. With me at the controls of course 🤣. It's a dream come true to be able to see it, albeit on on CZcams so far. Thanks a million for sharing with all of us. I'm sure it was amazing in person. Even more so than watching it here. Thanks again.
I'm delighted to share this experience with everyone.
That guy has the best job in the world.
He does , and he is the perfect man for it. A work ethic like none other and a perfect representative for the company that put him there. He has made a lot of lives happier .
Perhaps the “Man” who penned the backstory will someday realize the importance of his “steadfast” upkeep on # 4014 , I know I’ll always be thankful for his dedication to keeping the old girl a looking sharp………thank you ❤️
Wow you are so lucky to get in the cab of the big boy I wish I could do the same thing hopefully I will get a chance when I see her in San Antonio
I have only one complaint about this video: it's too short! Seriously, though, pretty jealous of you being able to ride in the cab. Thanks for letting me experience it a little bit 👍
Well it was completely unexpected. If you read my backstory (above) you can imagine how overwhelmed my emotions were. I was so caught-up in the moment I really don't remember recording this video but I'm sure glad I did. Riding in the cab is a railfan's Holy Grail & I'm keenly aware of how few get the honor. Therefore I posted this video not to boast, but so that others, like you, might share some level of the experience. Thanks for your comment & I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it.
@@SDNR199 after reading your interesting and lengthy and well written comment I can think of no other person more deserving than you to have been given the fantastic opportunity to ride in the cab with Ed Dickens & Co. Truly deserved and a great honour. Well done and thank you for posting your incredible experience with Ed and the boys from the cab, something different to the amazing footage from so many angles taken from outside since the Big Boy 4014's return to the rails. Lots of great videos coming up in the future as the Big Boy 4014 travels around the US. Greetings from the Train Lord in South Australia a long way away from the action unfortunately!
Thanks for your kind words. Others came after me who contributed to her upkeep over the years. They also deserve to some of the credit. Regrettably, I do not know any of them, but whoever they are (were), I hope they, too, are enjoying some satisfaction for their contribution.
@@TrainLordJC ,,.
❤
Watching this, I am reminded of all the reasons the railroads changed over to the diesel electric locomotives. Still, steam locomotives, especially the BigBoys are amazing, fascinating pieces of machinery - watching and following them is irresistible. Even though I have a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and can actually understand their designs, they remain almost magical for their size, the motions of their parts, their power and their speed.
Amazing! Followed her through Texas! A cap ride would be sure on my bucket list!!
The 1950 and 60s is what many people called, The final chapter of Steam and the beginning of the diesels
But in the darkness of the future there is another chapter that is beginning to shine, opening up to steams return to the rails one locomotive at a time
Anybody else love the sound of the rods?
Ed Dickens was running the 4014 today as engineer.
Amazing stuff. Thank you for your contribution to this living machine’s restoration!
Get verified pleaaaaase
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I was dumb forgot my account password. I love any tips you can give me!
@@willielondon1431 nah sorry man. try resetting it but that’s about all the help i can give ya.
@Willie London Instablaster ;)
@Lucca Maximilian I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
The big boy has a lot of controls wow
So freakin cool!
Thank you for share the experience riding in the cab of big boy, God Bless You, Ed Dickens and his crews, Big Boy, and Union Pacific...
What a wonderfully complicated piece of machinery
Thanks for taking such good care of your engine. You deserve to ride.
Wow, I didn't realise the cab windows on this locomotive were so immense.
I've been fortunate enough to visit the cabs of several big main line steam locomotives. Compared to them this cab is a friggin' ballroom.
Wow!! Awesome POV!! Thanks for your efforts and sharing your back story!!
I know that whistle well. I live about 2 miles from the round house where she lives. Yes, I am in Cheyenne Wyoming :)
James Hart if u go to the Round house let me know if you see the DDA40X in there.
@@cop-fq2eq lucky!
