Front:
X4017
4017
UNION PACIFIC
Back:
RJ93
UNION PACIFIC 4017
Big Boy, the world's largest steam locomotive was operated by the Union Pacific
Railroad and was noted for its service over Sherman Hill in Wyoming. A truly modern
steam locomotive, they survived the diesel invasion until July 21, 1959 when Big Boy
4015 made the last regular steam locomotive run over Sherman Hill. In this view,
4-8-8-4 No. 4017 has a drag freight in tow west of Harriman, Wyo., October 6, 1958.
The articulated 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement allowed the front set of drivers to move
sideways to negotiate normal track curves. Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds and
exerting a tractive effort of 135,375 pounds, these giant locomotives were designed to
move the freight at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. A total of 25 Big Boys were turned
out by the American Locomotive Co., in Schenectady, N.Y. from the time No. 4000
deadheaded west on the New York Central in September 1941 until the last group of
five, 4020-4024, were delivered to the Union Pacific in November 1944.
Photo by Robert F. Collins
Published by Audio-Visual Designs, P.O. Boz 24. Earlton, N.Y. 12058
Re
19 Now 1987
Ekman
UNION
PACIFIC
RAILROAD
