How much did it cost to build a Big Boy locomotive? (2023)

How much did it cost to build Big Boy?

The name stuck and became the name of this locomotive type. ALCO built 25 of these locomotives for the Union Pacific at a cost of about $265,000 each. Based on inflation, the equivalent amount of money in 2018 would be $4,700,000 per locomotive.

How much did it cost to rebuild Big Boy 4014?

“Nobody ever thought that a Big Boy would be restored to operation. Ever.” Union Pacific hasn't said how much the restoration cost, but Wrinn estimated at least $4 million based on similar restorations.

How many Big Boy locomotives still exist?

They were the only locomotives to use a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement: four-wheel leading truck for stability entering curves, two sets of eight driving wheels and a four-wheel trailing truck to support the large firebox. Today, eight Big Boys survive, with most on static display at museums across the USA.

Who built Big Boy 4014?

Union Pacific 4014, also known as the "Big Boy", is a steam locomotive owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) as part of their heritage fleet. It is a four-cylinder simple articulated 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" type built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) at its Schenectady Locomotive Works.

Why does Big Boy 4014 have a diesel engine?

Q: Why is a diesel with Big Boy 4014? A: The diesel serves many purposes. Its dynamic braking saves brake shoes. Its power provides a boost that saves on No.

What is the oldest locomotive still in service?

John Bull is a historic British-built railroad steam locomotive that operated in the United States. It was operated for the first time on September 15, 1831, and became the oldest operable steam locomotive in the world when the Smithsonian Institution ran it under its own steam in 1981.

What is the strongest locomotive ever built?

Sinara GT1s for Russian Railways, 11,285 horsepower

Since it debuted in 2008, the Sinara GT1s has held two very important titles: the world's most powerful gasoline turbine locomotive and the world's most powerful internal-combustion locomotive.

Why the Big Boy 4014 is such a badass train?

They weigh 1.2 million pounds, which means that any long-term forward motion necessitated their 56,000-pound coal capacity and their 24,000-gallon water capacity to perpetually push those massive pistons with steam. The girth required a 4-8-8-4 wheel configuration to keep that thing rock-steady on the rails.

What was the heaviest locomotive ever built?

It is generally agreed that the largest steam locomotives are the 4-8-8-4 'Big Boys', built by the American Locomotive Company in 1941-44. They are 39.852 m (130.74 ft) long and weigh 508.02 tonnes (1.12 million lb) with tenders.

How fast did the Big Boy train go?

It had a maximum power capacity of more than 6,000 horsepower and could haul a 3,600-ton train unassisted up the Wasatch Mountain grade. Pulling freight on level track, it could achieve a speed of 70 miles (112 km) per hour.

What is the most famous diesel locomotive?

What is the most famous diesel locomotive in the history of railroading? Arguably, the classic Electro-Motive “F-unit” can lay claim to the title. The Electro-Motive “F-unit”: Born in the autumn of 1939, it would be produced, in eight different models, until 1960 and would number more than 7,500 strong.

How much did a Big Boy engine weigh?

Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. The locomotives were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds.

How much coal did the Big Boy use?

The Big Boy consumed 74,700 lb (33,883 kg) of coal and 34,800 gallons (131,732 L) of water.

What was the best steam locomotive ever built?

The most powerful steam locomotive currently in operation is the Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4014, a simple articulated 4-8-8-4 locomotive capable of a tractive effort (pulling force) of 135,375 lbf (602 kN) at 10 mph.

What is the most powerful diesel locomotive ever built?

The Centennials were the largest diesel-electric locomotives ever built. Actually comprising two engines on one frame, they delivered 6,600 horsepower. Designed and built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the units were named in honor of the railroad's centennial anniversary celebration in 1969.

How many cars could a Big Boy pull?

The "Big Boys" were built for power. They did the work of three smaller engines, pulling 120-car, 3800 ton freight trains at forty miles per hour in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming.

What is the most powerful freight locomotive?

The Union Pacific Centennial is the largest and most powerful diesel locomotive ever built.

Are steam engines stronger than diesel?

To begin with diesel locomotives were less powerful than steam engines which meant smaller train sizes (ie. e the amount of carriages they could tow) which you would have thought made them a less preferable option - so why make the switch?

What is the lifespan of a locomotive?

The life expectancy of diesel-electric and electric locomotives is expected to be similar—about 25 years. Both types of motive power are subject to technological obsolescence.

Can you buy an old locomotive?

There are many websites to choose from that are dedicated to selling train cars and related materials. You can buy a caboose, a boxcar, or even a sterling rail. Some of these websites have full refurbished railroad cars listed as well.

What is the slowest locomotive?

The Glacier Express is the world's slowest train, taking more than eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland at an average of 18mph. Along the way, it passes over nearly 300 bridges, travels through 91 tunnels and takes in endless stunning Alpine views.

How many miles can a diesel locomotive last?

Diesel engines continuously run 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 miles before major overhaul. They are 3 major reasons why they last so long: Design. Fuel.

Which locomotive has highest efficiency?

8. The GM locomotive is highly fuel efficient having 11% better fuel efficiency compared to the ALCO design locomotive. 9.

What is the fastest locomotive ever?

