How a Steam Locomotive Works (Union Pacific "Big Boy")

A thorough examination of a steam locomotive, using the mighty Union Pacific Big Boy as our example.
Special thanks to Mark "Hyce" Huber for in-depth expert review! See more excellent railroading content at Mark's channel: / @hyce777
CREDITS
Jacob O'Neal - Research, script, narration, 3D modeling / animation, music
PATREON
/ animagraffs
SOFTWARE USED
I use Blender 3D to create these models. It's free and open source, and the community is amazing:
www.blender.org/
0:00 Intro
00:58 The Basics
02:09 Firebox
04:58 Boiler
07:47 Feed Water / Injectors
10:06 Steam Dryer / Dry Pipe
10:24 Superheater
11:25 Multi-valve Throttle
12:12 Smokebox
14:17 Cylinders
16:36 Valve Gear
19:28 Lubrication
19:58 Chassis / Frame
21:28 Suspension
23:29 Brakes
25:16 Sand
26:11 Cab
29:49 Sight Glasses
31:28 Cab (Cont'd)
33:35 Tender
34:20 Stoker
35:54 Outtro

[@Hyce777]

This was such a fun collaboration! I am genuinely shocked, and impressed, by your dedication to detail and accuracy! I was... quite the nitpicker. This is the real deal folks. Cheers again! You can check out my reaction for additional commentary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2LPYaKXfs5-f5o

[@apersunthathasaridiculousl1890]

Ayo is that Hyce?!?

[@Hyce777]

@@apersunthathasaridiculousl1890 it is! :D

[@evil_me]

No big boy 😜

[@Hyce777]

:P@@evil_me

[@Mrawesome7123]

carl is gonna be pissed

[@ThomasButler-sp4ro]

I'm an old guy, 82. Back in the summer of 1961 I found myself in the UP yard in Cheyenne. There were several Challengers and Big Boys parked here and there. No one seemed to be around so I walked among these giant locomotives, all only recently retired. I remember being dwarfed by the size of the cylinders. When I climbed up unto the cab of a Big Boy, I felt like I in was in a garage. BTW, I now live near Phoenix and was able to see 4014 in Case Grande. I never thought I ever see one run again. What a miracle. Thanks Union Pacific !

[@freddygarcia3049]

sir, please put this on paper an more detailed.

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Excellent video. Since the conversion to oil, perhaps an added animation of those changes could be added.

[@tomstech4390]

A beautiful story and thank you for sharing it

[@STICKGUYMB]

Great story!

[@victorvodkafish]

I am blown away by the quality of this production! I wonder how you did it...I guess a computer was involved. Do you start with a whole lot of photos and factory drawings? I have a small aeroplane (Barber Snark) that is only one of 5 built in NZ. The designer-builder said his computer holding the drawings crashed ... I wonder if I could recreate the Snarks drawings, similar to yours?.... Allan (in Australia).

[@JensSchraeder]

The engineering behind these locomotives is astonishing even today!

[@tomaszbrzeczyszczykiewicz4082]

The other thing is that they will probably still work! Not as contemporary cars.

[@twistedyogert]

​@@tomaszbrzeczyszczykiewicz4082 One Big Boy was actually restored to working order.

[@horatiohornblower868]

Considering these machines were designed on a drawing board, without computers, we cannot but admire the engineers who made them.

[@johncarmichael4698]

Amazing how powerful one steam locomotive aka Big Boy is and was. I can watch and watch these episodes letting little by little sink in. So fascinating. ❤ I love it.

[@KenanTurkiye]

I ❤ 🚂🚃🚄🚅🚈🚞🚝 I have a folder on ''transportation'' thank you chou chou chouuuu :)) --------------------------------------- Btw, here's something you may find interesting. :) The name of my country has nothing to do with the interesting and delicious bird ''turkey'', well let me explain. :) Name of my country has always been Turkiye, that is Turk-iye, where the -iye suffix means ''land of/belonging to''... ...just like the Latin suffix -ia in such countries as Latv-ia, Roman-ia, Eston-ia, Austr-ia, Austral-ia etc etc. Another example; decades ago Czechoslovakia Republic changed it's name to Czech Republic and a few years ago changed that to Czechia (that is Czech-ia). Anyways, most likely the Latin -ia suffix was derived from the Turkish version -iye, as Turkish is much much older. Because in old times people of different languages could only pronounce it as their languages allowed them, we got various differences in spelling like Turchia (in Italian), Turquie (in French) and Turkey (in English) all trying to resemble the pronounciation of ''Turk-ia'' thus Turkiye. Mind you this was way BEFORE the animal we currently know as 'turkey'' was found by the europeans when they explored the north americas.... ...they came across the bird and thought it was a specie of the fowl/chicken they had been buying from the country of Turkiye at the time, so they named the bird ''Turkey Fowl'' meaning ''Turkish Chicken''..... ....just like how a dog breed is known as German Shepherd (because it's from Germany), Rhodesian Ridgeback (because it's from Rhodesia), American Bulldog, British Terrier, Greek Harehound etc etc. In time you don't get to call the Greek Harehound as simply as ''Greek''; or you don't call the British Terrier as ''British''; or the German Shepherd as ''German'', but in time the Turkish Fowl started to be called just ''turkey'', and has been going on for hundreds of years. Now in 2023, this is causing confusion, especially when we have people across the world unable to point to their OWN country on the atlas, this ''confusion over the naming'' needed to be corrected. So my country decided to rectify this confusion that has been going on for so long and corrected the name in other languages to Türkiye, which it always was, we basically didn't change the name of our country, we changed the mistake made in the English language. : ) So, there's some tid bit information for you to have a great day, if you read upto this point you have a great night too, ohh just have a wonderfull life. : ) Best wishes. ;)

