That's One Big Steam Locomotive-- Part 2

Not only are the locomotives big, but also they are very complex which makes restoring one extremely difficult.  They were the "pinnacle of steam locomotive design."

Union Pacific hasn't said how much the restoration cost, but estimates range around $4 million.

The last steam locomotive delivered to Union Pacific, the "Living Legend" Northern No. 844, has remained in service since 1944.  Big Boy No. 4014 will join No. 844 in publicity work as a railroad version of the Goodyear Blimp.

The two locomotives will tour the Union Pacific system throughout 2019 in honor of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869.

Few engineers these days know  what it's like to drive a steam locomotive.  The cab has no air conditioning and is right behind the big coal-fired boiler so it is hot and dirty.  Going through tunnels makes it especially bad.

However, Big Boy No. 4014 has been converted to burn fuel oil instead of coal so it won't be as bad.

Sure Like to See Big Boy.  --CootBoy