Noice
What an incredible way to spend your formative years! I was a sea explorer (yes, I’m a girl!!!!), but would have gravitated to the beautiful Queen 4014 had I lived in your area! Getting greasy and dedicating my own formative years to such a beautiful and magnificent machine would have surly taken the place of dating and teenage angst! Good for you for your interest and dedication then! I’m sure you and your buddy are one of the reasons, if not THE reason “our” 4014 Queen breathes today! You earned your place in the cab! Excellent vid btw.
Beautiful back story.
I came along for ride as I read.
Beautiful video. Big Boy makes a steady beat from her pistons turn to music.
Thank you.
Thanks for your response. I couldn't agree more about the music.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I really enjoy watching how Ed & Austin operate the locomotive from the cab. Not many videos out there that show that perspective. Your back story is amazing in its own aspect. You are very blessed I must say!
Thanks for your kind words. Funny how things happen in life that you never expect.
It's about time that The Big Boy be up and running once again :)
I would love to see more cab footage. That would be great. I am thankful to see this. Thank you so much
Thanks for your kind words. The ride was a bit longer but this was all the video I got.
Nice out of window shots
Lovely backstory, well deserved! Amazing video as well! Awesome point of view! Cheers from the Netherlands!
The radio chatter almost sounds like that stuff programmed on the Lionel trains! The real deal sounds so much better!
Deadbuck73 eh, the BLI model is better
That was awesome. I'd love to ride in an extra seat in person.
that was great. thank you for sharing.
So proud of union pacific and the employees for making heritage so important. I never saw steam locomotives run was born way after they left... Just humbled by big boys presence
go tell that to the hundreds or thousands of UP employees who just lost their jobs & facilities around UP territory this year. UP officials covering up the bad press that they should be getting with the feel good story of big boy. while making profits every quarter.
@@CaseyJones-qp2tc rather have it than not have it. they woulda been laid off regardless.
SDNR199 GREAT STORY you earn that ride.
That is a touching story. I wish I had the experience that you have had with one of these I have always wanted to ride in the cab and become an engineer myself of these beautiful beasts but I became a truck driver instead.
Truck driving is in itself a noble career playing a critical role in our society. Remember: "If you've got it - a truck brought it"!
@@SDNR199 also your house didn't come out of thin air. Your bottled spring water didn't just flow to the store. I proudly haul spring water to be bottled up. It's a fun job.
That's an amazing story you must have been surprised he would let you ride in the cab to just feel the heat, smell, and that loud horn blasting . I had seen some other videos he let a few others ride in the cab of 844. It would be great if you could find the other guy who also helped you with 4014 see if Ed would allow both of you another ride.
Love this video for just the sounds alone! Even more, really love your personalized shared story with detailed memory recollection of the little things you did over the years to keep the 4014 in good condition. I climbed over that beast in my childhood in the 80’s at the origin display location and came back to sit in the cab at the relocated parking lot location in the 90’s.
Big KUDOS and props to you WMP for both the care and love you gave to this locomotive back in your younger years, especially those little things that kept this masterpiece in decent condition. The Fairplex display volunteers over the years that kept the 4014 in better than decrepit shape also deserve a thank you.
Preservation Karma definitely exists!
- RMM
Thanks for your kind words. The whole experience is still a bit overwhelming to me - the fact the "my" Big Boy is actually back running. Back in "those days" if you'd told me the machine would run again, even as an enthusiastic young railfan I would have thought you were nuts.
Excellent Video, always wanted a video of the Cab of 4014 Big Boy
Very cool. First video that I've seen from the cab of 4014.
Fantastic in-Cab video SDNR199. Been searching, finally. Looking forward to finding more. Saw 4014 back in '89, trip to the US from NZ.
Amazing Iron Horse.
I think her return to steam justifies another trip to the US to see her alive.
@@SDNR199 Thanks for the reply.
Certainly justifies visiting the US again.
My wife has a cousin in New York...one day.
@@sidnzrael2433 Auckland to NYC with a stopover in Cheyenne maybe? It's a reasonable drive from Denver.
I'm glad you got your dream come true after all those years, you must have thought you had gone to heaven and back hope you get to ride again sometime.