[@anrox____x282]

This is what KZbin should be about. Facts presented in such a way that everyone understands it even if it is complex. I wish I had Animagraffs back in school. Well, never too late to learn. Quality, that's all I can say :D Pure quality :D

[@williamking232]

You tube should be all DEI and 1984!

[@Marin3r101]

These channels offer consumable content by masses. That doesn't mean is a reliable source.😂😂😂

[@PeteDavidson-yl3ps]

In University we had a Engineering Prof whom spoke very direct, cold sense of humor a no nonsense type of guy, we all respected him. On our last day, we, 200 + students gathered in the auditorium for one final class one final lesson with him. Telling us, “ so you think you know it all? I’ve only taught you the basics, now get out there and learn, learn, learn, learn and the day you stop learning…I want you to kill yourselves! “ Not a one of us didn’t know what he meant, he had such a love of Engineering he always had a new book on his desk he’d picked up somewhere in his daily or weekend travels…. This author reminds me in a way of my Professor, determined to learn and have others learn.

[@AavegSheth]

Absolutely True

[@renierholtzhausen3032]

Everyday is a schoolday!

[@gcorriveau6864]

My father was a locomotive engineer on the CNR in Canada. No wonder the people driving these beasts were called "Engineers" and not just train 'drivers.' That's a lot of machinery to understand and properly operate! Another fantastic explanation/animation.

[@OscarOSullivan]

In Ireland they were called locomotive drivers and many of the Irish drivers during a rail strike in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s took offence at being referred to as train drivers as opposed to locomotive drivers which most drivers on the network were at that time.

[@SBCBears]

I imagine that the locomotive engineers were required to understand much of the physics and physical principles involved with operating and controlling such large machines.

[@OscarOSullivan]

@@SBCBears unlikely more likely how to operate them

[@77thTrombone]

@SBCBears - these guys were akin to modern airline pilots of their day. They likely weren't familiar with, say, fluid dynamics calculations, but they were certainly conversant in principles of engineering and physics. Not just the steam cycle, but air brakes and the arcane characteristics of train braking. On top of that, to be qualified to drive a route, they needed to know every bridge and crossing and its mile marker. Then there's the handling of the consist (the makeup of the train.) Imagine driving a 3-mile consist down a 1-mile downhill grade: gravity on the downhill will make the train pick up speed, right? Well, no. It depends on the track grade before the downhill and how the consist is made up. Say it's an uphill grade prior and an evenly loaded consist, the uphill gradient will dominate train dynamics until the locomotive's a half mile past the *_end_* of the grade. Until that point, the back half of the train has not reached the downhill grade; it's still going uphill. Maybe few would be dismissive of the steam engineers, but I think few people really appreciate all the expertise that went into the job.

[@DustyLambert]

Imagine an engineer from the 40s who designed this masterpiece seeing his drawings come to life.

[@electron2601]

I couldn't imagine! I would be completely overjoyed.

[@Stasiek_Zabojca]

Well... There definitely were more than just one 😉

[@jeffmiller3150]

Otto Jabelmann, was the chief designer, an employee of the Union Pacific.

[@bsa45acp]

All without the aid of a computer, CAD-CAM or electronic calculator.

[@NAVEENSECE]

God level thinking 💯

[@AshtonCoolman]

This was engineered on paper with slide rules and protractors. The engineers had a masterful understanding of thermal physics and fluid dynamics to build this. James Watt, Thomas Savery and the other physicists that lead to steam engines we know from the 1800s are owed so much by our modern civilization.

[@Lividbuffalo]

What has “fluid dynamics” got to do with this?

[@Leshotene]

@@Lividbuffalo it's the fact that some substances can behave as if they were liquid, in the case of locomotives the steam they use behaves like a liquid thanks to the conditions it is submitted to

[@8iodwarf]

@lividbuffalo at 8:41 he's describing the steam injectors and how the shape of the nozzles affects the pressure vs volume, and that's all fluid dynamics and bernoullis principle

[@williamking232]

@@Lividbuffalo Water!

[@detorrV2]

@@Leshotene Steam does not behave like liquid, both gas and liquids are fluids.

