While I don't consider myself train nerd, I have always been amazed by steam engines. With Union Pacific's acquisition of Norfolk Southern, the UP's steam engines now have access to lines east of the Mississippi River. UP is making a run out Cheyenne to Philadelphia with the 4014 Big Boy for the America's 250th. My guess is this will one of the few times you will see the Big Boy in this region. The schedule is in the link below. I am making plans to take the family to see this only operating Big Boy pass bye.
Big Boy's Route (https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule)
Im super excited!!! First time she's east of the Mississippi since her birth in the 40s.
Two of my friends and I are going on a train excursion with the local Reading Blue Mtn. And Northern. They will take a train ride where it will meet and pass big boy.
I may also go see it in either Scranton at Steamtown or Philly!
Maybe a once in a lifetime chance.
I am almost ashamed to admit that I have let several opportunities pass at seeing BB in my town the last few years. I am going to make a point of not letting this opportunity pass too.
My plan is to catch East bound in June and then on its West bound leg when it makes an overnight stop in July.
By all means go out of your way to see BigBoy. It's totally awesome. Nothing comes close...
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Ever since I was a young child. I was drawn to the sights, sounds, and smell of a coal fired steam locomotives. The golden age of steam power was a powerful era of mechanical beauty and early human ingenuity. Traveling around the USA or over seas, I always make it a point seek out and ride steam locomotives. Pictures below brings back memories when steam was king.
In Melbourne Australia I took a day trip on "Puffing Billy."
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The Engineer gave me the opportunity to ride locomotive on one leg of a day's journey... Feeding the boiler no less...
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