Around The Museum Blog

January 25 and 26, 2014
Big Boy #4014 departs the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds after 19,011 days here

Beginning on Saturday night, and into Sunday afternoon, a major event in railroad history transpired. Union Pacific, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA; a joint powers authority operating Metrolink commuter passenger trains), Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and their rail construction contractors, executed a coordinated plan. Over 16 hours, Big Boy #4014 was transported from its 52-year home at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds to Union Pacific’s West Colton facility, and RailGiants’ new equipment was delivered to the fairgrounds from West Colton.

Much security and law enforcement was on-hand to help maintain safety for everyone involved all along its journey. A Union Pacific Police officer posed for our photographer Steve Crise early on the evening of Saturday, January 25, 2014

Hundreds and hundreds of spectators were present at the fairgrounds parking lot to witness Big Boy #4014 return to the national rail network during the predawn hours of Sunday morning, and at its public display at the Covina Metrolink station after sunrise. Others followed the train on its journey to West Colton and waited along trackside to cheer it along towards a successful restoration.

Spectators at the fairgrounds enjoyed an excellent view as close as a few dozen feet from the track. It was an overnight event all there will never forget. Our photographer Steve Crise snapped this photo of many of the gathered onlookers from the Metrolink construction area.

Timeline of events

Below is a detailed description and photo of significant events transpiring overnight involving Big Boy #4014’s departure from the fairgrounds, and the delivery of UP locomotive #3105, UP boxcar #453665, and UPP caboose #24567 to the fairgrounds.

Big Boy #4014 is referenced herein as “UPP #4014”, to reflect its official reporting mark in Union Pacific’s roster on January 25 and 26, 2014.

All times listed are the best know time of events, as witnessed and recorded by RailGiants Train Museum staff. All times are expressed in Pacific Daylight Time, which is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) less 8 hours.

We greatly appreciate the results of the photographic work of our members Steve Crise, Shelley Hunter, Danny Mouawad, and Steve McFerson. Steve Crise and Shelley Hunter were a few of the photographers permitted to enter Metrolink’s right-of-way and construction area to capture events most railfans on the fairgrounds could not access.

January 25, about 9:30pm
Departure from West Colton

Special train PWCWC2 25 (Passenger; West Colton CA to West Colton CA) departed Union Pacific’s West Colton facility as UP #1596 lead westbound on U.P.’s Alhambra Sub, with the following consist:

UP #1596
UP #1739
UPP #24567
UP #453665
UP #3105
UP #4884
10 loaded grain freight cars
UP #1996

SD40-N Locomotive
SD40-N Locomotive
CA13-2 Caboose
Insulated Boxcar
SD40-2C Locomotive
SD70-M Locomotive

SD70-ACe Locomotive

Destination: L.A. County Fairgrounds
Destination: L.A. County Fairgrounds
Destination: L.A. County Fairgrounds

Specially painted Heritage unit commemorating Southern Pacific

January 25, 9:50pm
The last Metrolink train

Last train of the evening passed Big Boy #4014 and its panel track at the fairgrounds. Eastbound Metrolink passenger train #376 from Los Angeles to San Bernardino passed as Veolia track crews waived while standing on the Big Boy panel tracks. RBRX #18520 F59PH locomotive (ex-GOT #520) is currently leased from Rosen Beaudin Railway. The latter two Metrolink trains of that evening (and all during the following morning) were cancelled, annulled, or substituted by busses. Photo by Steve Crise.

January 25, 9:57pm to January 26, 12:30am
Metrolink’s track construction contractors (Veolia) begin their work on the rails

10:28 pm
Track crews began slicing the rails of Metrolink's San Gabriel Sub in preparation of sliding them a few feet south to connect the panel track where UPP #4014 awaits. Photo by Steve Crise.

10:38pm
With both rails then severed, crews gently slid the western side of the cut main line track into position to size and trim cut to the panel track where UPP #4014 waited. Photo by Steve Crise.