[@asiandrag0n]

The best use of 35 minutes of my time today. Never skipped ahead once. On a side note, I remember as a kid I used to puff my breath on really cold days to mimic a steam train. I think on rare occasions I still do lol.

[@MyMemoryLapse]

...As a fellow 3D animator...I can appreciate your level-of-detail as Brilliant in these videos....I KNOW the amount of work ya put into this thing...and I am Impressed as Hell!...Beautiful work!...you would have been the teacher I dreamed of in college!.....or even in high-school!.....CONGRATS!...

[@mohamedtouaibia8991]

What is the app that he used for the design

[@nikolagear4973]

at the end of the video it is indicated: Blender 3D

[@bryceh78]

What a masterpiece of an animation displaying the surprisingly complex workings of the largest steam engines. This work should be submitted to Rail Road museums for guests to learn more about these wonderous machines.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

I was thinking that as well. I just went to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay again and this would be great to have by their Big Boy 4017.

[@FreihEitner]

These videos should be shown in mechanical engineering classes! This is top-notch stuff.

[@tammylovescats]

This should be shown at Museums today that way we can understand how steams run. My dad as a kid grew up on a farm and he said he could see the trains going by the farm. I asked my dad how many cars did you count. He said at least over 100 or more. My dad got me hooked on trains at a young age. I have a Ho scale train set and would love to own a Big Boy in the Ho scale.

[@fireWireX4]

Surely this can be monetized and sold for such incredibly detailed work on 3D animation software and intricately researched mechanical engineering principles 🚂🚂 Incredible!! 😮

[@randomrazr]

crazy how all this is done without computers. titanics steam engines are a marvel

[@fridaycaliforniaa236]

I'm always amazed by the level of engineering they put inside those things. Truly mind blowing.

[@tbrowniscool]

It's totally insane when you sit back and look at how dangerous and amazing these machines are.

[@TheNefastor]

This particular machine was designed at the end of the steam engine era, so it makes sense that it would be the most intricate. It basically contains all the advances and small improvements made since the very first steam engine. It's fantastic.

[@MrMonkeybat]

@@TheNefastor There are still some improvements that could be made to the design shown. Instead of wrapping the boiler around the firebox a firebox insulated with firebricks would keep the smoke hot until it is fully combusted reducing cinders embers and particles in the smoke and fuel consumption at the same time. The heat can all be harvested at the flu pipes where their is plenty of surface area. Uniflow pistons where the steam inlet and outlet are separate keep the steam hot better as it enters the piston. Compound locomotives with triple expansion cylinders were also made.

[@TheNefastor]

@@MrMonkeybat perhaps, but you get my point.

[@MrMonkeybat]

@@TheNefastor Yes there is obviously a lot of clever features which were not there in 19th century engines.

[@Johnnysboy3987]

So what your telling me is dudes in the 1800's invented 1/2 stroke 4 cylinder engines with pistons the size of my car capable of pulling 2 mile long trains weighing thousands of tonnes. I never went through a train phase as a kid, but I'm hyped for trains now.

[@restitvtororbis5330]

1:03 *capable of pulling 5 MILE LONG trains. You're under selling how much a Big Boy could haul 😉

[@randallreed9048]

As an instructional designer, I appreciate the graphic effort this project entailed. The narrative was excellent and the coordination between the animation and the narration was superb. This is something to be very proud of. Excellence all around, Jake!

[@ragaloft]

Your level of accuracy in animation, honours the many draftsmen, engineers and trades who built these magnificent machines. Well done Sir, well done indeed.

[@battlefieldP4Fbeta]

Magnificent still!!!!

[@ryvyr]

The world becomes less horrible with each of these videos.

[@mrflamewars]

They really are like a beautifully animated version of the "How things work" kind of books curious kids tended to have.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@mrflamewarsI remember those.. they were/are great books.

[@tylerramsey7396]

Hell yeah

[@doit2win]

Next up from Animagraffs: How the World Works

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@doit2win And after that "how American government works”… can’t wait for that one.

[@kevinmueller5284]

I stayed up till 12:30 AM watching this, I took my six-year-old to see 4014 two years ago, and I am looking forward to showing him this video. He named our cat big boy. I only discovered your channel tonight, and I am astonished by its quality!

[@johnedwards3621]

When I was a child (70 years ago) a retired steam engineer and his wife lived in the neighborhood. In the early days of Harleys and Indians, he proudly road his beautifully maintained BMW. He still kept manys tools of his trade which included big clunky wrenches. I knew he was a steam engineer, and always wondered what he did. Now I know. You did a beautiful job of explanation. Selfless, thoughtful and engaging. After time in the Navy, I developed high tech training courses for many companies in New England (1972 to 2000+). Early in my career, I came to recognize writing as the highest form of engineering because it is the practice of structuring ideas on paper. All ir required was pen, paper and what I needed to communicate. My goals were to convey a large body of complex information with out being present; and to write in such an engaging manner that students continued to read what I wrote without questions while eating lunch or when heading to/from the restroom. They did this for as much as 40 hours -- completely absorbed. Never more than that. The only requirement was a Zerox copier. What you created was beautifully organized, easy to listen to, and complete -- useful for novice and experienced alike. Nice job. Did you watch a short video -- Powers of Ten? A brilliant film on how to organize ideas.

