Weekend Steam: AI Reports On Big Boy 4014

 Thanks, Merle! That appears to be mostly good info. Compounding was tried and used for a while, but superheaters improved efficiency without the problems of compounding locos, and the steam era finished out with simple engines.

Weekend Steam II: Private Locomotive Collection

 AI would be much better if real humans narrated, but Oh Well, or words to that effect. This is a new one on me, and I will be looking it up. It looks like a good trip to take.  Many Thanks, Merle, for the tip!

Tuesday Torque: Mt. Washington Cog Railway

 Merle sent a short video (Thank You, Merle!) about this railway, and when I look on YouTube there are more videos about it than you can shake a stick at!  I grabbed a couple, and I hope you like them. There is no "Coast Daddy, Coast! on this trip!

Weekend Steam: Achensee, Austria

 Thanks, Merle!

Weekend Steam II: U.P. 844 Highballing!

 After all the excitement about Big Boy 4014 this year, we need to remember Number 844, the only steam locomotive that was never retired, and also run by Union Pacific. According to an interview with Ed Dickens, the 844 needs some work done on it, but steam locos are known for their high maintenance demands, and I am sure U.P. will be featuring 844 again. It is a beast of an engine!  Many thanks to Merle for this!

Weekend Steam II: Achensee, Austria

 

Note the cog that is visible under the belly of the engine. This loco is meant for hitching to a rack and pulling a steep grade.  Many Thanks, Merle!

Achensee, Austria link

Weekend Steam: Brenda Stant, Engineers and Engines Magazine Hits A Home Run!

Sixty years ago Stan Mathews of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa went to California and brought back the Number 9 Shay Locomotive from West Side Lumber Company. The current issue of Engineers and Engines has an in depth article about Number 9, and if you don't already subscribe, you need to call Brenda and start your subscription. The article is packed with photos and history that most people never learn. Number 9 has been hauling passengers on the Midwest Central and the Georgetown Loop for more years than it pulled logs out of the California forests.   

I was just 15 years old when the Shay arrived at Old Threshers and the Midwest Central. I was so thrilled that I paid $10 for a share in the railroad and got a lifetime pass, which I still have, just in case I get back to Old Threshers again. I even rode around the grounds once in the cab with Stan Mathews at the throttle. 

Here's your info to subscribe to Brenda's wonderful magazine:

While you are on the phone with Brenda, be sure to purchase the new steam engine calendar for 2027!

Engineers and Engines is my primary source for keeping up with the shows that are around us. Next weekend is American Threshermen at Pinckneyville, and Pontiac and Sycamore shows happen soon. Old Threshers at Mt. Pleasant is September 3-7. Boonville, Indiana will be coming up October 10. 

Zeke and me with Number 9 in 1984.

Weekend Steam: Big Boy 4014 Returns To Cheyenne

 We have been watching Big Boy nearly every day on the coast to coast journey, and now it looks like a normal engine to us. I did not expect that! 

Weekend Steam: Big Boy At St. Louis and Kansas City

 Leaving St. Louis:

Leaving Kansas City:

Pacing Big Boy

 

Big Boy Heading To Jefferson City, Missouri

Big Boy, Pacific, Missouri

Big Boy Near Washington, Missouri

Big Boy In St. Louis

 

Weekend Steam II: Interviews With Ed Dickens

Link To Video

Weekend Steam: Where's Big Boy?

 Through Illinois, from Chicago to St. Louis. This is near Pontiac.

Springfield, Illinois

Near Girard, Illinois.

Big Boy At the Arch.

Weekend Steam III: Big Boy Wheel Slip At Horseshoe Curve

Weekend Steam II: Interview With Ed Dickens

Weekend Steam: Tracking Big Boy

Weekend Steam: Big Boy Returns To The Rails!