11:11pm
The Metrolink mainline to Covina has been attached to the temporary panel track that leads inside the fairgrounds. Crews added Ballast to the rerouted tracks. Photo by Steve Crise.

10:55pm
Track crews sliced the panel track rails to fit the already cut Metrolink rails being swung into alignment. Photo by Steve Crise.

11:42 pm
Workmen made a few finishing touches to the rerouted rails with hand tools and machines. Union Pacific #1996 locomotive will be here in a few hours, but the time went by quickly. Photo by Steve Crise.

12:20am
From high atop UPP #4014’s tender, Shelley Hunter captured this view of track connecting the panel track through to the Metrolink line heading west. Everything at the fairgrounds was then ready for arrival of UP #1996.

January 25, about 11:00pm
Meanwhile, back on the Alhambra Sub

UP #1596 arrives at CPAL497 Bassett; switched to Metrolink’s San Gabriel Sub; UP #1996 took lead eastbound, with the consist in this order:

UP #1996
10 loaded grain freight cars
UP #4884
UP #3105
UP #453665
UPP #24567
UP #1739
UP #1596

SD70-ACe Locomotive

SD70-M Locomotive
SD40-2C Locomotive
Insulated Boxcar
CA13-2 Caboose
SD40-N Locomotive
SD40-N Locomotive

Specially painted Heritage unit commemorating Southern Pacific

Destination: L.A. County Fairgrounds
Destination: L.A. County Fairgrounds
Destination: L.A. County Fairgrounds

January 25, about 11:35pm to January 26, 1:00am
Realignments at Covina Metrolink Station

Train PWCWC2 25 arrived at Covina. Train continued eastbound just past East Limit of CP Barranca. UP #1596, with UP #1739, decoupled and reversed westbound onto MT #1 past West Limit of CP Barranca. UP #4884, with UP #3105, boxcar, and caboose, reversed westbound on MT #2 past West Limit of CP Barranca. UP #1739 & UP #1596 moved eastbound and attached to freight car. UP #4884 moved eastbound and attached to UP #1596. UP #3105, boxcar, and caboose parked on MT #2. UP #1996 took lead eastbound, with this consist to the fairgrounds:

UP #1996
10 loaded grain freight cars
UP #1739
UP #1596
UP #4884

SD70-ACe Locomotive

SD40-N Locomotive
SD40-N Locomotive
SD70-M Locomotive

Specially painted Heritage unit commemorating Southern Pacific

January 26, 1:00am
A few special rolling-stock pieces remained at Covina Metrolink station on MT #2. UP SD40-2C locomotive #3105, UP boxcar #453665, and UPP caboose #24567 waited patiently for their turn to venture to the fairgrounds. Photos by Danny Mouawad.

January 26, 12:55am to 1:45am
Off to the Fair!!

12:55am
UP #1996 approached Grand Avenue grade crossing in Covina; track warrant issued by dispatcher to proceed eastbound.

1:10am
Construction foreman authorized UP #1996 approach construction area at authorized maximum speed.

1:30am
UP #4884 cut-off and set aside on industrial lead spur at Wheeler Avenue in La Verne. 10 freight cars, UP #1739, and UP #1596 left behind on main line. UP #1996 proceeded alone eastbound to the fairgrounds.

1:45am
UP #1996 passed Fairplex Drive grade crossing. While its headlight were then in sight of the gathered crowd, it approached at walking speed.

1:48am
UP #1996 entered panel track into the fairgrounds parking lot.

January 26, 1:45am to 3:00am
The “Big” Event

1:48am
UP #1996 Southern Pacific Heritage locomotive arrived at the fairgrounds. Ed Dickens and a U.P. conductor are seen on the front of its nose keeping a watchful eye on the track. The rail joints below the diesel locomotive's pilot mark the exact spot where the panel track ends and the main line begins. Photo by Steve Crise.

1:49am
As Ed Dickens follows the conductor down UP #1996’s steps, Shelley Hunter snapped this image showing the context of this preceding event from the high view from Big Boy UPP #4014’s tender. All eyes were watching.