[@phillipelder5850]

When I was in 6th grade my father took me and my brother to the museum of transportation in St Louis Missouri where they have a big boy on display I remember sitting in the engineer's seat I was very camera shy but my mother took several photos of me in the cab that I have still to this day im 43 my bro was 4 years younger he just passed from cancer and my dad's been gone about 10 years now I'm so glad for the memories he said one day I would appreciate that he took us there this was in the 90s Im pretty Shure none of the remaining big boys at the time we're functional

[@eddielitalien6068]

Where abouts in New England? I worked at a corrugated company that had an older navy gentleman come in and train us for our 2nd fireman’s license

[@railmastergaming]

despite peoples negativity towards steam locomotives, mainly for their pollution and outdated designs, these miraculous machines are far more advanced than we give them credit for sometimes. Even I forget how much engineering goes into the manufacturing of these iron horses. Absolutely loved this video Animagraffs!

[@samham3408]

Being negitve and hating rad tech is hip and cool these days, you know R & D has met its goals when all cool people have a little cry about it. Boo hoo it works.

[@biggiebaby3541]

Who's negativity?

[@fjuvo]

Progress is good and the working conditions on the Big Boy or any steam engine were horrible. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be amazed by its engineering

[@veemo8605]

I prefer steam over diesel

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

No one hates steam. :-) Some people do hate some of the fuels used to heat the steam, sometimes for very good reasons. Understanding the difference between fuel and steam can sometimes be difficult for some.

[@christopherkullman1724]

Best breakdown animation video I have seen in a while. Imo this deserves an award because of its thorough yet easily understandable guidance thru visualization and narration. Well done!!

[@user-pu7iu3qo5g]

OMG the tech in a steam train is amazing and far far more complex than I believed

[@sanjusardar4342]

You're a genius. I've never seen such kind of detailed tech animation video. It's unimaginable to me to think how much efforts you give to make a video. Absolutely amazing👍

[@danielmarshall4587]

I second that.

[@DustenRust]

Now imagine how much effort it took to engineer and build the actual locomotive.

[@schawty]

This guy not just also narrates it, but makes the music? Incredible

[@youtubeaccount3047]

I never realized just how complicated these were, let alone how almost nothing is wasted. Every system feeds into or operates another system on the train to keep it all working. It’s amazing.

[@xavierwedel4691]

I'll just take a moment to appreciate how wholesome the Guidelines for this channel is. Simple, straightforward and polite. ❤

[@Bluetoothedshark]

No ai, no C.A.D. nothing but an idea and a pencil. Mind blowing.

[@alanardanowski5904]

But it is CAD.

[@Bluetoothedshark]

@@alanardanowski5904 the original design wasn't though was it, when the men that thought these machines up, standardised parts didn't exist, they even had to design and build the tools to make the machine, an unfathomable task, screws nuts and bolts were all one offs, crafted by men using fire and sweat to bring into existence something that had never been done before and the industrial age begins

[@fex77k]

Just to add: Made in wartime, so everything would have been harder to source like raw materials, machinist, and engineering staff.

[@Bluetoothedshark]

@@fex77k when you think about the origins of the steam engine in England, 1698. No electricity, no machines, no power tools, not even a reliable accurate measuring device. The USA didn't even exist. You just can't fathom the task.

[@coltonkoepp655]

Little bit of a fun history fact My Great Grand Father was actually one of the deisgners for the Big Boy at first Union Pacific and the US Government thought they were crazy for what they came up with but after seeing it in action they were prazed for their work these trains contributed so much to the Alllied war effort they were designed to carry 5 mile long trains through the steep grand caynon and Rocky Mountains they hauled over 100 million tons of cargo in the 4 years they were in service.

[@menow.]

Nice run-on sentence. Why did you bother putting a period at the end, when you didn't bother to put any throughout?

[@thecallankids4718]

​@@menow.Who hurt you?

[@menow.]

@@thecallankids4718 An English teacher with leather garters and a riding crop, if you must know.

[@ryanhampson673]

@@menow. Leather garters and a riding crop? 🤔 Kinda sounds like a good time. 🤣

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

Cool story bro

[@98madman98]

At 1:02 I just want to say that 1.4 million lbs is around 635 000 kg, not 6 million. Love the video!

[@secondfoundation4137]

What's so amazing is there is no electricity involved, all analogue. Just beautiful. Give it fuel, it will run.

[@Dream.of.Endless]

No matter how many documentaries one watches about Big Boys, there is always something amazing to watch about these magnificent mechanical steam beasts. Thank you for the time dedicated to better visualize this great machine.

