Riverview in Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Big Boy

4023

December 26, 2024

1. The Big Boy Marker

Inscription. Locomotive 4023, built in November of 1944, was one of 25 famous "Big Boy" type articulated locomotives. They were designed in Omaha by Union Pacific's mechanical officer Otto Jabelmann and his engineering team to support the nation's entry into World War II. Built for speed, the coal-burning, stoker-fired Big Boys guaranteed Union Pacific's status as the nation's fastest railroad. They primarily hauled heavy eastbound freight trains between Ogden, Utah, and Green River, Wyoming, over a 1.14 percent grade. Referred to as the 4-8-8-4 for the locomotive's wheel configuration, the Big Boy was lauded in the industry and press as the most powerful, heaviest and longest steam locomotive ever built. Despite a running weight of 1.25 million pounds, the Big Boy had pulling power equal to 7,000 horsepower at its 70 miles per hour design speed.
American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York, built the first 20 Big Boys in 1941. Locomotive 4023 was one of five additional Big Boys built in 1944 under government authority, in preparation for increased rail traffic due to the shift from European to Pacific war operations. After

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the war, diesel locomotives eventually surpassed the Big Boys. In their final days, they ran between Cheyenne and Laramie over Wyoming's famous Sherman Hill.

The last run of 4023 was July 20, 1959. Eleven days later, it was put in storage in Cheyenne. Locomotive 4023 was officially retired in July 1962, after logging 829,295 miles. It has been displayed in Omaha since 1975.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is July 20, 1959.

Location. 41° 13.93′ N, 95° 55.074′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in Riverview. It can be reached from Bancroft Street ¼ mile east of Bancroft Plaza. Located in the upper plaza of Kenefick Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha NE 68108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically,

The Big Boy Marker, Right Photo Panel image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

2. The Big Boy Marker, Right Photo Panel

it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Union Pacific Railroad (a few steps from this marker); The Centennial (a few steps from this marker); Kenefick Park Canyon Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Union Pacific and Omaha (within shouting distance of this marker); Legends of Union Pacific (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kenefick Park (about 600 feet away); A New World of Plants (about 700 feet away); Western Historic Trails Center; Starting the Journey (approx. one mile away in Iowa). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.

The Big Boy Marker, Left Photo Panel image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

3. The Big Boy Marker, Left Photo Panel

December 26, 2024

4. The Big Boy & Marker

December 26, 2024

5. The Big Boy

Inside the Cab of the Big Boy image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

6. Inside the Cab of the Big Boy

The Big Boy Specifications Marker image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

7. The Big Boy Specifications Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2025. This page has been viewed 366 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 15, 2025.