Rebuilding schedule for 4014

I recall reading that the Union Pacific intended to have the #4014 restored and operable by May 10, 2019, the 150th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike.  Made sense to me since that is a significant date in the annals of railroad history, particularly that of the U.P.  In 1969, on May 10th, the 100th anniversary, I attended a commemoration of the "Great Event" at Promontory, UT where about 20 times as many people attended as were present for the original ceremony.  It was a very moving experience and If I am able to make it, I intend to be at the 150th celebration, God willing.

But at the first anniversary in 1969, not only was the #8444 brought out but NKP Berk #769 (I think),

Close, it was NKP 759 that pulled the Gold Spike Special from New York to Kansas City. However, the UP would not allow the NKP 759 to proceed on the UP line to Utah, thus the passenger special was handled by diesels. The UP operated specials between Ogden and Salt Lake City with FEF-3 8444. I don't recall any other steam locomotives being present for the "event".

Great Western #90 and several other smaller engines were present.  As was explained to me, the U.P. intended to have the #4014 operable and nearby for the 2019 festivities.  Now, I understand that the restoration has been put on the "back burner: so to speak and all the attention is being given the #844.  That would be a shame, in my opinion, if, after all the hullabaloo about purchasing and moving the Big Boy, remodeling the shop, and then only to miss that important date.

Do any of you know just when work will start on the #4014 and if,

No. No "schedule" has been announced. In fact there is no longer any work being done on #4014.

in fact, they do intend to complete it by 2019?

Difficult to predict, especially with the current business down-turn and impending budget cuts and lay-offs, system wide.

Paul Fischer