Cheyenne in Laramie County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Cheyenne's Big Boy 4004
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 27, 2016
1. Cheyenne's Big Boy 4004 Marker
Inscription.
Cheyenne's Big Boy 4004. . Twenty-five Big Boys, the world's largest steam engines, were built exclusively for Union Pacific by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York between 1941 and 1944. Each locomotive was 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds. Because of their great length, the frames of the the Big Boys were "hinged" or articulated to allow them to negotiate curves. During construction of the first engine, a worker chalked "Big Boy" on the smoke box door, and the nickname was adopted. The massive engines normally operated on the rugged run between Cheyenne and Ogden, Utah. , On October 31, 1958, Cheyenne's 4004 took its final run, traveling from Cheyenne to Laramie. It was stored for a few years in Laramie before being donated to the City of Cheyenne. The 4004 was moved to Holliday Park on June 28, 1963 on 600 feet of temporary track connecting the park with Union Pacific's track. Cheyenne's 4004 is one of eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country. ,
Other train attractions in Cheyenne , Cheyenne Depot (121 W. 15th St.) . Cheyenne Depot Museum (121 W. 15th St.) . Engine 1242 (Carey Ave. and Lions Park Dr.) . French Merci Train (2001 E. Lincolnway) . Ames Monument (West on I-80, Exit 329) .
Twenty-five Big Boys, the world's largest steam engines, were built exclusively for Union Pacific by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York between 1941 and 1944. Each locomotive was 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds. Because of their great length, the frames of the the Big Boys were "hinged" or articulated to allow them to negotiate curves. During construction of the first engine, a worker chalked "Big Boy" on the smoke box door, and the nickname was adopted. The massive engines normally operated on the rugged run between Cheyenne and Ogden, Utah.
On October 31, 1958, Cheyenne's 4004 took its final run, traveling from Cheyenne to Laramie. It was stored for a few years in Laramie before being donated to the City of Cheyenne. The 4004 was moved to Holliday Park on June 28, 1963 on 600 feet of temporary track connecting the park with Union Pacific's track. Cheyenne's 4004 is one of eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country.
Other train attractions in Cheyenne
Cheyenne Depot (121 W. 15th St.) • Cheyenne Depot Museum (121 W. 15th St.) • Engine 1242 (Carey Ave. & Lions Park Dr.) • French Merci Train (2001 E. Lincolnway) • Ames Monument (West on I-80, Exit 329)
Erected by City of Cheyenne.
Topics. This historical
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marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is October 31, 1958.
Location. 41° 8.207′ N, 104° 48.004′ W. Marker is in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in Laramie County. Marker can be reached from East Lincolnway (Route 30) near Nation Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1142 East Lincolnway, Cheyenne WY 82001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
"Big Boy" the world's largest steam locomotive No. 4004 built in 1941. Designed especially for use by the Union Pacific on its rugged Cheyenne to Ogden, Utah run. Retired from service October 1958. Weight 1,208,750 lbs. Overall lengtg 132 ft. 9-3/4". Fuel capacity 28 tons, water capacity 25,000 gallons, cost of locomotive $265,000.00. 44,545 miles run.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,026 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 15, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.