UP - Union Pacific Corporation
09/13/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2024 14:26
Once in a Lifetime: Union Pacific Honors Four Employees with Big Boy No. 4014 Ride-Along
It's not every day you get to tour the Union Pacific Railroad Steam Shop, much less ride in the cab of Big Boy No. 4014, but four Operating Department employees are doing just that on the Heartland of America Tour.
Montiel and Chapman traveled from Cheyenne to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, on the historic steam locomotive.
Nominated by their managers for the ride of a lifetime, Skilled Signal Maintenance Foreperson Joe Montiel and Locomotive Engineer Ronald Chapman departed Cheyenne, Wyoming, with the steam crew on Aug. 28.
"It was my first time in the cab of an operational steam locomotive, and the sights and sounds are far different from a modern diesel locomotive," said Chapman, a member of the Northern California Service Unit. "I was amazed that they could upgrade a steam locomotive with Positive Train Control."
After touring the shop, Chapman and Montiel enjoyed a roughly 1.5-hour ride to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, aboard the world's largest operating steam locomotive.
"Seeing and experiencing No. 4014 up close was a true ride back into time," said Montiel, a member of Union Pacific's Engineering Department. "A standout moment for me was seeing how many spectators follow the locomotive, while in my head I was thinking, 'Wow I'm riding on it.'"
The ride-along experience recognizes team members displaying dedication, leadership and excellence in their craft. More than 150 craft professionals were nominated for the unique honor.
"I really appreciate the recognition and would like to thank my manager, Eugene King, for his kind words - and Union Pacific for giving back to employees," Montiel said.
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Chapman agreed: "There was no way I would ever turn down an opportunity like this."
On Oct. 23, Elbert Maldonado, intermodal service employee, and Ben McIntosh, electronic technician-Centralized Dispatching Center, will board Big Boy in Greeley, Colorado, as it concludes its tour and returns to Cheyenne.
Curious where Big Boy No. 4014 is headed on the Heartland of America tour? Check out the official Union Pacific Steam Schedule for all of the details!