UP Steams up ‘Big Boy’ to Move Locomotive

Union Pacific steamed up its 4-6-6-4 “Big Boy” this week but it didn’t pull a train out on the mainline.

Railfan & Railroad magazine reported that the 4014 was used to move 2-10-2 No. 5511 out of a roundhouse in preparation for its move to Silvis, Illinois.

UP has donated the 5511 to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, which is based in a former Rock Island repair shop in Silvis.

Also slated to move to Silvis is 4-6-6-4 “Challenger” No. 3985. The Midwest America group plans to restore both locomotives.

Last Wednesday, the “Big Boy” moved the 5511 back and forth through the yard to test various systems.

Tags: Big Boy steam locomotive, Railroading Heritge of Midwest America, steam locomotives, Union Pacific, Union Pacific 3985, Union Pacific 5511, Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, Union Pacific steam locomotives