A the risk of being redundant if this already has been posted - - -
I just bought the "Trains" (1:1 scale trains) magazine Extra 2014 issue.
It features a Collector's guide to a Steam Power Legend - BIG BOY - On the Road to Restoration. The magazine is jammed packed full of history, details, and pictures of the Big Boy.
Among many of the facts that I found very interesting, was the time that it took to design and build the first Big Boy. Would you believe about a year? According to the subject "Trains" magazine, on page 7 -
"Six months to design, fabricate, and acquire parts, and another six months to construct the first locomotive."
Wonder if this feat could be done today . . .
Alex