I’m looking forward to your live tracking & commentary Devon. It’s hard to travel vicariously when the UP isn’t updating their GPS regularly. Have you plotted how many kilometres/miles it is doing daily?
No because I am only following it for one day. Then the following day it will be on display. Then I head off onto the rest of my adventure. So I won’t be concerned with how far it is traveling any other day. I haven’t even attempted to figure out the distance of the one day I am following it.
It looks like we are entering ( @Pete_Lassen and @Rick_Marty ) Pete and Ricks old stomping grounds of Lassen County. It looks like the BB is just southeast of SUSANVILLE. It also looks like it’s going to hug the mountain with lots of tighter curves here compared to its Rocky Mountain crossing. So less tunnels? Less grade?
As an aside, anybody know how impaired steam engines get at altitude? I started to think because water boils and makes steam at lower temperatures it might be an advantage, but the air is thinner with less oxygen so there will be less energy released by the fuel due to a possible slower burn, so probably not.
Great question. And you seem to be onto it, Bill. Any luck finding answers?
Nothing to specific to high altitude Cliff.
Much of the technology to increase efficiency embraced by mountain railroads appear to have been pioneered by lower altitude railways.
- the Prussian State railway and the Baltimore & Ohio were early adopters of super heaters.
- The GWR in the UK pioneered blowers and forced draught systems as well.
I found a page listing the 10 highest railroads and the Cumbres & Toltec is #10 I’m hoping @Dave_Taylor has might be able to weigh in on this as he has practical knowledge.
I found a video from 6 hours ago.
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Continuing the discussion from Big Boy schedule:
Nearing the halfway mark, this could be the perfect time to devon or build a 6 foot souvenir Big Boy replica print to commemorate the official Cliff Jennings® Big Boy thread.
The Big Boy Plans are on thingiverse.
Reportedly it took 1000 thumb twiddling hours to complete
Big Boy now Southwest of Susanville
Eh, a rolling water heater!
Wish it was somewhere near me, have some pictures of early 80’s the SP Daylight stopped in town and next morning we went trackside and took some pictures as it blasted by , pounding the ground and making the rails creak and groan
Thanks for the Special Report, Bill.
But skipping Truckee and Sparks??? Aw, c’mon UP!
I’m glad I didn’t do the crazy bucket list thing, and fly out to Sacratomato to take the BB coach to Truckee with my sister who lives near Sac… It was a near thing! But cooler heads prevailed. That, and the requisite lack of excess buckets of bucks.
Regardless, the northwestern third of Nevada must be in shocked disappointment. 
You think you were disappointed?
Australian reporters reportedly reported, that this alleged V&T fireman was scheduled to get on in Truckee and missed out his invitation to ride in the cab. The Australian reporters were also under the impression that the Big Boy was coal fired and in future will admit they got their dates wrong, but not the identity of the unidentified fireman.
This is what happens when the LSC eye-witness Big Boy reporter from North Idaho goes suddenly quiet on the thread. We have no trackside commentary and have to rely on daily reports from overseas!*
* And the problem with that is that Australia and New Zealand lie on the other side of the international date line and are a day or more ahead. **
** Your trackside mileage may vary.
Bill, how in the heck did you…
?
I bow to your graphic art prowess!!!
Well I leave tomorrow to get at least close. I plane to leave tomorrow early AM and stay the night at the Bruneau Dunes State Park in Southern Idaho tomorrow night. Then I will have to get up somewhat early and make the drive to Montello Nevada for the 12:00 PM arrival. Then who knows where ill crash Friday night, but somewhere near Ogden UT so I can see it on display. Beyond that the rest of my adventure is yet planned at least for where I will be staying.
Apologies to Devon. In my defence, I was left unsupervised.
OMG! Look at the Time! It’s Thursday. All Aboard Cliff’s Thread!
With Devon away from the LargeScale Centralia Big Boy thread, I’ve been keen to learn what the documentary crew have come up with for Devon’s trip, as he probably is as well. You know; route planning, accomodation, side trips (Evel Knievel, etc.) and whether they will dine at local or international House of Pancake locations. (Big Boy Restaurants are further east.)
