Union Pacific "Big Boy" now has PTC, can run on its own

[BlackDiamond]

PTC on a steam locomotive - talk about a mixture of technologies.

Union Pacific No. 4014 can now run on its own

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — This week the Union Pacific made a short run with 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 to test the new PTC system installed on the locomotive. While Big Boy has operated with a LeaPTC system since 2021, says a UP statement, the new equipment permits operation without support of a diesel locomotive.

 

[Jdub]

Here's the UP travel schedule for Big Boy coming up soon.https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm

 

[UserNameRequired]

Yesterday, 09-04-24, I have a video from today, but not sure if I can upload video here or not yet... Dispatcher did ask about PTC on the radio, 4014 answered with Lea:

View attachment IMG_3753.JPG

 

[UserNameRequired]

View attachment IMG_3753.JPG

 

[PaTrainFan]

Here a terrific Jay Leno's Garage documentary on Big Boy. About an hour long, very in depth.