CAJON PASS, CA (Pain In The Pass) >> Train enthusiasts/train buffs across the country are preparing to see it in action and to view. Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 is touring the Union Pacific system throughout 2019 to commemorate the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary. The world’s largest steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy, will embark on a third and final tour that will include the High Desert this week.
The tour celebrates the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad completion, giving train enthusiasts/train buffs across the United States an opportunity to experience the history.
Quick Facts About Big Boy 4014:
Rail Line: Union Pacific
Driver diameters:-68 inches
Power type: 4-8-8-4 Steam Locomotive Class 4000
Builder: American Locomotive Company in 1941
Coal Consumption: 22,000 lbs per hour (converted to oil)
Locomotive and tender weight: 1,250,000 lbs
Max Speed: 80 MPH
History:
Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific, the first of which was delivered in 1941 to handle the steep terrain between Cheyenne and Ogden. They helped deliver vital freight and materials needed for World War II. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the world’s only operating Big Boy. In May, it completed its inaugural tour to Ogden for Union Pacific 150th anniversary ceremony. The Big Boy and historic steam locomotive Living Legend No. 844 met nose-to-nose, recreating the iconic image taken May 10, 1869, when the last spike was tapped into place at Promontory Summit, creating America’s first transcontinental railroad.
Back in 2013, Union Pacific reacquired No. 4014 from the Rail Giants Museum at the Fairplex in Pomona and eventually relocated the train back to Cheyenne to begin a multi-year restoration process.
In April 2014, Big Boy rolled through the Cajon Pass and the High Desert on its eastward trek. During that time, hundreds of train buffs stop to catch a glimpse/photos of the passing big boy around the Cajon Pass. Also nearly 2,000 train buffs stop and visited the Amtrak Station in Victorville, where they viewed big boy and the coal tender that was towed by a new modern engine.
The Big Boy’s return to the rails is the product of more than two years of meticulous restoration work by the Union Pacific Steam Team. No. 4014 is the world’s only operating Big Boy locomotive.
The seven other Big Boys are on display in St. Louis Missouri, Dallas Texas, Omaha Nebraska, Denver Colorado, Scranton Pennsylvania, Green Bay Wisconsin, and Cheyenne Wyoming.
Due to the dynamic nature of these operations, running times and scheduled stops are subject to change. The most accurate steam schedule information will always be located on the up.com schedule page.
Big Boy will be making a brief whistle-stops in High Desert communities along its route through the Southwest.
The restored Steam Locomotive BIG BOY will visit the High Desert area this week traveling thru the Cajon Pass 3 times on the 9th, 12th & 13th of October.
Expect drivers to park on the shoulder and drivers to keep pace of the train especially when the tracks parallel the road. Numerous train watchers / photographers will be out along the train route.
Running time will be late morning to early afternoon thru the Cajon Pass and I would avoid these area listed below:
Interstate 15 (from Hwy 138 to the truck escape ramp)
Hwy 138 (Mormon Rocks area)
Cajon Blvd. in San Bernardino/Devore
Summit Valley Road in Hesperia
Hesperia Road in Hesperia
D Street in Victorville
National Trails Hwy.
Scheduled stops are below:
Wednesday, October 9 Departs from Yermo yard at 8am, Arrivals at the Amtrak Platform on D St. in Victorville at 10am and departs 10:45am to Bloomington arrivals at 2:30pm. Running time should be in the Cajon Pass around 11am-12 noon. (going down the pass).
Saturday, October 12 from Bloomington Depart at 9:30am. Arrival 12:15pm at the Amtrak Platform on D St. in Victorville then back to the Amtrak Station in Bartow Arrival at 2:30pm. Running time should be in the Cajon Pass around 10am-11am. (going up the pass)
Last time is Sunday, October 13 Arrival at 9:15am at the Amtrak Station in Bartow departs at 11am (NO STOPS) to Bloomington Arrival at 4pm. Running time should be in the Cajon Pass around 12pm-1pm. (going down the pass).
Tuesday, October 15 depart Bloomington 8am to Beaumont.
**Running times and scheduled stops are subject to change.
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