Union Pacific Big Boy

Beautiful pictures and video Erik!!!

Great photos and video Erik:

There is something so magical about seeing that iron monster on the move, and under power!!!!

I hope to see the "Big Boy" in person next year when we visit the States again, and head out through Wyoming. Just love that part of your country.

Peter......down-under in Queensland, Australia.

Wish your video had sound Erik!

Beautiful photos!

So I have to ask if that cover photo is one of yours?

I love to see all of your work. You deserve many rewards!

Thanks, Erik, for using your gift of artistic talent, your superior photographic skill, and your kindness, to create these wonderful images and then share them with us.  It always lightens my heart when I see dramatic photos of steam locomotives at work.

Truly, the Union Pacific 4-8-8-4's are in an elite group of steam locomotives built late in their era, which comprise the very pinnacle of manually-operated precision machinery.  Anyone with feelings cannot fail to admire such a locomotive.

Erik,

One can never be certain if your photographs are real or models.  Beautiful pictures!

Larry

Beautiful pictures really enjoyed them and the video.

 I have to ask a novice question...how do they synchronize the speed of the diesel at the tail end so it's neither pushing nor dragging on the steamer ?

G-Man24 posted:

Beautiful pictures really enjoyed them and the video.

 I have to ask a novice question...how do they synchronize the speed of the diesel at the tail end so it's neither pushing nor dragging on the steamer ?

The Engineer in the diesel is instructed how much throttle, i.e. assistance, to provide in order to maintaining the desired train speed, by radio from the Engineer in the 4014. That said, pretty much all other main line steam locomotives in the U.S., that need "diesel assist", have a Diesel MU Control Box at the Engineer's position in the cab of the steam locomotive, in order for the steam Engineer to control the trailing diesel as he desires.

Hot Water posted:

G-Man24 posted:

Beautiful pictures really enjoyed them and the video.

 I have to ask a novice question...how do they synchronize the speed of the diesel at the tail end so it's neither pushing nor dragging on the steamer ?

The Engineer in the diesel is instructed how much throttle, i.e. assistance, to provide in order to maintaining the desired train speed, by radio from the Engineer in the 4014. That said, pretty much all other main line steam locomotives in the U.S., that need "diesel assist", have a Diesel MU Control Box at the Engineer's position in the cab of the steam locomotive, in order for the steam Engineer to control the trailing diesel as he desires.

Thank you for answering a question I have often pondered. I imagine a slight push would not be bad but there must be a point where if it's  pushing too hard it wants to jackknife or accordion the cars especially in a turn.  

G-Man24 posted:

Hot Water posted:

G-Man24 posted:

Beautiful pictures really enjoyed them and the video.

 I have to ask a novice question...how do they synchronize the speed of the diesel at the tail end so it's neither pushing nor dragging on the steamer ?

The Engineer in the diesel is instructed how much throttle, i.e. assistance, to provide in order to maintaining the desired train speed, by radio from the Engineer in the 4014. That said, pretty much all other main line steam locomotives in the U.S., that need "diesel assist", have a Diesel MU Control Box at the Engineer's position in the cab of the steam locomotive, in order for the steam Engineer to control the trailing diesel as he desires.

Thank you for answering a question I have often pondered. I imagine a slight push would not be bad but there must be a point where if it's  pushing too hard it wants to jackknife or accordion the cars especially in a turn.  

No, that doesn't happen. Look at all those freight trains with mid-train and rearend helpers. Also, that short train consist in Eric's photos above, with the diesel on the very rearend, was the "break-in run". The diesel on the rear provided some dynamic braking load for the 4014, plus was used to pull the whole consist BACK to Cheyenne. That rearend diesel did NOT provide any "pushing power". 

When the 4014 is on the road with it's passenger train, the diesel/diesels right behind the two auxiliary water tenders do indeed provide power assistance in order to maintain track speed so the 4014 doesn't have to work too hard. That way the Engineer on the 4014 can set the throttle a a specific amount, and then have the diesel/diesels maintain/control train speed.

Eric, this is an amazing thread, very good photography, simply fun to view. Your a fantastic modeler, photographer, and a great ambassador to our hobby.  Happy Railroading 

Very informative, thanks.

Thanks guys !