In this special episode, Jay Leno explores the world’s largest steam engine—the iconic Union Pacific "Big Boy." This 600-ton behemoth, originally built in 1941, is the most powerful steam locomotive ever created. Join Jay as he dives deep into the rich history, mind-blowing technology, and sheer power behind this engineering marvel. Thanks to Union Pacific and National Park Foundation for making this possible!
Saw this a True Blue Sam's place. Well worth watching. I have seen the 4014, I'd make some serious sacrifices to ride in the cab on a run.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely effing beautiful
ReplyDeleteThe Big Boy doesn't need hyperbole. It wasn't the largest, wasn't the most powerful, etc. It was among the largest and powerful. It was, arguably, the most successful articulated North American steam locomotive and is the only one still running. I'm bothered by writers who don't take time to get their facts straight.
ReplyDeleteWatching it run in person is a treat.
For decades we were told a BB would never run again.
ReplyDeleteit's an incredible machine built by guys with little formal education but a lot of hands on training. The castings and forgings that went into this were engineering marvels The boiler shell is over 1inch thick and rolled on a big machine. It was stood upright on a riveter while the operator sat several stories high. The frame castings included the cylinders, valve chambers, brake hangers, front bumper, rear cradle, valve gear hangers and I think even the air reservoirs like the 4-8-4s. These castings were a form of art, the cylinders included the ports cast in for the flow of steam in and out of the valves. The back cylinder heads were cast in place. It required 700 hp just to work the 4 valves (12" I think). Too big to machine the machines were brought to the castings for machining. The firebox is the size of a small living room. Imagine your living room fully engulfed in a roaring fire.
We lost a lot when we lost the rust belt.
I am SO hard right now…
ReplyDeleteIt should be mentioned that the man Jay interviewed is Ed Dickens, the man who headed the restoration of 4014 and a master steam whistle operator. Boy, can he make that baby sing.
ReplyDeleteJay's trying to buy it and add to his collection...
ReplyDeleteHow a steam locomotive works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hszu80NJ438/
ReplyDeleteIt came through my area a few years ago. It wasn't running under its own power at that time, but pushed along by diesel engine. The boiler had enough steam to blow the whistle long and loud.
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