[@iacodfreak]

An absolute masterpiece of a video, perfectly animated and narrated. Glad you chose the Big Boy for this.

[@Whatsinanameanyway13]

I agree, especially since Big Boy has so many additional complications not found on earlier/smaller steam locomotives. Very well explained.

[@l3uIletpoints]

Your videos are sensational. Every single one of them is a full, in depth course in their given subject. They're worth [to me] so much more then I'm able to give, but if the thought counts... Thank you

[@RobertCraft-re5sf]

I suggest the unrelated channel saVree he does similar CGI videos showing things ljke this

[@sclabhailordofnoplot2430]

People like you are the reason this art can stay alive. Butterfly wings can cause a hurricane.

[@l3uIletpoints]

​@@RobertCraft-re5sf To Jake O'Neil, this guy has no idea what he's talking about. I started watching a "SaVree" video... saying that "its not on your level" would suggest that SaVree is even in the same universe as Animagraphs - and saying that would be offensive. Dude, SaVree?! Are you kidding? "He makes similar videos" - whut?! He may try to cover similar subjects, but to call his work "similar" to animagraphs, is simply delusional.

[@baTonkaTruck]

This is such an unbelievably good presentation. Every part of this is extremely well done. And above all else, for all our human flaws, the horrors and wars, this is a shining example of the amazing things we're capable of when we work together.

[@Whiteyy191]

Cringe

[@HTV-2_Hypersonic_Glide_Vehicle]

@@Whiteyy191 Ass take.

[@michaellechnar8144]

I spent 41 years of my life as an aeronautical engineer on the modern equivalent to the Big Boy: the Boeing 747. I thought I knew stuff. I know a lot more now that I've seen your video. It is absolutely fantastic. A brilliantly simply description of the apex of modern steam engineering.

[@MrSaemichlaus]

It's very impressive how every part of this complex, massive machine was developed through hand calculations, trial and error, bold experimentation and also a handful of nasty accidents. The weight of the whole locomotive is huge, but it pulled trains that were many times its own weight. And once engineered and produced, it ran on just coal, water and grease. Wonderful. Top job on the animation and explanation!! A natural follow-up to the diesel-electric locomotive video, which I can also highly recommend.

[@alfredomarquez9777]

CERTAINLY!... Then, we will see just how "simple" a Diesel-Electric engine will appear by comparison to those large Steam Locomotives!

[@GilmerJohn]

Well, remember that by the time this machine was designed, "they" had been making steam locomotives for 100 years or more.

[@anthonyalles1833]

Would love to see a similar video about how old ship steam engines - e.g. on the Titanic, WWI battleships, etc - worked.

[@Hyce777]

Hey @animagraffs... I know some people who know some things here. ;)

[@sebastianriz4703]

Id love that too. Jared Owen has his own vids on the Titanic. Check him out. He isnt as fully detailed as Animigraphs are but hes hella good still too.

[@Falkirion]

Similar principles. Just much larger in scale

[@anthonyalles1833]

@@Falkirion ​ One thing I've never found the answer to: did ship boilers use sea water or did they carry fresh water, just like steam locomotives?

[@DauntlessK]

@@anthonyalles1833 They carried fresh. Salt water boils at a higher temp and would cause issues dealing with the salt when boiled.

[@frankjacoby9460]

I got to see 4014 in Denver a couple of years ago, I then realized I was born too late, I would have loved to have been the Engineer on her so long ago; when she was still burning coal! What a beautiful mechanical lady she is👍🏽

[@robisonluiz11]

Who designed this masterpiece in the 40s, is proud of you today with your drawing ! Such a beautifull job you´ve done !

[@cmilburn26]

This is the best and most thorough explanation of how a steam locomotive functions that I have ever seen. Every other video I’ve watched, there’s been something I disagree with or that they simply got so wrong. Not the case for this video. Everything was accurate. I especially liked your explanation of the valve gear and how it can reverse the train. Everyone seems to skip over that, and you executed it perfectly. Now I don’t have to explain these things to people anymore, I can just send them this video haha!! Shoutout to Hyce also, what an awesome colab!!

[@PeterStrange-oy9ev]

This video is one of the greatest pieces of visual media in the past 100 years. I can't believe how you made the internals of a steam engine come to life.

[@eugenenault4935]

Not only is the engineering design amazing, your illustrations / explanation is equally amazing. Extremely talented.

[@kobusdewet5004]

All of the modern day tech developments can NEVER be equated to the power and majesty of a steam locomotive rumbling down the line and pulling its load with ease. Salut !😊

[@gomile1000]

This video isn't some guy with model software. This is probably THEE BEST model explanation video on how a steam locomotive, let alone a Big Boy, is operated. Huge props on this video.

[@Dimeinurear]

These machines, while obsolete, are so incredible. Especially when you think that they were engineered and built without computers. Most of what they achieved was with "brute force." My eyes went wide when I learned just how much stronger this ONE locomotive is compared to modern day diesels. Must have been an impressive sight to see it roaring along back in the day.

