Got here last night and finally found my way to the depot, which was an adventure in itself for this country fella! Got to watch Amtrak pull away as a couple mechanics were working on the train itself. Talked with the one guy, they are following along in a work truck with misc needed parts for the cars and 3025. Excuse the shaky video, my camera sucks for night stuff without the tripod, and I had to reach up over a chain link fence. Today will be more interesting, taking a old buddy, 74, in declining health to see this big brute. He hasn't set hands on one since 1954-5 when he sat on the dead line in East Auburn as a kid playing.
Not too shaky, at all, and wonderful to see. Boy, I would have been there if not for other obligations. I would have followed the train all the way from Albert Lea to St. Paul. Oh well, at least I actually got to SEE it! In person! Doug
"Today will be more interesting, taking a old buddy, 74, in declining health to see this big brute. He hasn't set hands on one since 1954-5 when he sat on the dead line in East Auburn as a kid playing." As in East Auburn, Wa? BNSF Buddy of mine, gave me the old sign when they replaced them on on the Stamped line.
Got stopped by a train on our way there, And then we get there and a LOT of folk are there!! But we are having a good time! That's my friend Rick in the wheelchair. He used to drive for BN way back and his dad was an NP vet. He needed to get out and see a live steam loco! Has been since 1954-5!! And yes, that's me standing there, too! And some seals and packing are being changed out, We met this fella here, and he too came over from Montana, Kalispell!! Boxcab, do you know this guy? He became a prop for a lot of photos in front of Big Boy here!
And the main packing gland needed replaced. Working under the scrutiny of both a foreman and the public eye. Whew!! Just a detail shot, Finished with this new seal, and explaining it to the crowd! Couldn't get in the cab, but right up next to it, if you waited in line a long time! And not in a wheelchair. Bonus time! Amtrak pulled in too!!
Didn't they have to do one on the other side first day she was out on the road? Maybe they missed something when they put her together the first time. Easy enough to do. Haven't heard about any big problems though. That's pretty good for a machine of that complexity.
Man, that is just great you and your friend got to get up close and personnel with the biggest steam of all times!! Your buddy is a grinning ear to ear like a kid!! Awesome!!
So first thing this morning, we spotted this pickup in Union Yard, which appearred to be the mechanics truck I met while chatting with them the other night at the depot. Took this as a good sign that 4014 would be following the published route through this yard, And while waiting, impatiently, was rewarded with a "snoot!" Headlights!!
And, the headlights were more diesels. We heard her blow the steam whistle a few blocks away on the alternate route! So, we scooted quickly away to try getting to Coon Rapids ahead of her, which we almost succeeded at! While going over the overpass, Rick saw the smoke! And while we U-turned to get up top, she blew by! So, back to the chase! North to Edgewood and the overpass there, and Success!! Yes, thank the good Lord we found her! And so did a few other folk! And waiting patiently until she blew under!!