Final part of Big Boy’s test day May 22, 2024

After making a run up towards Sherman Hill and backing down, Big Boy is making its final pull of the test back into the east end of Cheyenne yard. They backed past the yard to get a full 10 mile run from mp518 near Speer Rd to mp508 for PTC testing.
I have to admit, Big Boy is looking GREAT!! The fresh paint really makes it look amazing. I can’t wait to see the videos (and maybe get one for myself) of the tours this summer.

[@louGriggs1944]

Great video. Thanks.

[@abthepilot]

Thank you Lou! It was lots of fun to see!

[@jamesdykejr2980]

It's good to see the big boy without the diesel.

[@MikeJensen-jt9yr]

Looks as thought they needed to erect some bleachers out there. LOL!Nice video!

[@abthepilot]

Oh yeah!! That’s pretty much the case anytime they get either of their locomotives out. It’s so fun to watch the history.

[@lucmarchand617]

Uprr trow money at it keep program running.this is not cheap venture but keep public educate where uprr about past,today and future.thanks ed and is crew hell job.amen😊

[@vernongoodey5096]

I understand that UP realised that the budget for keeping the Big Boy running and using it as a massive advert for the Company was a lot cheaper than a Nationwide TV commercial! So everyone is a winner even me who travelled all the way from UK to ride behind it from Ogden a few years ago for the 150 celebration

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Das Schicksal von Luck Nong'

[@AIRSIDEOPSAviation]

Wow great work!!

[@abthepilot]

Thank you!!

[@tommyhunter1817]

So, what is the end goal of these “tests”? And, why does it take so many more people to operate than it did in the 50’s with less technology?

[@abthepilot]

Hello Tommy, The tests are proving the operation of the new PTC system and all of the work that was put into 4014 over the past few years. The added people have a number of jobs that didn’t exist back in the 50’s. First, without the shop capacity and capability (besides their own in Cheyenne) they bring along parts and mechanics that can tackle light repair work in the field. Second, they did a lot of monitoring, research, and discovery about the best way to operate steam engines for the long haul. So they now have people to help filter and clean the water and monitor the oil. Doing this helps preserve the inner-workings of the locomotive so we can watch this beautiful pieces of history for a long time to come. Thanks for stopping by and the comments. Hope this answer helps you out. Have a great day! Aaron

[@justincollins8266]

They put the original whistle back on in 2022, AND GOODBYE THAT IN 2023, I AM STILL PISSED OFF!

[@abthepilot]

@@justincollins8266 I can say the whistle they were using sounded awfully good and quite original. I’m not complaining.

[@zachfarr6457]

How did the test go?

[@abthepilot]

As far as I could tell listening in on the radio, very well. No complaints about the locomotive and PTC seemed to be doing its job also. We’ll have to see if that continues once the western tour commences soon. But it sure is nice to see 4014 run without the diesel “helper” providing PTC.