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I'm down around New Orleans today and tomorrow, but Dee didn't make the trip.
There have been no end of rumors in the 40 years I've followed this stuff about one Big Boy or another "slated for restoration" by some well-meaning party. Some or even most of what I heard was centered around the 4014, which ostensibly is logical because it has been stored in the mildest climate of any of the survivors. However, I will believe it only when I see one moved from wherever it's parked, into a professional restoration facility, with committed funding to complete the job. There will likely also be a cost in at least one other Big Boy being cannibalized for key parts, possibly destroying its value as a display. Whether its owner(s) will assent to this a whole 'nuther ball of wax, and could by itself scuttle the project. I know firsthand there is some bad blood out there in the preserved equipment world, some of it directed at UP's program. People can and have said "No!" out of spite.That a UP spokesperson addressed the prospects and communicated this with a reputable RR news source, however lends a smidge of credence. However, in the end my standard still applies - I'll believe it when I see it happen, and not before.
This is very interesting, especially when the UP doesn't seem too interested in letting "4449" ( or much else) out on its rails very often....Mark in Oregon
Wow... April first comes earlier and earlier dunnit?I won't believe it until its under steam.
From what I read of it, looks like UP is looking to buy it back. Once that is done, it will be like 844 and 3985, owned and operated by UP, not a third party like 4449 is.
... the [UP] has been approached by and is working with a third party interested in restoring and operating a Big Boy.
The would need to convert it to be oil fired , 4005 was for a short time and converted back to coal because it wasn't up to snuff IIRC . I think only an insignificant array/set of burners were used and maybe with more it would work . Can't see why it couldn't as it is only a Challenger on steroids . UP in the past was emphatic that a operation BB was never going to happen . If it comes to pass , people will come form all over the world . It would keep 2 steamers running while 1 is going through scheduled repairs .