[@electron2601]

Have you seen the UP 4014 they restored? Very amazing to see on KZbin.

[@vincentrosario5358]

@@electron2601 yeh! Especially that clip of her acting as a rear end helper to brute force a stalled freighter over a peice of railroad

[@davidgilbertson7750]

Check out the UP4014 - resurrected and it comes out to play!

[@__-fm5qv]

Tbh, though obsolete in many respects I think there is still a niche place for them. There is no diesel locomotive in the world that can do what it does, and so really when you need something big moved, provided you have the infrastructure for it, it can be the best option. Of course many diesel locomotives could do the same thing if needed in most cases, but there probably still are a handful of cases where the old girl is really the only thing up to the task.

[@Dimeinurear]

@@__-fm5qv The main reason they're obsolete is they're much more costly to operate. It's probably much cheaper to throw a second, third, or fourth engine onto the train instead of using a steam locomotive.

[@zulfione]

I am just Stunned to see how complicated, highly articulated and superbly crafted the Technology of Big Boy is. My Word 😳😳

[@MrSteve280]

That was enjoyable. I never knew about the sand domes. Analog mechanics are so elegant.

[@ryanandrews559]

When I was given an assignment to research on the Steam locomotives a week ago, I came straight to animegraphs, However, I couldn't find the video, today is the day of presentation, you've uploaded the exact information I was looking for, you are a life saver, I'll never forget this day. Thank you very much. 😊

[@fattywithafirearm]

I've gotten to see 4014, once while it was steaming down the rails and also while stopped. I also have an N scale big boy loco. You cant imagine how big it is until youre next to it

[@brian-te4xs]

Pretty cool to have a better understanding how the trains fully operate. N scaler also.

[@Ratkill9000]

During the 150th Anniverary of the completion of the Continental railroad, Big Boy made several stops through out Nebraska. Saw it at Omaha and then the next day when it came through to Fremont. Hearing that old whistle is something amazing. The old girl has character that diesel electric just do not have.

[@brian-te4xs]

That is something I day dream about. I consider you very fortunate like the rest who have ever seen any 4-8-8-4’s in person.

[@alvinbush7965]

@@Ratkill9000 be

[@renegaderetiree60]

I come from a family that has an Engineer and Blacksmith ties to the 1920's through the late 50's with the Great Northern RR in MPLS/St. Paul, MN. Fantastic presentation! Wish I had this information when Big Boy 4014 came to St. Louis, MO. What an achievement of great power and majesty of the rails!

[@teamEP789]

as a veteran 3d animator myself, i gotta hand it to you, the amount of work (and rendering) you have done is insane. well done!

[@the4fibs832]

Once again, Animagraffs blows our minds with unmatched attention to detail, historical accuracy, and beauty. Another banger!

[@wp4872]

Omg i’ve been WAITING for a video like this. For YEARS and YEARS, i’ve seen so many trains come by and have ALWAYS wondered how they work. THANK YOU FOR THIS ANIMATION, MY LIFE IS finally COMPLETE 😭😂

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting/informative/entertaining. Many important improvements since the 1st steam locomotive " Stourbridge Lion" ( 1829 ). Built for Delaware & Hudson canal company. Excellent simulated diagrams enabling viewers to better understand what the orator is describing.

[@jwmantz]

Now nearly 80, I was a jet fighter pilot. My Grandfather was a chief engineer on the Rock Island Line, and the first to drive a diesel locomotive. The detail of this animation fills in a great many links on the evolution of engineering in transportation. In per-digital times, we refereed to our instruments as steam gauges as there was little or no electrical connection (came in handy with electrical failure). Fantastic, accurate, and engaging detail.

[@brycerash6606]

I'm so ecstatic that one of the last running Big Boys is stored for a lot of the time here in my home town of Cheyenne, WY. Being able to see it every year is awesome to see such a piece of History

[@HorizonOfHope]

It's not that Animagraffs is the best channel on KZbin, it's just that... actually it is.

[@boilermaster4133]

What a masterpiece of an animation displaying the surprisingly complex workings of the largest steam engines. This work should be submitted to Engineering universities for guests to learn more about these wonderous machines.

[@samkelley1527]

Have been fascinated with steam engines for years. Spent 13 years in England with the military and was fortunate enough to attend numerous steam shows and exibitions. They mostly involved steam tractors and the like. I have to say that this is THE MOST informative explanation of steam engines I have ever come across. Looking forward to viewing more. Thank you!

[@amdstrollo3074]

This animaton not only blows my mind but just knowing they actually built these things, several in fact. I just cannot even fathom how much thought, time and effort went into designing, coming up with a production process and actually physically assembling this thing.

