Customer Reviews

Big Boy

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This book is a great overview of the 4000 class UP "Big Boy" locomotives. The author goes through the why the Big Boy was needed, its design requirements, initial testing data, and the major components. Throughout the author gives nice anecdotes pertaining to the topic in discussion. There are great diagrams like the Wyoming Division Main Line grade charts, weight distribution, curve clearances, horsepower and drawbar pull curves, and testing data. All photos are great showing the parts being discussed either in the original ALCO erection shops or UP's maintenance shops. It's great to see the pictures of this locomotive while it was being built, showing the details not seen, like the articulation joint and its massive pin. The action shots are good showing this locomotive doing what it was built to do.

In summation, this book is a great overview of this locomotive. The author paints a picture of what it was like to build, operate, and maintain these giants. My only wish is that this book had more technical details about Big Boys design, operations, power output, etc (this fact might inspire me to write my own volume on Big Boy!).

Contents: Forward, pp. 5-6; Design and Operations, pp. 7-26; The Smokebox, pp. 27-30; The Boiler, pp. 31-36; The Firebox, pp. 37-42; Frames and Running Gear, pp. 43-60; Cab and Appliances, pp. 61-64; The Tender, pp. 65-69; Portfolio of the Big Boys, pp. 70-76; Big Boys in Action, pp. 77-96.

Lastly, the edition I bought was the first published in 1972 in soft cover. In 2004 this book was repubished with a hardcover, and it can easily be distinguished since the words "Big Boy" on the cover are in red. In both editions, all photos are in black and white. There is also a large fold out insert of the 4002 locomotive measuring about 11" x 35". Overall a great little gem!