UP 4014

4019 did for a few months after the end of WW2.

 

If the U is out of gauge I am sure this will fit just fine.

 

Ed Dickens
29 September at 03:09 ·
Question: What is the purpose of the Elephant Ears, Wind or Smoke Wings/Lifters?
My detailed answer:
UP designed wind or smoke wings, elephant ears etc were not designed to “lift smoke” per se. The concept is quite simple, they create a visual path between the plate and the smoke box that is clear(er) as the locomotive is drifting often times with unfavorable crosswinds on the vast openess of Wyoming and Nebraska. I have experienced this numerous times over the years particularly in cooler weather while drifting downgrade when the lower exhaust pressures in a drifting condition are inadequate to carry the smoke and steam vapor upward - it therefore will continuously wrap around and downward swirling around quite effectively obscuring the view of the engine crew.
As many people have likely observed over the past several years of operating the 4014, the smoke is carried high with sufficient exhaust pressure to carry the smoke upward - another handy use for that MU’d (Multiple Unit electrically connected and controlled from the cab of the 4014) dynamic brake as I’ve mentioned over the years, hold the train back and permit higher drifting throttle operation to give the fireman more exhaust to work with for both Elesco TP503 exhaust steam injector and on the UP 844 the wonderful Worthington SA - 5. Both of these feedwater devices utilize exhaust steam and the higher exhaust pressures result in improved operation while drifting.
As with everything that was designed and installed on the major classes of UP Steam, they were based on trial and testing, and they were there because they served an important function.
Additionally, these devices were typically applied to locomotives assigned to passenger service, while the Big Boys did pull such trains on several occasions over the years, they were simply too much power and too big (just like today, only use what we need to pull tonnage) for such service and were considered to be wasteful and therfore utilized where they could earn their keep pulling full freight tonnage.
So - enjoy this temporary addition while you can.
Thanks for reading.
Ed

 

Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 42 - Jan. 8, 2026





We know everyone is super excited to learn more about the 2026 Steam Tour. The steam crew is hard at work planning as we pursue what is possible. Stay tuned for updates; as always, Steam Club members will be the FIRST to know when we have more information to share!


2026 Steam Merch is On Its Way!

New 2026 steam souvenirs are now available to pre-order from UnionPacificStore.com, with new products anticipated to be available for shipping in the coming days. Place your orders now to be ready when the Big Boy heads out to celebrate America's 250th birthday!

And don't forget to order your copy of the official 2026 Union Pacific calendar as well!


The Big 90

Check out the Niles 90-inch wheel lathe that our Union Pacific steam crew has been rebuilding at the Cheyenne Steam Shop. Intended to ensure that No. 844 "The Living Legend" and Big Boy No. 4014 can receive in-house maintenance, this massive piece of history represents the heart and soul of railroading. Union Pacific is proud of the hard work our Steam program does to keep our legacy running strong now and into the future.

Please enjoy these before-and-after photos showcasing the hard work and dedication that goes into preserving these iconic machines!








Remember Safety First!

At railroad crossings, ALWAYS expect a train on any track, at any time, in either direction. ALWAYS stay at least 25 feet back. Remember, NO TRESPASSING!

That's all for now. Stay safe everyone – 25 feet back from all railroad tracks! Always!

Union Pacific Steam Club

 

Latest update on the trip East.

Here's the latest from the UP Steam Club!



Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 43 - Jan. 26, 2026



Correction: An earlier version of this email had incomplete dates for our stop in Ogden. Big Boy will be in Ogden on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19. Sorry for the confusion.



Union Pacific will join the nation in celebrating 250 years of American independence and innovation this year with its first-ever coast-to-coast steam tour led by the legendary Big Boy No. 4014. The first leg of the tour starts Sunday, March 29, with the Big Boy and several historical passenger cars from Union Pacific's Heritage Fleet traveling west to California from Cheyenne, Wyoming, the steam locomotive's homebase. The first leg of the tour ends Friday, April 24, in Cheyenne.

Two major public display days are set:

· Friday Saturday, April 10-11: Roseville, California

· Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19: Ogden, Utah

A daily schedule with additional stops along with a map of the route will be released closer to the tour's launch. The eastern leg of the tour, anticipated to start in late spring, is still being finalized and will be announced soon.

There will NOT be any passenger excursions offered on the first leg of the tour.

Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will be joined by two commemorative locomotives, including the railroad's newest locomotive: No. 1776 – America250. This new commemorative locomotive pays tribute to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of this nation. The locomotive will feature the emblem of the America250 Semiquincentennial Commission, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation's 250th anniversary. More information about No. 1776 will be announced soon.

"We are proud to honor our nation's great history and legacy of innovation with our heritage locomotives. For the first time, we will share the Big Boy with communities on the East Coast, operating it from ocean to ocean," said CEO Jim Vena. "America has never been afraid to dream about what's possible – and neither is Union Pacific as we carry the grain that feeds families, the steel that builds cities and the household goods that stock store shelves."

Union Pacific is proud that our efforts to create America's first transcontinental railroad are making a coast-to-coast Big Boy tour possible. Our combination with Norfolk Southern will strengthen America's competitiveness, enhance safety, safeguard union jobs and deliver exceptional service. If you would like to learn more or write a letter of support, visit AmericasGreatConnection.com. Submitting your letter of support is easy! Access the community letter form, validate your email address, complete the required fields and submit!


2026 Steam Merch is In Stock!

New 2026 steam souvenirs are now available from UnionPacificStore.com. Place your orders now to be ready when the Big Boy heads out to celebrate America's 250th birthday!

And don't forget to order your copy of the official 2026 Union Pacific calendar as well!


Safety First!

This coast-to-coast tour has expanded the membership of our Steam Club to thousands of new members across the country. We know how excited communities will be as the Big Boy whistles its approach, but we want to remind everyone of some simple safety rules:

· Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks. This includes drones.

· Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property - do not trespass.

· Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a train.

· Be a safe and considerate driver - do not pace the train.

· Be aware of the environment: While we strive to provide access to all guests, Big Boy is positioned in a working rail environment with uneven walking surfaces that may create difficulty for accessibility.

That's all for now. We'll have more information soon, and as always, Steam Club members will be the first to know.

Union Pacific Steam Club

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