[@Primus54]

I struggle to find adjectives sufficient to compliment your work on this and all your creations. Thank you! 👍👍👍

[@Cholla51]

WOW! AutoCad ROCKS! As a retired BTJ Steamfitter Pipe/Welder with a C5 Boiler License, I am BLOWN away at what the designers and engineers made from sweat and steel, years ago! Ships of any size, Nuke plants, high tech industry etc., have interested me in so many ways. So, I had to design and build a BioDiesel processor, to run these contraptions on WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil) back in Portland, OR. 1997 when everyone thought "I" was nuts...

[@basheerkadhim7213]

Two things I would like to say .. are the passion for creativity at the time for making the Big Boy, which is the great science and applications of pure mechanical engineering, and your interest and effort for your wonderful work... Thank you for your outstanding work! Subscribed

[@bernhardwagner9879]

Thank you gentlemen for one of the most exciting views of 4014. The 3D diagrams and animations bring the engine to life once more. Jake, I have seen most if not all of your presentations on KZbin. They are all exciting but since I was kid some 80 years ago, I have loved steam engines. You have presented me with a thrill beyond words. I can still smell those engines in my memory.

[@dariolorini]

Hard to find a better explanation with the help of better animations. Best video I’ve ever watched about BB and steam locomotives in general.

[@pointingdog7235]

Thank you for doing this. I’ve always been intrigued by steam engines. The fact that they designed this locomotive is amazing.

[@JDnBeastlet]

That was amazing - the complexity of a steam locomotive is astounding and this one more than most. I can only wonder at the amount of work that goes into one of these videos. The research to learn and understand the systems, deciding how to present them, and the incredible animation and voice overs that follow. Jacob, I see you're nearing a million subscribers and you deserve each and every one. Thanks for the outstanding content!

[@imeprezime1069]

This should be a Discovery series, it is that good! I just spent watching almost 40-minute video about steam train and can't be more intrigued and amazed by the behind thoughts and design of these astonishing machines and your brutal presentation! 👏👏

[@scotteakins7203]

This has to be the best & most detailed explanion of how a Steam loco works Ive ever seen. . Let alone a Big Boy! Two thumbs up! 👍👍

[@kl0wnkiller912]

Incredible. I knew these engines were complicated but never realized just how complicated! Great job explaining it, Thanks!

[@turdferguson4124]

Thank you for the incredibly accurate animation and narration. I’ve studied the Big Boy locomotive design for over 30 years and your video shows nearly every mechanical detail with amazing fidelity to the real thing. I knew someone with tremendous knowledge about steam locomotive design and operation must have been behind this video. It didn’t surprise me to see Hyce in the credits.

[@pyroarchy]

Having messed with 3D modelling myself I'm always intrigued by others work and I can respect the time and effort that went into it. Good job!

[@richardwaltermeyer2396]

Amazing! Blows my mind the level of detail and the clear explanation of the various functions. I've loved steam trains ever since I was a kid growing up in the 1950's. Sadly, when I really started to appreciate steam locomotives they started disappearing. So glad that UP and the and the various volunteer groups have kept steam alive. And especially glad that there are a group of dedicated rail enthusiasts that put this amazing video together. Bravo!

[@Sailor_Greg]

Wow! Amazing animation! I honestly had no idea that it was so complicated.

[@pux0rb]

I am blown away by the accuracy in the size and shape of every part you've modeled here. This is an incredible amount of work and talent on display! You must have had access to a lot of technical drawings and information.

[@Sonny_Eclipse]

As a vintage machinery geek I found this video fascinating.

[@mazinman3]

This presentation was SO incredibly informative & interesting, & well presented. The research is impressive & the engineering of the Big Boy is as impressive as a modern jetliner. The Big Boy should be listed as one of the engineering wonders of the modern world.

[@confusedbakugo1373]

Oh my god dude I've been following your diagrams/animations for 10 years now. I'm so excited you're doing trains now! Awesome job!

[@WiilyDerbbinphlatte]

Wow, I don't have words for this. Immersive. I don't think Alco back in 1944 could have imagined something like this when they put her together. Thank you.

[@claiborneeastjr4129]

This is an amazingly detailed, highly informative explanation of how Big Boy works. And to think Ed Dickens and his highly skilled and dedicated team took 4014 apart down to the last nut and bolt, repaired what was necessary, fabricated the rest, and re-assembled all those parts to work harmoniously . I've seen 4014 up close and personal, and to stand next to it is to realize and appreciate just how enormous and powerful it is. I wondered how the steam pipes swiveled to accommodate the articulation, and he explains it.

[@paulweisensell8751]

This was the most comprehensive video that I have ever seen regarding the function of a steam engine. My hat goes off to the dialogue and the animation of this video. Excellent job! I would recommend this to anyone trying to get in knowledge of how steam engines work.

[@JFBence]

And all of this was designed and calculated manually on paper! Amazing engineering feat!

[@Meyer-gp7nq]

It blows my mind that people built this before calculations could be done electronically. I want to be able to do this one day,

[@JFBence]

@@Meyer-gp7nq Then go study mechanical engineering. You can have a taste of all of this at a university. 😉

[@contessa.adella]

I am not a train buff, but behemoth mechanical engineering is impressive and this video was absolutely riveting, thank you.