1:55am
UP #1996 slowly guided to UPP #4014’s coupler by the conductor’s light to test the alignment. After almost touching, UP #1996 backed up a few dozen feet to approach again and do it for real a few minutes later. Photo by Steve McFerson.

2:02am
UP #1996 slowly guided to UPP #4014 by the conductor and coupled perfectly to its tender. Railfans cheered and applauded as UP #1996 slightly tugs backwards to test the connection. Crew showed their satisfaction. Photo by Steve McFerson.

2:36am
After steam crew completed final preparations, Big Boy UPP #4014 began its final journey towards the nation’s railroad network since 1962, Steve McFerson captured this front view of Big Boy’s last remaining minutes at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds as it started to move out in a backwards direction.

2:38am
Pulled by UP #1996, Big Boy UPP #4014 continued to roll westbound very slowly as crew carefully walked beside it to watch wheels roll on the panel tracks. Photo by Steve McFerson.

2:44am
Big Boy UPP #4014’s mast was about to cross the line onto Metrolink’s right-of-way. Photo by Steve McFerson.

2:48am
UP #1996 & UPP #4014 stop on Metrolink mainline.

2:46am
Big Boy UPP #4014 departed the fairgrounds and rolled onto Metrolink mainline, and onto the national railroad network for the first time since 19,011 days ago. Photo by Steve McFerson.

2:53am
Big Boy UPP #4014 stopped on the national rail network for the first time in 52 years! The front wheel of the pony truck was still on the panel track while the rest of the locomotive was on the Metrolink main. Photo by Steve Crise.

2:58am After Union Pacific crew climbed onboard, UP #1996 and Big Boy UPP #4014 departed westbound. Throughout remainder of the trip, train towing UPP #4014 traveled at up to 20 mph.

3:00am
UP #1996 and Big Boy UPP #4014 passed Fairplex Drive grade crossing and journeyed into history. Photo by Steve McFerson.

January 26, 3:00am to 5:00am
Onward to Covina

3:20am
UP #1996 stopped adjacent to industrial lead spur at Wheeler Avenue in La Verne, to couple with line of 10 grain freight cars with UP #1739 and UP #1596 on line’s west end waiting on Metrolink’s mainline. Next, UP #4884 was moved from industrial lead spur and coupled to front of Big Boy UPP #4014.

4:00am
UP #1596 took lead westbound, with this consist to Covina Metrolink station:

UP #1596
UP #1739
10 loaded grain freight cars
UP #1996
UPP #4014
UP #4884

SD40-N Locomotive
SD40-N Locomotive

SD70-ACe Locomotive
4x8x8x4 Steam Locomotive
SD70-M Locomotive

Specially painted Heritage unit commemorating Southern Pacific

4:13am
While the Big Boy transport train led by UP #1596 ventured back to Covina with the star attraction, our new equipment with UP #3105 in the lead waited patiently at Covina. Photo by Steve Crise.

4:35am
Union Pacific #1996, Big Boy UPP #4014, and UP #4884 rolled into the Covina Metrolink station for public display that began at 7:a.m. A small contingent of railfans and curious Covina residents were there to greet Big Boy as Ed Dickens rode the front end keeping a watchful eye on vital moving parts. Photo by Steve Crise.

4:40am
After UP #1596 consist arrived at Covina Metrolink station, it was split into two. UP #1996, UPP #4014, and UP #4884 placed on MT #1 at passenger platform east of Citrus Avenue. UP #1596, UP #1739, and 10 freight cars placed west of Citrus Avenue.

4:52am
Metrolink Dispatcher places MT #1 out of service.

