Union Pacific's Big Boys: Complete History & Restoration

Union Pacific's Big Boys tells the complete story of the legendary 4-8-8-4 steam locomotives that became some of the most famous machines in railroad history. This detailed hardcover book explores the development, operation, retirement, and restoration of the 25 Big Boys built by Union Pacific during the early 1940s.

Created to handle some of the most demanding freight assignments in the railroad industry, the Big Boys represented a remarkable achievement in steam locomotive engineering. Union Pacific's Big Boys explains who designed these massive locomotives, why they were built, how they were used, and the important role they played on Union Pacific's main lines before being retired in the 1950s.

Features include:

• Complete history of all 25 Union Pacific Big Boy locomotives.
• Detailed coverage of their early 1940s development and construction.
• Explanation of why these powerful 4-8-8-4 steam locomotives were created.
• Information about their service history and freight operations.
• Coverage of the retirement of the Big Boys during the transition from steam to diesel power.
• In-depth look at the restoration of Union Pacific No. 4014.
• Follows No. 4014 from its recovery in a California park in 2013 through its restoration and 2019 nationwide tour.
• Includes 175 photographs showcasing the locomotives, restoration work, and railroad history.
• Hardcover format with 224 pages of detailed content.
• Size: 11" x 8.5".

Whether you are a railroad historian, steam locomotive enthusiast, or model railroader, Union Pacific's Big Boys provides an in-depth look at one of the greatest achievements in American steam locomotive history. This book captures the engineering, operation, preservation, and restoration of these iconic locomotives, making it an essential addition to any railroad library.