By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Work on the tender off of Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4-8-8-4 4014 is continuing at Railroading Heritage of Midwest America this winter.

When 4014 reentered service in 2019, it did so with the tender off of “Challenger” 4-6-6-4 3985, which had already been converted to hold oil. Switching tenders was very common in the steam era, including between different types and classes of steam locomotives. When 3985 was donated to RRHMA a few years ago, part of the deal was that the Silvis, Ill.-based non-profit would rebuild 4014’s tender and then send it back to UP, which in turn would return the one off 3985. 

Recently the tender was sandblasted and received a coat of primer. Now it is receiving wheel work before being returned to UP.