January 26, 5:00am to 6:00am
Delivery at the Fairgrounds

5:03am
Metrolink dispatcher authorized UP #3105, boxcar, and caboose to leave from Covina MT #2 and proceed eastbound to the fairgrounds, with this consist:

UP #3105
UP #453665
UPP #24567

SD40-2C Locomotive
Insulated Boxcar
CA13-2 Caboose

5:17am
It’s all quiet while very few people were at the fairgrounds while Steve McFerson took this photo of an empty panel track section where hundreds of people watched Big Boy #4014 depart a few hours earlier. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:21am
Looking westbound onto the Metrolink mainline from the panel track, while waiting for UP #3105, a boxcar, and the caboose. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:31am
Construction foreman authorized UP #3105 approach construction area.

5:37am
UP #3105 passed Fairplex Drive grade crossing. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:40am
UP #3105 SD40-2C locomotive entered panel track sections. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:42am
Followed by UP #453665 insulted boxcar. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:43am
And finally UPP #24567 Caboose rolled by. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:44am
UP #3105 arrived at end of the panel track and parked. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:47am
Veolia construction crew began cutting rails and swinging track back to begin rebuilding of Metrolink rail-line for service later that morning. Photo by Steve McFerson.

5:49am
Derail block applied to end of panel track. Photos by Steve McFerson.

January 26, 5:00am to 8:05am
Celebration at Covina

6:52am
Sun rose in Covina.

7:00am
Public display of Big Boy #4014 officially began at Covina Metrolink station.

7:10am
Walter Allen, Covina city council member, and Ed Dickens, manager of heritage operations of Union Pacific’s steam locomotives, sat behind the fireman’s window of UPP #4014 while displayed at the Covina Metrolink station. Photo by Steve Crise.

8:04am
UP #1996 departed Covina Metrolink westbound from MT #1, with UPP #4014, and UP #4884 behind. Just west of Citrus Avenue, UP #1996 coupled to line of 10 freight cars with UP #1739 and UP #1596 on line’s west end. UP #1596 took lead westbound, with same consist as listed at 4:00am (above).

January 26, 8:05am to 2:10pm
The last stretch; delivering the prize

8:36am
Big Boy UPP #4014 passed Azusa Avenue in Covina. Photo by Steve Crise.

8:52am
UP #1596 passed Baldwin Park Metrolink station.

9:28am
UP #1596 arrived at CP Bassett; switched to Union Pacific’s Alhambra Sub; UP #4884 took lead eastbound, with the consist in this order:

UP #4884
UPP #4014
UP #1996
10 loaded grain freight cars
UP #1739
UP #1596

SD70-M Locomotive
4x8x8x4 Steam Locomotive
SD70-ACe Locomotive

SD40-N Locomotive
SD40-N Locomotive

Specially painted Heritage unit commemorating Southern Pacific

11:16am
UP #4884 passed the Metrolink and Amtrak stations in downtown Pomona on the way to West Colton. Thousands of fans lined Union Pacific’s Alhambra Sub to witness the transport of Big Boy UPP #4014 from the fairgrounds. Photo by Steve Crise.

11:35am
UP #4884 stopped at Ontario Amtrak station.

12:28pm
The Sipos family has been waiting on top of their jeep since 8:00am to see UPP #4014 roll by their location. Grant Sipos waved excitedly to the passengers on the locomotive as the train makes its way toward West Colton. After taking this photograph, Steve Crise said, “I can't help but wonder that if the 4014 can stir up this much excitement when cold, what sort of crowds will it draw when it’s restored, hot and rolling under its own power!”

1:08pm
UP #4884 arrived at the western fringe of the West Colton railroad facility. UP #1996 decoupled from the 10 freight cars, UP #1739, and UP #1596 that were behind it. Only UP #4884, UPP #4014, and UP #1996 remained.

1:34pm
UP #4884 approached “the hump” at West Colton Yard traveling eastbound with its cargo in tow. The train is about to pass under Cedar Avenue in Bloomington. Photo by Steve Crise.

2:09pm
After decoupling UP #1996, UP #4884 slowly backed UPP #4014 steam locomotive carefully into the VIP storage spur track at West Colton. All eyes of the crewmen were on the ridged truck frame of the massive tender as it negotiated a tight curve in the siding. Big Boy #4014 will undergo additional preparation for the future trip to Union Pacific’s Steam Shops in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Photo by Steve Crise.

