The Largest Steam Locomotive on Earth!

Follow Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 and the 844 on a special double-header between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Ogden, Utah. The event coincided with Union Pacific's Spike 150 Celebration commemorating the driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869. This is the 4014's first excursion run after being restored to operating condition. Scenes along Sherman Hill and the Wasatch Mountains show Big Boy working over the mountain grades it was originally designed for.

[CactusQuade]

Between this and the saturn V...I'm mind blown by just how much we could accomplish back then with just simple slides, rulers, and paper blueprints.

[Sheikhassan]

More than anything, I'd like to thank Union Pacific for expending the resources and providing an opportunity for the younger generations to appreciate the technology that contributed to the growth of our nation.

[Watusifarm]

I wish I’d lived in a time where things still had a romance to them. If you sat me in that drivers seat for a run you’d never knock the smile off my face.

[jamesranger]

The building blocks of the past. It is really heart warming to see such a engineering marvel from a time long past.

[Robofish]

As a photographer, those conditions at 7:50 are absolute perfection. I've gotten to do a sunrise photoshoot of the 611 under similar conditions and it is spectacular to watch all that smoke billow and glow in the morning cold and light.

[captainfordo]

I think there's 1 reason why the Big Boy is a fan favorite of Union Pacific (fans and UP employees alike): no matter what challenge it's placed in front of it, the big boy will do whatever it takes to chug on through. The strength, speed, and just about everything of this historical masterpiece is remarkable. It can pretty much do ANYTHING when given the opportunity.

[scottfindlay]

I was lucky enough to be able to ride this train for this event, and i'll never forget it, that is truly the most impressive machines i have ever seen, watching it come through Salt Lake the first time to be restored and riding it back to home.

[gbriank]

These things are massive. I was allowed to crawl up on one at Age 4 and I felt like a king. They are unbelievable. Had an HO scale replica and it was my favorite.

[outlawbadge]

Who doesn’t love the old steam locomotives? Beautiful and thank you for sharing a piece of history in the making.

[demandred]

Simply excellent. No stupid bg music, beautiful camera work, simple and concise narration, 10/10.

[ronalddevine]

BIG BOY says it all. Nothing will ever replace it. Built to get the job done. And did it ever.

[andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

What an engine!
Very nicely put together film. Just the right amount of narration and not intrusive either. Thanks.

[RipRoaringGarage]

Thank you Rail Workers, past, present and future. I know this is a show for the public, but its really for you. You keep us rockin and rolling!

[claiborneeastjr]

Simply awesome and breathtaking! Those steam locomotives really had soul. Many heartfelt thanks to all those talented men, women, UP officials, and countless others who had the time, experience, money, and willingness to undertake the restoration of 4014. It came thru SW Louisiana in August last year and I was fortunate enough to see it up close and was really impressed with its enormous size and power. Just not enough hyperbole to describe 4014!

[TedWolkPlus]

When traveling through Wyoming for a business meeting, I by chance encountered and followed this big boy for about 2 miles before it moved out of sight, when it was on its way to being renovated. As a model railroad builder, it was an absolutely amazing experience. This big boy is in the class of the Budweiser Clydesdales.

[jim]

My dad started out shoveling coal for CNR just after the war. My grand dad would take me to the round house to watch the engines change tracks. Although I was just a kid, I miss the days of Steam. Thanks for the memories.

[francisdoss]

BIG BOY is truly impressive...brings back childhood memories of the 1960's when we lived close to the shunting yard and turn-table for the Steam-locomotives, in Bangalore. May have missed it in the commentary, this is perhaps the Broad-gauge line...Thanks for bringing them into our homes and hearts...God Bless...

[silvinoesparza]

It is so good to see the beautiful old lady running again. I was a little boy when my grandfather took me to see this grand old lady for the first time. She was a monster so much power and grace. See her brings back memories some good some bad.

[stephenpike]

What an amazing feat of engineering those two engines are and your videography has shown them off so well and capturing the power of these magnificent beasts; great to see the close ups and maintenance shots too. Fascinated to see the 4-4-0s being used to complete the link up all those years ago. That wheel base configuration was very common in the UK in the early days, one (an Aspinall Atlantic) apparently being recorded at just short of 100mph in 1899 and hauling five coaches. It’s amazing what man did in those earlier days when putting steam to good use, engines either big or small! Thanks Stephen

[PharaohDeathMask]

This was a really enjoyable video. Thank you for making this film and thanks to Union Pacific for bringing 4014 back to life.