[@Uttrakhand127]

Nice Train

[@chazdc154]

This is among the most detailed and informative videos ever produced regarding steam railroad locomotive power, also concise and precise. Bravo, and thank-you for the tremendous effort to produce this!!

[@richardnelson317]

I really enjoyed the video. I'm surprised at the amount of fine tuning that is available to make the locomotive run easier, smoother. Nice Work.

[@BingWrosby]

It’s Animagraffs day y’all!!!!!!

[@apersunthathasaridiculousl1890]

Praise the Lord!

[@animagraffs]

huzzah!

[@AttilaAsztalos]

As a kid, one of my absolute favorite books was a thick tome of "how various tech stuff works" - from cable funiculars to eidophor oil film projectors. Even if I'm aware of most of the basics by now, your admirably in-depth videos satisfy the same curiosity as that of that young version of me long lost in the past. Thank you for making him smile... :)

[@HDTech22]

Mad respect for the shear insanity that was making this entire model. Thank you for your dedication and talent.

[@167curly]

I remember visiting a transportation museum in Denver and being impressed by a Big Boy loco there.

[@BCHonea]

Love this! I’ve had a complete engineering blueprint of this loco on my wall since I was a kid. We have 4014 here in Dallas and I’ve been obsessed since 1985

[@robweckert5689]

You have put a tremendous amount of time and research in to producing this fine animation. Thank you so much. This is absolutely amazing.

[@Mr_B31]

Wholeheartedly agree

[@mentises]

OMG! This is the most amazing, most impressive, most detailed, most beautiful thing I have ever seen! I have no words… just… Wow!

[@jameskeough4620]

This is a well-done, informative video! Thx for keeping that background music at a minimum!

[@torryjobe6244]

Absolutely phenomenal video! The amount of detail and explanation of how each component operates is amazing. Makes even the most modest of rail fans appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of these magnificent machines and those who operate them. Two thumbs up to you and Mark. Fantastic job!!!

[@gokulsukesan]

You have done a tremendous job in learning even the minute details and then converting it into animation. It shows your dedication and passion both for science and art. Hats off!!

[@ResilientCurmudgeon]

This is unquestionably the most stunningly detailed and comprehensive explanation of a steam locomotive I have ever seen. Bravo. Kudos! And any other superlative you can think of for a magnificent exploration of an amazing technology and for preserving it for all to understand and appreciate into the future.

[@user-ej7zx3yl9v]

The best educational Big Boy video on the internet, thank you.

[@premierpepe9567]

Saw this bad boy in person back in 2019. Saw it under its own power pull into a station. The ground shook. I had no idea they were so complex. Incredible work on this video sir. Thank you for helping the world learn about these fantastic machines.

[@drewnamic]

It's been my curiosity how steam locomotive works. This presentation really blows my mind! This video answers all my questions with stunning visuals! Thanks, Animagraffs! :O

[@FlySeboFly]

Simply Impressive! Similar like our combustion automobiles today, those steam trains reached their pinnacle of advanced technology. Eventually they were surpassed by electricity and just vanished

[@kylebieth3678]

My head hurts just from the amount of engineering in the boiler alone. Holy crap! What a machine!

[@LiveSteamPaddleWheelersPG]

Beautiful animation! The blue rod linked to the reversing lever @16:52 seems to miss a "fixed" length. Magnificent work!👍

[@Hyce777]

Jake and I chatted for quite a while back and forth about valve gear. It's one of the most challenging things to get spot-on, geometry wise, in any model. One of the lengths must've been a smidge goofy, preventing that lever from being the right length always - it's a little detail but the rest of valve gear was so brilliantly explained :)

[@LiveSteamPaddleWheelersPG]

Agreed! 👍@@Hyce777

[@animagraffs]

You found the proverbial dust pile under the rug! lol, yeah it's not supposed to be spongy. It's metal. I noticed it at render and had to leave it to get the project out the door at that point. Fixing it would have proved intense ... I wish I could show y'all my insane rig for the valve gear (maybe I will at some point!). The final result is easily understandable visually, but the rig in Blender turned out to be a tangled mess despite all my efforts to make it easy to use and pain-free. There's just so much sneaky movement piled into each part that it's hard for 3D software to calculate it all, so many movements must be 'faked'. Once you've faked something, if you need to adjust or add complexity, it gets even messier. SIGH.

[@LiveSteamPaddleWheelersPG]

@@animagraffs I'm nor really surprised that trying to fix that length would lead to other problems! But that's not a "dust pile", let's say a tiny crumb! The way you dealt with this Big Boy is amazing!..and you went through it all! Hats off to you! The result is just spectacular!😍

[@shackamaxon512]

It's a lot more complicated than I thought. At the time they were built the Big Boys must have been state of the art engineering. I had no idea how powerful these locos are