Epilogue – “E” Street Junction

This was a very busy night for many people. Union Pacific completed the first significant transport on mainline rail (about 52 miles) of what has become the world’s most watched steam locomotive. As far as we know, Big Boy #4014 was not damaged, no Union Pacific crew members were injured, railfans and spectators remained safe, and everyone there claimed this event a success.

Many from the RailGiants Train Museum volunteer staff were on-hand and met many people that night at the fairgrounds and at Covina the next morning. We sold a large amount of our Big Boy souvenirs to the fans of this locomotive while on our 30-hour day!

There was little opportunity to savor the moment when Big Boy #4014 rolled out of the fairgrounds and into history. Some railroad historians there know the significance of the Metrolink track in front of them. Metrolink acquired an old decrepit local freight line from Southern Pacific in the early 1990s, rebuilt it with new rails and ties, and in 1992 inaugurated passenger service on it. Southern Pacific acquired this rail line of Pacific Electric whose “red cars” transported passengers across the greater Los Angeles area in the early 20th century.

Looking back now, Boy Boy’s departure point was within a few hundred feet of where it rolled into the fairgrounds 52 years and 18 days earlier. On January 8, 1962, Pacific Electric Railroad transported Big Boy #4014 over a branch line into the fairgrounds, which is where White Avenue runs today. Big Boy #4014 was delivered onto a former livestock spur track off that branch line, and parking behind Union Pacific 4x12x2 steam locomotive #9000, at our trains’ original fairgrounds location. The P.E. branch line and spur track do not exist today. This branch line delivered Pacific Electric “red car” passengers to the Los Angeles County Fair each September during its earlier years. Tracing history back into the earlier half of the last century, this branch line extended south beyond the fairgrounds and into downtown Pomona.

This branch track was located about 200 feet south of where many railfans were lined against the safety fence watching the activities of railroad crews on this night. Most likely, they didn’t know that just a short distance beyond where their cars were parked was the location of that Pacific Electric branch utilized for the same locomotive in 1962. This branch line connected to the main Pacific Electric line about 400 feet west of where the Metrolink rail-line was cut and swung. Where Fairplex Drive crosses Metrolink today is where this connection point was located. It was known long ago as Pacific Electric’s “E” Street Junction, a short block east of P.E.’s “D” Street stop.

11:29am
Veolia construction crews rebuilt the tracks with plenty of time for the first Metrolink train due to pass through about 12:15pm. A close-up of this photo shows the Fairplex Drive grade crossing (the former “E” Street Jct. location). Photo by Steve McFerson.

History often repeats itself. 20 years ago, Southern California transportation authorities (government agencies) built a commuter passenger railroad network to help replace the interurban Pacific Electric “red car” system discontinued 35 years before. Union Pacific endeavors to re-inaugurate operation one of the largest steam locomotives that ever operated on their system after a 55 year absence. (Possibly an undertaking that wouldn’t have been attempted had our organization not helped save Big Boy #4014 from the metal scraper’s torch in 1961, and from neglect during the five decades since then.)

We’ve witnessed the rebirth of local passenger rail service in the Los Angeles area. We’re witnessing the first steps in the rebirth of a seven decade old 4x8x8x4 wheel-aligned steam locomotive. During one night, some witnessed the short life of a reborn “E” Street Junction. Pacific Electric’s switch at “E” Street was removed soon after Big Boy #4014 was delivered in January 1962.

What did RailGiants receive?

10:10am
Steve McFerson ventured back to the fairgrounds parking lot a few hours after sunrise to see and photograph our new equipment in full daylight. From left to right are, Caboose UPP #24567, Insulated Boxcar UP #453665, and Diesel SD40-2C Locomotive UP #3105.

Our next Blog entry will cover the transport of our new equipment across the fairgrounds parking lot, and its arrival ceremonies into RailGiants Train Museum.