Thanks for your comment! It was a misty-eyed moment, for sure.
What you did in the 1970s likely aided in making this video possible and posting on my 62nd birthday.
The video I've been waiting for
Glad I could provide it for you!
Ed Dickens the 3rd most powerful man in the world
(1 President, 2 person turns the key to war, 3 Ed Dickens operating the most powerful steam locomotive in the world)
I envy you guys. Wish I could do what you do.
Great shots. Thank you
Can't wait till 4014 pulls a freight , at least once
excellent footage, feels like you’re right there with them in the cab!
I was.
yes I know, your video work was excellent because it captured that feeling for the rest of the world that isn’t as lucky to be in the cab with Ed and crew! Is the 4014 engine set up so he can be on either side, or does the fireman have to be in the left hand seat and they engineer in the right seat? thanks
@@natgass8102 Forgive me I was trying to be a little funny but it came across as being a smart-ass. Thanks for your kind words! As with all North American locomotives (with a few exceptions) - Engineer on the right & Fireman on the left, just the opposite of modern airliners where the Captain holds the left seat.
@@natgass8102 most steamers it's always engineer on right hand side
That was awesome!
One of the Best!
Thanks for your kind endorsement!
UP is dedicated to it's steam program. The new CPKC is running the Empress from Calgary to Mexico this summer to celebrate the merger. But, in the east, the two big class 1's aren't really doing anything other than NS helping to move 765 and 611. 611 went back to Roanoke, VA from Strasburg, PA, and 765 is running excursions in western Ohio, Indiana and Michigan and has to use NS to get from New Haven, IN. NS stopped 611 excursions after 2017 and 21st Century Steam technically ended Dec 2015. It started Sept. 2011 in Chattanooga.
I understand the concept of steam locomotive operation, and the Westinghouse air brake system. However, it is easy to see why you need a lot of OJT and expeirence on how to operate something like a big boy. And not just the engineer, but the firman, too. Very impressive.
Book knowledge is one thing - actually applying it to real-life is another.
Wow how awesome is this?.......
I guess I can die now...what else is there?
Not that I want to die anytime soon, of course!
That is cool !! Great video!!
That’s a great story! It must’ve been a very emotional reunion for you! 😊
It was.
SDNR199 👍😊
BTW, do you happen to know what year 4014 was “decommissioned” and when it ended up at the park?
@@Navyguy1990 From what I recall it was stricken from the roster in 1958 & came to the R&LHS exhibit in 1962, delivered "dead-in-train".
So it was retired in 1958 and then sat two years in reserve? Before it was donated?
Magnificent! Ty!
I like this guy, since I have met him and he write his name on my Railroad hat.
I love trains ESPECIALLY steam locos
Same
I like steam and diesel trains
awesome
This was on my Birthday!
The really weird thing is; the 'loco sounds' are coming from such a long way away, they seem disconnected with the engine that is making them. And the sound of the cylinder drain cocks is louder than the exhaust bark. I know Ed' hadn't got the throttle cracked open much, but those drain cocks blowing off drowned almost everything out.
For the amount of work Ed' and his team have done in the last three or four years, I guess he's earned the right to drive 4014? I don't know if he's the only driver, but he needs to be teaching some younger people - 4014 is going to be around for a long, long time.
Because 4014 was rebuilt as a corporate PR exercise - albeit strongly supported by every rail buff on the planet - it got done in record breaking time. While Ed's direct crew is very small - only about a dozen people or so - outshopped parts and refurbs could be paid for by the UP project. In the UK, where any and all steam locomotives are returned to steam wherever possible, they are all done by volunteers or paid for by donations and grants. Some locomotives have been under restoration on heritage railways longer than they were in use by British Rail. An example is 92240, a BR 'Standard' Class 9F that has been on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex longer than it was on the British main line. Although it has steamed on the Bluebell for about ten years, it has been under deep restoration for a long, long time, simply because it is an expensive loco to run and the Bluebell has had massive other expenditures to finance that took priority. If there had been a 'Union Pacific' to fund it, 92240 would be back steaming tomorrow.