How much HP does Big Boy have?

All of the Big Boys were coal-burning, stoker-fired, designed to run 7,000 horsepower at 70 miles per hour. They have been lauded in the industry as the highest horsepower, heaviest, and longest steam locomotives ever built.

What is the most famous steam locomotive in America?

Union Pacific "Big Boy" No.

Big Boys are famous as among the most powerful steam locomotives ever built.

Can passengers ride the Big Boy train?

Seats aboard the Big Boy No. 4014 steam train that will travel on Union Pacific tracks are limited. Ticket holders will be invited to stay the weekend and experience Railroad Days free of charge. Tickets, ranging in price from $400-$750, will be available for sale to the general public on May 28.

What was the first locomotive to reach 100 mph?

It all began on this day in 1934. Then, the “Flying Scotsman” became the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded reaching 100 mph, during the 393-mile trip for London and Edinbugh.

What is the fastest American locomotive?

How many operational Big Boy locomotives are left?

Of the eight remaining Big Boys in existence, No. 4014 is the only one operating today. The Big Boys were about 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds. Because of their great length, the frames of the Big Boys are “hinged,” or articulated, to allow them to negotiate curves.

How far could a steam locomotive go before needing water?

During the very early days of steam locomotives, water stops were necessary every 7–10 miles (11–16 km) and consumed much travel time. With the introduction of tenders (a special car containing water and fuel), trains could run 100–150 miles (160–240 km) without a refill.

Which railroad owns the most locomotives?

Union Pacific Railroad ($UNP) is one of the largest and longest-tenured railroads in North America, having been founded in 1862. It currently operates over 8,000 locomotives across 23 of the Western United States.

Who is the best diesel engine manufacturer?

In general, Caterpillar is regarded as the undisputed king of diesel engines.

What is the most famous train ever?

As the world's most celebrated train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carries passengers across Europe in the style of a bygone era. The memory of the glamorous carriages, sumptuous cuisine, and personal service will stay with you forever.

How much water does Big Boy 4014 use?

The restored Big Boy 4014 has been converted to burn fuel oil instead of coal (recycled lube oil is used as fuel), and typically consumes about 200 gallons of water and 20 gallons of fuel per mile.

How much horsepower did the Big Boy have?

All of the Big Boys were coal-burning, stoker-fired, designed to run 7,000 horsepower at 70 miles per hour. They have been lauded in the industry as the highest horsepower, heaviest, and longest steam locomotives ever built.

Who is the owner of Big Boy?

In 2018, Big Boy was sold to a group of Michigan investors and renamed Big Boy Restaurant Group, with David Crawford as Chairman, CEO, and co-owner of the new company. The company is the operator or franchisor for 66 Big Boy restaurants in the United States and two in Thailand.

How much does Big Boy weigh now?

4014 is the only one operating today. The Big Boys were about 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds.

How much did the Big Boy weigh?

Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. The locomotives were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds.

How much weight could Big Boy pull?

The "Big Boys" were built for power. They did the work of three smaller engines, pulling 120-car, 3800 ton freight trains at forty miles per hour in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming.

What is the most powerful locomotive ever built?

The Union Pacific Centennial is the largest and most powerful diesel locomotive ever built.

What is the strongest locomotive?

The most powerful steam locomotive currently in operation is the Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4014, a simple articulated 4-8-8-4 locomotive capable of a tractive effort (pulling force) of 135,375 lbf (602 kN) at 10 mph.

What does Big Boy do for a living?

Big Boy (born Kurt Alexander; September 8, 1969) is a nationally syndicated American radio host and actor.

When did Big Boys go out of business?

In 1995, the company closed its last Big Boy operation. Some former units later operated as Annie's American Cafe and as Perkins Restaurants.

Where is the Big Boy graveyard?

The Legend of the Big Boy Graveyard

The Big Boy Graveyard was a hidden gem in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, just west of Marquette. The Big Boy statues have since been removed, but the legend lives on.

How fast can a up Big Boy go?

It had a maximum power capacity of more than 6,000 horsepower and could haul a 3,600-ton train unassisted up the Wasatch Mountain grade. Pulling freight on level track, it could achieve a speed of 70 miles (112 km) per hour.

Where is Big Boy locomotive now?

It sits on display at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Missouri. 4012: After retiring, 4012 was taken up to the northeast of the country to Steamtown USA, a locomotive museum in Vermont.

What is the most powerful steam locomotive ever built?

Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, the Big Boy, built in 1941, is the largest, heaviest, and most powerful operational steam locomotive in the world, according to Union Pacific. The Big Boy stands 17 feet tall and is 133 feet long, 99 feet less than a Boeing 747.

What is the largest diesel locomotive ever built?

The Centennials were the largest diesel-electric locomotives ever built. Actually comprising two engines on one frame, they delivered 6,600 horsepower. Designed and built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the units were named in honor of the railroad's centennial anniversary celebration in 1969.

How much water does the Big Boy use?

The boiler on a Big Boy could boil over 100,000 pounds of water per hour at 300 psi pressure to drive the locomotive's four enormous pistons, consuming about 12,000 gallons of water and 6 tons of coal per hour in the process.