" LAST OF THE GIANTS " UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD BIG BOY STEAM LOCOMOTIVE FILM 71522

About

A tribute to the "Big Boy" locomotives produced by Union Pacific, "Last of the Giants" shows the end of a memorable era in Western Railroading. The "Big Boy" is the popular name of the American Locomotive Company 4000-class 4-8-8-4 articulated, coal-fired, steam locomotives manufactured between 1941 and 1944 and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad until 1959. In "Last of the Giants" you'll see the development of steam power on the Union Pacific from 4-6-0s, 2-8-0s, and 2-8-2s up to 2-10-2s and even 4-12-2s, shown through film, photos and animated diagrams. This is followed by the development of compound articulated Mallets and simple articulateds such as the Challengers.

The text chronicles the era of steam locomotives, highlighting their role in connecting the nation and inspiring dreamers. By 1960, the age of steam had ended, with the "Big Boy" locomotive standing out for its power and efficiency. Known for its awe-inspiring presence, "Big Boy" reliably transpor0ted goods across the country. The evolution of locomotives led to powerful engines like "Big Boy," necessary for longer trains and heavier loads. Designs evolved to include more driving wheels and larger boilers, and articulated locomotives allowed for longer engines. The "Mallet" type used steam twice but had limitations, while the 9000 series struggled on winding tracks. The "Challenger" locomotives provided power and speed. "Big Boy," created during World War II, featured two sets of eight drivers and a massive firebox. Its design included compressed air brakes and a rigid boiler. Powered by large cylinders and high-pressure steam, "Big Boy" required regular maintenance. It was refueled and filled with water for long trips, showcasing its power when moving. Despite its majesty, "Big Boy" was eventually replaced by more efficient engines. During its 18 years of service, it covered nearly 26 million miles, marking the end of the steam locomotive era but leaving a lasting legacy in railroading history.14

00:00: The film describes the era of steam locomotives, which connected the nation and inspired dreamers. By 1960, the age of steam had ended. The "Big Boy" locomotive was one of the greatest, known for its power and efficiency.

2:00: The sight and sounds of "Big Boy" were awe-inspiring, and it was a reliable workhorse transporting goods across the country.

3:10: The evolution of locomotives led to the creation of powerful engines like "Big Boy," which were necessary for longer trains and heavier loads.

4:31: The design of locomotives evolved to include more driving wheels and larger boilers for increased power and efficiency.

5:52: The introduction of articulated locomotives, which could bend in the middle, allowed for longer and more powerful engines.

7:00: The "Mallet" type locomotives, which used steam twice, were powerful but had limitations in speed and maintenance.

8:00: The 9000 series locomotives were developed for speed and power, but they struggled on winding mountain tracks.

9:02: The "Challenger" locomotives were introduced, using high-pressure steam in both sets of cylinders, providing power and speed.

10:02: "Big Boy" was created out of necessity during World War II, with two sets of eight drivers and a massive firebox, making it a powerful and majestic locomotive. The design of "Big Boy" included features like compressed air brakes and a rigid boiler that followed the front engine unit around curves.

12:03: The locomotive's power came from its large cylinders and high-pressure steam, controlled by a complex valve mechanism. The firebox was fed by a mechanical stoker, and the boiler generated and superheated steam.

Human-made No record of this work says a model made it. What this means.

Archive

Internet Archive, in Ephemeral films

Licence or status

The Internet Archive states none for this item.

Who can watch

The archive gives no rating. Invisible Network shows it to Tweens profiles and older, judged from its collection and subjects. How films are placed