TY for sharing those David.....I had to lookup what 4-8-8-4 meant and found out that due to their great length, the frames of the Big Boys are “hinged,” or articulated, to allow them to negotiate curves. They have a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement, which means they have four wheels on the leading set of “pilot” wheels to guide the engine; eight drivers on the first engine; another set of eight drivers on the second engine; and four wheels trailing that support the rear of the locomotive. Fantastic history!
Both ends of a BNSF coal train. The 5703 loco in the old paint scheme may never be featured in one of those "Dirty Diesel" videos, but it was doing some smokin' as it pulled that load of coal.
1967redrider wrote: ↑Mon Jul 20, 2026 6:01 pm
Nice shots, Ike. How's your search for X4014 coming along?
Don't kick me off of this thread, but I decided against going to see old 4014. I have seen it twice in the last 5 years and decided against getting out in a crowd in this miserable heat just to see it stationary. There is another Big Boy on static display at the National Museum of Transportation in St Louis that I can go see anytime, and one is able to go inside the cab. John, you really should plan to stop by the NMoT if you take another trip thru StL in the future.
Waukonda wrote: ↑Mon Jul 20, 2026 6:45 pmDon't kick me off of this thread......
I think your OK Ike the heat has driven most of us indoors this summer and your ability to to visit the NMoT anytime is awesome
Knowing how fanatical the redrider is about trains, he is probably making plans now for a secret vote as to whether I stay or go. I may end up being relegated to the "Gardenia Club".
Waukonda wrote: ↑Mon Jul 20, 2026 6:45 pmDon't kick me off of this thread......
I think your OK Ike the heat has driven most of us indoors this summer and your ability to to visit the NMoT anytime is awesome
Knowing how fanatical the redrider is about trains, he is probably making plans now for a secret vote as to whether I stay or go. I may end up being relegated to the "Gardenia Club".
When we were driving through St. Louis en route to see the arch, we drove through some really cool railfanning areas. I need to find that museum next time, if and when that is.
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
Those are some great pictures, love those old switchers and small town crossings.
Thanks buddy! Haven't had any good pics the share lately. When I saw that switcher sitting there this morning had to get some pics to share. I've never seen a switcher here before. It was a pleasant surprise.
Waukonda wrote: ↑Mon Jul 20, 2026 5:41 pm
Both ends of a BNSF coal train. The 5703 loco in the old paint scheme may never be featured in one of those "Dirty Diesel" videos, but it was doing some smokin' as it pulled that load of coal.
How's your search for X4014 coming along?
the heat has driven most of us indoors this summer and your ability to to visit the NMoT anytime is awesome 
I may end up being relegated to the "Gardenia Club".
