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Union Pacific Fires Up ‘Big Boy’ to Move Rare 2-10-2

Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4014 was running in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Wednesday along with 2-10-2 5511, which will soon head for Silvis, Ill. Photo by Evan Smith/Courtesy of RRHMA.

Union Pacific Fires Up ‘Big Boy’ to Move Rare 2-10-2

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4014 made a surprise appearance under steam on Wednesday to bring a rare 2-10-2 locomotive out of the roundhouse and into the daylight. 

UP 5511 has rarely seen the light of day in recent years, but will soon be heading east to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America’s shop in Silvis, Ill. UP recently donated the 2-10-2 and 4-6-6-4 ‘Challenger’ 3985 to the non-profit group, which plans to restore both locomotives. On Wednesday, Big Boy 4014 moved 5511 back and forth through the yard to test various systems to ensure everything is working properly before it is moved east. That move is expected in the coming months. 

“Huge thanks to Ed Dickens and his entire Union Pacific Railroad Steam Team for the great work they’re doing to get our donation pieces into tip-top shape, and ready for shipment to the RRHMA facility in Silvis!” RRHMA officials wrote on Facebook late Wednesday. “Rail preservation is truly a partnership, and watching these professionals go above and beyond to help ready these pieces for travel shows what can be accomplished when everyone works together!”

For more information visit RRHMA.com.

The UP Steam Team with 2-10-2 5511 this week. The rare locomotive will soon move to Silvis, Ill. Photo Courtesy of RRHMA.

This article was posted on: September 15, 2022