That said, good luck 4014. Still one of the most awesome steam engines on the planet.
Super Sound 👍💯
It would be so cool if they ran a triple header, big boy, little brother, and sis, with a centennial for the diesel back up..... Just have to restore the 3985...
That would be very cool! 4014 double heading with 3985!
WONDERFUL JOB GETTING 4014 RESTORED, AND BACK ON THE RAILS . NOW IS THE TIME TO GET STARTED ON GETTING 3985 BACK INTO RUNNING ORDER . U. P. HAS THE TOOLS , AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO DO THE JOB. THEY CAN TAKE THEIR TIME ; SPRED THE RESTORATION COSTS OUT FOR DECADES IF NECCESERY . BUT IT WOULD BE A CRIME IF 3985 IS LEFT TO ROT , OR EVEN WORSE , SCRAPPED . IT IS THE LAST CHALLENGER .
thanks
Nothing but chuff chuff chuff pretty powerful
The most awesome job in the world. I'd work for free, just to be at the controls.
Wow man that is awesome that you got to go up in her while she was running I would love to do that but my chances of ever doing that are slim still though very awesome
I truly hope you have an opportunity to experience this too...somehow...someday.
So, on a steam locomotive, the Engineer has to be left handed and the Brakeman has to be right handed. You learn something every day.
The Brits built steam locomotives for righties and left their mark in every nation where they helped set-up the railroads. Kinda like their cars & roads.
No, the engineer doesn't have to be left-handed. I've run steam (never like Mr. Dickens, but like Cedar Point Amusement Park and the Wolsztyn Experience in Poland), and you really don't have to think about it. It's not like writing or playing a musical instrument. It's interesting when you look at what is going on from having been a professional locomotive engineer that most don't notice - like the air brakes are not "self-lapping" (the air keeps draining from the brake pipe until you return the handle to "Lap", unlike standard 26L and newer brakes of today), and actuating or bailing off the independent (engine) brake (i.e. keeping the engine brakes from setting up when the train brakes are applied, which happens on all U. S. air brake systems, which is why it takes three auxiliary air hoses coming off of every modern locomotive to control the brakes for the cars and the engine consist) is done by pushing the independent brake lever back instead of down (again like more modern brake systems do). You can notice things like the train line is set for passenger air brake pressure (110 psi vs. 90 psi for freight trains), you can see on the digital display to Ed's left that the (End of Train Device) EOT is showing "102" lbs. on the rear. The beeping you hear when he is applying or releasing the brakes is the EOT registering the changes in pressure as an audio cue to the engineer. Also, notice someone put a knot in the chain for the whistle handle to put it at a better height for the engineer. At one point Austin, the fireman, uses the injector to add water to the boiler (the horizontal handle he pulls out, twice, because it's a two-stage valve, instead of having separate valves for water and steam). Little things you notice having been there.
All American (with pride) ! ! !
Good video
If I was terminally and had only one wish it would be to get operate a steam locomotive. If I could choose what one it would be Big Boy.
What a beast 😨😁
Awesome!! Where can I find more?! What a thrill this must have been. How'd you see anything through all the tears?
You mean a man is running that not a computer amazing!
The only CPU sits atop his neck and the only sensors are his eyes, ears and seat of his pants.
super !!!!!!!!!! respect les américains force
Not a heck of a lot of visibility ahead for the engineer or fireman unless they leaned far outside. Imagine doing that in snow or rain. Imagine working in that cab in the broiling heat of the West.
Yeah, diesels with the cab in the front have better visibility than a steam locomotive. The engineer has to look down the side of the boiler and can't see to the left of the tracks. But the fireman generally sits on the left.
Najwspanialsza maszyna !!
I would love to see it in operation
❤️❤️❤️
TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!!!!
Come on. Toot the chooch!
Total tug master...
👍
Fireman is Austin Barker.
This is the equivalent to the Navy restoring and using USS Missouri lol.
⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍👍👍👍
:-) Thanks!