Biggest Badest Steam Locomotive Ever
by Gene Walls
Title
Biggest Badest Steam Locomotive Ever
Artist
Gene Walls
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This coal fired steam locomotive is over 132 feet long with almost 7,000 horsepower of brute pulling capacity. The engine is aptly named the "Big Boy". It is the biggest, most powerful steam locomotive ever built!
These enormous engines were specifically designed to carry the heaviest loads over the highest mountains, from coast to coast. This model is "articulated", with a hinged section in the middle, to allow it to navigate the tight turns on narrow mountain passages.
The Union Pacific 4012 Big Boy was an essential contributor to America's war effort during WWII. The Big Boys transported the tanks, big guns, trucks, supplies and soldiers from all across the country. It delivered the supplies and personnel to the ships that carried them into the war zones.
There were twenty-five Big Boys produced between 1941 and '44. The #4012 is one of only eight that remain intact today. This is one very impressive machine!
This Union Pacific No. 4012 is currently on static display at Steamtown, USA, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA. This site is a National Park that is dedicated to the preservation of America's incredibly significant Railroad Train history.
This photograph was captured on Veteran's Day, November 11th, 2013. It was taken with a Canon 5D DSLR, through a Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L lens at the 63mm focal length. The shutter speed was 1/200 sec, with an aperture of f/13, ISO 100. The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto tripod, with a Manfrotto 222 Pistol Grip head. A remote shutter release cable was also used.
© 2014 Gene Walls
All copyright and reproduction rights are retained by the artist. Artwork may not be reproduced or altered by any process without the express written permission of the artist. This includes my image and the 100% original text that describes the work. A copyright watermark is embedded within the image to guarantee successful prosecution, in the event of any violation.
Uploaded
January 27th, 2014
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Viewed 1,104 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/28/2024 at 12:32 AM
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Comments (24)
Joseph C Hinson Photography
Great shot here. Thanks for sharing. Union Pacific did well to preserve as many of these as they did. And believe it or not, one of them will be riding the rails again in a few years. they are restoring the #4014 to excursion service!
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you very much, Joseph! I actually watched as the X4014 was moved from Pomona, CA on a live feed. I would love to photograph that Big Boy with a full head of steam someday. Best regards, Gene
Emmy Vickers
Revisiting already. I love this capture Gene. B&W really brings out the details and power of this awesome amazing locomotive! I already liked/voted, but I failed to add to my favorites, so I have now done so. I also tweeted. Perfect composition!
Emmy Vickers
I love it! Awesome capture of this steam locomotive. I love trains. Well composed. L/V.
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you very kindly, Emmy! It's the most impressive locomotive I have ever seen, for sure. Wonderful wishes, Gene
Marcia Colelli
Beautiful composition with great details of the vintage beauty. Nice in the B&W tones L
Jack Zulli
This image conveys a strength of technology past! Well done Gene! ...B/W works for this image;) v.
Music of the Heart
Such a beautiful piece of old technology. Your perspective is wonderful and very much inspiring. Excellent work Gene. L/F
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you very kindly! The "Big Boy" was a state-of-the-art steam engine in its day. Another T-1 Big Boy (No, 4014) is being fully restored in Wyoming this year. I hope to see that one in action someday. Kindest regards, Gene
Donna Kennedy
Fabulous shot of this old timer Gene, love it!...fav/tweet/vote
Gene Walls replied:
Thanks, Donna! This is engine No. 4012. I recently learned that Big Boy #4014 is being fully restored and will return to the tracks again. I can't wait! Kindest regards, Gene