Big Boy Visit

[Mick_Berg]

I was amazed and somewhat embarrassed to discover, just a few weeks ago, that there is a UP Big Boy locomotive at the LA County fairgrounds, and it has been there since 1962! I've been living in LA since 1980 and never knew this. Yesterday I went to look at it and Boy, is it Big!
Very enjoyable experience. I recommend it to anyone living reasonably near.
Mick Berg.

 

[bendorsey]

I think there are 6 or 7 (possibly more) preserved here and there in parks. Some I've heard aren't in particularly bad shape and could perhaps be restored to operation but the only two locations to turn one are only 40 miles apart (not to mention it would cost major $$$). UP sez it would be next to impossible to convert one to oil but they didn't seem to have any problems doing that to thier challenger did they, lol.

Ben

 

[ulmer94]

I think there are 6 or 7 (possibly more) preserved here and there in parks. Some I've heard aren't in particularly bad shape and could perhaps be restored to operation but the only two locations to turn one are only 40 miles apart (not to mention it would cost major $$$). UP sez it would be next to impossible to convert one to oil but they didn't seem to have any problems doing that to thier challenger did they, lol.

Ben

Not only are the places to turn it around scarce, not only would it be difficult and costly to restore and convert it to oil, but think of all the bridges and curves they'd have to replace to accommodate that beast, and then they'd only run it once or twice, maybe three times per year...not very feasible.

PS - There are 8 surviving Big Boys, IIRC. They are all in parks or museums.

 

[bendorsey]

Gotta agree with you. Would be nice but extreamly imparactical (darn).

Ben

 

[505657j]

I've been there many times, and have taken some detailed shots of both 5021 and 3450

 

[Mick_Berg]

I should add there is also a wonderful "G" guage model railroad there (LA COunty Fairgrounds) as well.
Mick.