mfmalk Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> A few weeks ago I traveled with good friends Ad,
> Michael, and Thomas to rejoin the Union Pacific
> 4014 Big Boy Tour. Our focus was
> Wyoming/Utah/Nevada - we picked up the trail in
> Green River WY and parted ways in downtown Las
> Vegas. In the linked gallery are my images from
> the adventure; not only of the train but other
> scenes which grabbed my attention along the way.
> Like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls,
> photographs cannot harness the spectacle and
> grandeur of it all. It is the world’s largest
> steam locomotive, yet has such grace. And
> mystique. Plus the scenery is beyond belief.
Well sir, you never disappoint!
For me though; 25, 35 and 45 really catch my eye.
>
> My fascination with the former telegraph code
> lines obviously continues, a major element in a
> few of the compositions. I key in on them as much
> as possible; like the rest of the vintage railroad
> landscape they are disappearing.
>
> A passage of the observations from our post-trip
> report:
>
>
“I hadn’t planned on going out west to see
> the Big Boy, but after my wife drove to Wisconsin
> to see it while I was visiting my brother in New
> York, I wavered. When Thomas and Matthew invited
> me to come along for the next leg of the Big Boy
> tour, I decided to see what the fuss was all
> about.
>
> Now that I’m back, I’ve been thinking about
> the Big Boy trip and how it changed my
> expectations as we went along. I started out with
> the feeling that with the extra water tenders and
> the diesel in the consist, it just wouldn't be the
> real deal. As I saw how amazing the locomotive was
> and how the crowds of regular people turned out to
> see it, my perspective changed 180 degrees.
>
> From the families that came down the dirt road to
> watch the train at Mona to the Peruvian sheep
> herder on the Altamont grade to the 84 year old
> back country Jeep explorer and the crowd at Las
> Vegas, it just goes to show how wide the appeal is
> of that locomotive.” - Michael
>
> Over time the entire Big Boy experience has set in
> for me also. I was originally not crazy about
> going to see it, but now two trips in I am wanting
> and needing more. Way beyond the photos captured,
> it’s the entire ball of wax from just being
> there. Union Pacific has hit a major homerun in
> the community public relations department – I
> hope they realize that.
>
>
Li
> nk to Photos
>
> Enjoy,
> Matthew
