Need a push? UP Big Boy is Thunderbird 4014!

[PaulRhB]

Do you need a push? UP 4014 follows in the long tradition of their steam programme being used as emergency help. The push starts 6 min in and at 8:30 pushing hard!
 

 

 

 

[johnofwessex]

I wonder, firstly what was happening with the train engines at the front and secondly was it a 'set up' 

 

 

Edited June 30, 2023 by johnofwessex
clarity

[pH]

Here’s UP 844 assisting a stalled freight several years earlier:
 

https://youtu.be/RU9uEwSGp9M

 

This may be the occasion on which the headend engineer radioed the assisting steam loco along the lines of “We’re in run 8 - how are you doing?” To be told “Just fine - we’re in notch 48”. Diesel and steam controls obviously somewhat different.

Edited June 30, 2023 by pH
Spelling (me, not autocorrect.)

[PaulRhB]

10 minutes ago, johnofwessex said:

I wonder, firstly what was happening with the train engines at the front and secondly was it a 'set up' 

 

 

They had stalled, reason unknown at present, and no it wasn’t a setup using the train behind to assist is common practice over there and as noted in the comments both 844 the 4-8-4 and 3985 Challenger have also assisted failed trains in the past. As far as UP are concerned the steam engines are working locos and can be called on to assist. The retired supremo of the UP steam program, Steve Lee, made that their core principle and what has largely meant it’s the only big corporate steam program left. If it was a setup you wouldn’t do it out on the road as it’s unnecessary risk and like 3985 on double stacks you’d put it in the front and tell everyone!

UP love publicity only a few fans chasing this positioning move caught the event. 
 

 

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

Was 4015 providing any assistance, and what is it's role in the consist, back up traction, auxiliary generator?

 

Mike.

[PaulRhB]

15 minutes ago, Enterprisingwestern said:

 

Was 4015 providing any assistance,

 

Don’t know, you can’t hear it powering so I don’t think so. 

 

15 minutes ago, Enterprisingwestern said:

 

and what is it's role in the consist, back up traction, auxiliary generator?

 

Mike.

Yes backup in case of failure to clear the line, power assist in long tunnels to save choking crew and passengers, train braking using its dynamics to save brake shoes and it has been reported as being used as a dynamic load on light trains. 
 

Response from Ed Dickens, in charge of the steam program, about wear and tear here,

 

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/why-does-the-big-boy-need-a-diesel-helper-the-answer-from-ed-himself

 

Edited June 30, 2023 by PaulRhB