Only 25 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" steam locomotives were built, and all 25 went to Union Pacific. They were in service for roughly 20 years, from 1941 to 1961. Fortunately eight of the units were preserved after their retirement more than 50 years ago. All eight were put on static display, incapable of operating under their own steam. That will soon no longer be the case for UP 4014. UP reacquired the unit (in exchange for a caboose, an insulated box car, and an SD40-2. After 52 years of being on display in Pomona, CA, UP 4014 is "headed home" to Cheyenne, WY.
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