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Post by Peterj on Oct 21, 2019 2:45:21 GMT
Completion if the world's first transcontinental railroad (May 10,1869). This joined our east to west - on equal footing as our sending a man to the moon. By the summer of 1868, the Central Pacific (CP) had completed the first rail route through the Sierra Nevada mountains, and was now moving down towards the Interior Plains and the Union Pacific (UP) line.
Union Pacific celebrated this historic event with The Great Race Across the Southwest and a 5 year restoration on the world's largest steam locomotive nicknamed Big Boy. I enjoyed a week of planning and train chasing. I captured Big Boy (U.P. 4014) on the rails in 2 locations: Marana, AZ (10/17) and Ciénega Creek, AZ (10/19)
Marana: 
Ciénega Creek:
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Post by Lillias on Oct 21, 2019 9:06:25 GMT
These images are wonderful Peter and nice to read some of the story of the Big Boy train.
I particularly like your close up black and white image of the complex mechanics and engineering of the train. It really is amazing what man can do when he sets his mind to it.
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Post by hmca on Oct 21, 2019 13:22:14 GMT
Wonderful captures, Peter. Thanks for sharing. How great to be able to witness this historic event!
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Post by whippet on Oct 21, 2019 18:23:00 GMT
I think 'Big Boy' has been misnamed. The Hulk would have suited it better. You can tell that there is a mighty lot of power there. And, as Lillias said, the b/w close up is fantastic. Thank you for telling the story, and showing those great pictures. Did you get to have a ride on Big Boy, or was it just the chase? Just noticed - only ladies have replied so far.  |
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Post by Peterj on Oct 21, 2019 23:21:54 GMT
"Big Boy" name came from U.P
No ride just the chase ... but that was loads of fun!
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Post by kdcintx on Oct 22, 2019 21:07:39 GMT
Thank you for the history lesson and your photos of Big Boy show he lives up to his name.
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Post by dandc on Oct 22, 2019 22:03:12 GMT
Great shots Peter! We were able to chase the Big Boy, double-headed with 844, across Wyoming to Cheyenne after it finished the Anniversary events in Ogden. My son and family enjoyed it so much they chased it again from Las Vegas to So. California when it was there recently. Always enjoy taking and seeing railroad photography, especially steam power.
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