Safety Work Keeps Historic Locomotives Rumbling

Few machines capture the imagination quite like Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy. Built to haul massive freight trains across the steep grades of the American West, these locomotives were engineering marvels of the steam era.

Today, one of them – Big Boy No. 4014 – continues to draw crowds wherever it travels, reminding railfans and engineers alike of the scale, power, and craftsmanship that defined steam locomotive design.

The BULLETIN explores the history and enduring legacy of the Big Boy, from its construction by the American Locomotive Company in 1941 to its return to service in the 21st century. The story looks at why No. 4014 remains an icon of American railroading more than 80 years after it first took to the rails.

But operating a historic steam locomotive today involves far more than preserving history. It requires careful engineering oversight, rigorous inspection, and adherence to modern safety standards. That’s where regulatory agencies and technical organizations play a critical role in ensuring these powerful machines operate safely.

Our accompanying technical article looks more broadly at the regulatory framework that governs steam locomotives in operation today. It highlights the roles of the Federal Railroad Administration and the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, as well as the codes, standards, and inspection practices that help ensure the safe operation of pressure equipment in demanding environments.

Together, the articles offer both a celebration of steam-era innovation and a closer look at the experts and operators who work to keep these historic locomotives running safely in the modern era.

This edition also includes a preview of the 94th General Meeting, scheduled for May 10-13 in Denver, Colorado.

Other articles include:

• “NDE Proficiency and Life Management: Why the Industry Must Act Now” by Sean Franklin, Sam Johnson, Tom Sambor, and John Siefer of EPRI
• “Fuel Contamination Is the Risk You Rarely See Until It’s Too Late” by James Chiles
• “Before Sparks Fly: Practical Strategies for Successful Production Welding” by Paisley Witkowski
• “Flow Assisted Corrosion in Piping Systems” by Timothy Gardner
• “Effects of Low Test Stand Volume on Valve Setting” by Robert Viers
• “Scary Photos: A Close-Up Look at the Dark Side of the Boiler Room”
• “Executive Director’s Message” by Joel Amato
• “NBIC Update” by Jonathan Ellis
• “Training Matters” by Kimberly Miller
• “National Board Synopsis Update”

The BULLETIN is published three times a year. Click here for more information, including how to subscribe and read it online.