Well, thanks to the International Date Line, it’s already Thursday (or possibly Friday) here and being approximately 6:30am Thursday, Devon has just gotten on the road. Keep in mind in the New Zealand part of LargeScale Centralia it’s closer to 9am, and Devon has been on the road to Elko NV for a few hours. *Kinda explains why Neil’s profile picture always has that “knowing look”. It’s because he does…”
Anyway, I can now confirm the Steam Dreams docco is as amazing as I thought it would be. 
SPOILER ALERT: Because it’s actually still Wednesday in Idaho, we will just have to rely on what I made up remembered tomorrow, for now. So, without further ado, here is a copy of the transcript that does not exist from a documentary that has not been made.
"Steam Dreams are Made of This: Tracking the Big Boy Locomotive "
cue Annie Lennox
EPISODE ONE: In the remote, pine-covered reaches of North Idaho, a curious figure emerges from a quaint log cabin nestled among the towering evergreens. This is Devon, a man whose heart beats with the rhythm of the railway and whose soul is stirred by the powerful steam engines of yore. For months, Devon has been sharing his grand plan for a trip to the Transcontinental Railway, with folks from as far away as Canada, Paraguay, Australia and New Zealand. Today, he embarks on a most extraordinary journey to track one of the greatest marvels of mechanical engineering: the Big Boy locomotive.
Cut to sweeping aerial shots of Idaho’s rugged landscape, with Devon’s cabin receding into the distance.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “Our story begins in the serene wilderness of North Idaho, where Devon Sinsley, an ardent enthusiast of steam locomotives, has made his home. The quietude of these woods belies the roaring adventure that awaits him. Devon’s mission: to track and witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Union Pacific Big Boy, a leviathan of the rails.”
Devon is seen packing his vintage leather suitcase with maps, a camera, and railway timetables; his face alight with anticipation. He fumbles with a flask of coffee, spilling it on his maps.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “The Big Boy locomotive, the largest steam engine ever constructed, weighs a staggering 1.2 million pounds and stretches over 132 feet in length. Built to conquer the steep gradients of the Wasatch Mountains, only 25 of these giants were ever made, and just a single one remains operational today. Devon, it seems, will need all his wits and a fresh set of maps.”
Cut to Devon driving his old, trusty pickup truck through the winding roads of the Idaho Panhandle, the landscape gradually transitioning from dense forests to open plains. He glances at a soggy map, then shoves it aside with a grin.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “As Devon leaves the confines of his forested abode, he journeys southward, traversing the diverse terrains of Idaho. His destination: Ogden, then on to the fabled railway site of Promontory Point, where the Big Boy is set to make its historic passage.”
Devon arrives at Ogden Utah, a town with streets lined with eager spectators. He sets up his camera on a tripod, his face alight with anticipation and a touch of confusion having been distracted by a cheerful man with a posh Australian accent talking a bit too loudly about… trains, when he realizes he’s standing in front of a souvenir shop, instead of watching the tracks.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “In towns and cities across the country, the arrival of the Big Boy draws throngs of admirers from far and wide. These gatherings are a testament to the locomotive’s enduring legacy and the timeless allure of steam power. Devon’s navigational challenges to get to Promontory Point, however, are a testament to the importance of dry maps.”
The crowd murmurs with anticipation as a distant rumble grows steadily louder. Devon adjusts his camera, focusing on the horizon where a plume of smoke appears. The sudden gust of wind created by the leviathan’s passing knocks Devon into his tripod, sending the camera tilting skyward.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “At last, the moment arrives. With a thunderous roar and a billowing cloud of steam, the Big Boy emerges, a titanic presence on the tracks. Its massive wheels turn with the grace of a ballet dancer, each piston stroke a symphony of raw power. Devon, meanwhile, captures some excellent footage of clouds, as well as the voice of an Australian sprouting off an interesting fact that trains traveling at speeds of 80-160 km/h can produce wind speeds track-side in the range of 20-30 km/h.”
As the locomotive barrels past, Devon fumbles to right his camera, capturing the train’s tail end. The crowd cheers, their voices mingling with the locomotive’s whistle in a cacophony of jubilation.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “For Devon, and indeed for all those gathered here, this encounter with the Big Boy is more than just a spectacle. It is a poignant reminder of an era when steam and steel ruled the rails, and the world was bound together by the relentless march of progress.”
