A conversation with The Big Boy's crew

Interviews with the crew of The Big Boy steam locomotive in Carlin on July 8, 2024.

[@williammetcalf7239]

My grandfather got a diploma in both steam and diesel locomotives. It was issued to him in 1954. I have it. He worked on the SP from 1946 to 80, did not live to long enough to see retirement. Oakland CA was his terminal. He was a fireman and a brakeman, before he was an engineer. He lived in Port Costa after WWII, then Crockett. Thank you for posting this video. Its really cool to hear how it all works from the operators perspective. I got to see this amazing engine at the Roseville Yard during its layover there.

[@JDubya96]

These guys are so blessed to do what they love! Great interviews, thank ya’ll!

[@bernardc2553]

Thank you U.P. For Giving Americas Youth a glimpse how we became the Industrial might B4 Computers & for the Herritage WP locomotive on the return trip home, Many memories of the SP & WP There in Elko my Grandpa retired from the WP , In my youth I was a Fireman in the Oilfield, yes we had locomotive train Boilers, We converted from coal & wood burners to Oil I still ❤ steam..& a Good Steam Whistle

[@GaryA]

Thanks for the interviews and great information.

[@norcaldeemichaels]

“This is all 100% 1940”. Says Ed as he rests his arm on the PTC display console while holding a diesel reverser. On a serious note, good work on the restoration, guys.

[@2quintly]

Ed & crew, the Rock Stars of the railroad industry. They are an extremely fine example.

[@vickielewis3848]

Ed Dickens is a virtuoso on the whistle. These guys are my heroes. 👋👱‍♀️🇺🇲

[@Oldjohn52]

1940's tech with juuuuust a bit of modernity sneaking into the corner of the vid.

[@2quintly]

Well said, . . . .

[@ronetele13]

Perhaps efficient, but then why is there so much smoke?

[@vincebreen3-55]

Why the consist make up of the freight cars.? Why not all together? Hopper with hopper, boxcar to boxcar....... And so short?

[@shimesu443]

They're there for braking. When they need to stop, they can use the brakes on the freight cars to slow and stop the train, without using 4014's brakes. Her brake shoes have to be custom ordered, and they are expensive. The cars' brake shoes can be bought off the shelf for much cheaper.

[@vincebreen3-55]

@@shimesu443 ok Still doesn't explain the arrangement in the consist.

[@5280bj]

Ok. You have conversations with 3 persons. What about the other 9 or 10 equally important steam crew members? These three guys are not "The Crew"