As the Big Boy disappears into the distance, Devon packs up his equipment, his expression a mix of profound satisfaction and mild exasperation. He mumbles “bloody Aussies”, waves to fellow enthusiasts and begins his journey back home.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “With his heart full and his spirit lifted, Devon returns to the tranquil forests of North Idaho, his journey a success despite the occasional hiccup. He has not only tracked the majestic Big Boy but also reaffirmed his connection to the rich tapestry of railway history—and the importance of keeping an eye on one’s equipment.”
Devon’s cabin comes back into view, nestled among the trees. He steps inside, placing his camera and maps on the table before lighting a fire in the hearth. A squirrel chittering on the windowsill seems to laugh.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “In the quiet of his cabin, Devon reflects on the marvels he has witnessed. For him, and for countless others, the legacy of the Big Boy locomotive endures, a symbol of human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of adventure.”
The camera zooms out from the cabin, the forest, and the winding tracks, capturing the vast beauty of the landscape as the sun sets.
David Attenborough (voiceover): “And so, as the day draws to a close, Devon’s journey stands as a testament to the timeless allure of the rails and the indomitable wonder of the Big Boy locomotive. And perhaps, a gentle reminder that even the best-laid plans can sometimes go slightly awry, especially when Australians are encouraged to share in the experience.”
The screen fades to black, with the distant echo of a train whistle and a soft chuckle lingering in the air.
Coming Soon to a Streaming Service Near You:
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Holy cow…
I’m speechless, Bill…
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GEEZ Bill I guess now I can stay home, it appears I already had a great time. Or you may have ruined the whole damned thing because one I already know the end of the story and also there is no way now that I can tell you guys about my trip because it’s just going to be weak and feeble.
I might have to send you photos and video and let you write the story of my adventure for me.
I have a sudden urge for theater style popcorn.
A Final One for the Road
Hi Devon,
I’m quite looking forward to finally reading the Real Adventures of Devon Sinsley. It’s finally stopped raining and ironically, as soon as I got out into the garden today, the producers said they couldn’t send me any more updates. Thank goodness, eh? So I’m assuming they’ve caught up with you.
But before you hit the road, I thought I better forward you this little backstory to look at before it gets published. They plan to use it for EPISODE TWO; Jasper’s Big Boy Hunt It’s from one of their files that do not exist.
Jasper Ebenezer Sinsley (1875-1952)
Occupation: Miner/Sutro operator for the Idaho Hecla Mine, Chief Engineer for Union Pacific
Biography:
Jasper Sinsley began his working life, labouring as a miner in the rugged environment of the Hecla mine in Idaho. He ultimately worked his way up to the position of Sutro Pneumatic Locomotive engineer.
Despite the hard work and the camaraderie he had among the miners, Jasper always found himself yearning for something more. Friends would remark that he was always making Grand Plans or ”jaspering stuff” as they jokingly called it.
One particularly bitterly cold winter day, Jasper was operating his locomotive in a dry section of the mine when the pneumatic action of the engine created such a static charge that dust clung to him and the locomotive like a second skin. By the end of his shift, he resembled a walking dust statue, and had to be hosed down outside the mine office before he left. Covered in ore mud and frustration, he made the bold decision that night to stop jaspering, leave mining behind, and pursue a career above ground. Reportedly, the very next day, he packed his bags and traveled to Wyoming to join the Union Pacific, driven by his fascination with the burgeoning railway industry.
Jasper’s first day on the job as a fireman was nothing short of comical. Used to cramped tunnels, and having to climb up onto the Big Boy locomotive he just stared, shaking his head, at the vast open expanse before him, muttering, “Well, this sure ain’t no mine shaft.”
Adjusting to life on the open rails took very little time, as Jasper’s determination and quick wit saw him through. However, due to industrial deafness caused by years in the mine there was always some minor issues cropping up. His initial challenges, like mistaking the train whistle for a kettle boiling over, became legendary anecdotes that endeared him to his workmates.
Jasper’s innovative approach to railroading and unyielding spirit eventually made him one of the most respected and famous engineers for the Union Pacific.
(EDIT: I suspect Cliff, would say it was pure Karma Sutro.)
Jasper’s legacy, filled with both humorous and heroic tales, continue to inspire his descendants, including his great-great-grandson Devon Sinsley, who carries on the family’s scholarly passion for jaspering, mining, steam engines and studying the effects of static electricity.
That’s all they sent.
Have a great trip!
-Bill
Bill,
by the dead-serious style of your writing, i think, this guy might be YOUR grandfather: