UP 4014

November 6-8, 2019

Stafford - Houston - Spring - Plantersville - Millican

Like every other fan of railroad history, I was excited about the restoration of Union Pacific's Big Boy #4014. So were my closest friends in this hobby. So, we teamed up to create a video of 4014's trip through east Texas.

Videographers:

Blake Bogs

Brian & Emily Jansky

Jason & Michele Rose

Day 1

Google Maps

Stafford, Texas

UP Glidden Subdivision - MP 19.56

I quickly followed the train towards Houston, but their speed and rush-hour traffic dashed any hope I had of catching them. The on-board GPS tracker showed them passing through Bellaire as I was getting back on the highway. They were really moving! I changed plans and made my way towards the Amtrak (Amshack) Depot in Downtown. However, as I neared the area it became increasingly evident that I'd mistaken how much interest the general public had in seeing 4014. I got no closer than a mile before I bailed out of the gridlock and made my way home to Spring.

Day 2

Google Maps

Houston, Texas

UP Houston Subdivision - MP 362.31

The following day I tried again to get to the Amshack during my lunch break. I got within a few blocks, but there was

absolutely no parking available anywhere. Even in the rain, the public showed up in droves.  So, I gave up again.

After work, Michele brought Noah downtown. We'd been talking to him about this and he was very excited to finally see it, even in the rain.

Looking east on the Sunset Main

West

The sign gave me a chuckle. The non-railfan hoards wiped out UP's souvenir stockpile.

The "Big Boy" chalk sign was washed off in the rain. Michele caught the crew re-applying it in Spring the following day.

With only minutes to spare before the 4014 display was closed for the evening, Michele rushed up to the parking lot and was told that it was full by a UP Police Office. Before she could move her truck, the Officer noticed Noah in the car seat and directed her to park on the street near his vehicle so that Noah could see 4014. After getting out, Noah went over to ask his name and thank him. The Office then gave him one of his coins.

We didn't write his name down and have since forgotten, but I wish I knew it. His actions were way above and beyond and his generosity and kindness are truly appreciated. Pure class!

Most people were very respectful and allowing each other to get photos.

Inside the Amshack

To be fair, it's a lot better than it used to be.

Day 3

Google Maps

Spring, Texas

UP Navasota Subdivision - MP 0.4

The next morning, "the crew" went into action. Blake and Michele took up different spots in Old Town Spring (Spring Junction).

Brian and Emily stood with Michele for a bit, then gave chase. Noah and I went out towards Plantersville to get ahead of the crowds.

The crew re-applies "Big Boy" to the smokebox.

Google Maps

West of Plantersville, Texas

UP Navasota Subdivision - MP 39.59

When we arrived, we had the place to ourselves.

An hour later, there were at least 50 people.

Noah passed the time by exploring and throwing rocks.

After a while, Brian and Emily joined us. They didn't have as much difficulty getting ahead of 4014 as I feared would be the case.

At long last, 4014 arrives.

Google Maps

Millican, Texas

UP Navasota Subdivision - MP 58.73

4014 stopped for a bit in Navasota, giving us the chance to get ahead for one more stop in Millican.

The Jansky's joined us again. Noah really enjoyed hangin' out with "Ms. Emily."

The crowds in College Station promised to be quite large, so Noah and I bid farewell to Brian and Emily and made our way home.

This was a light, but fun chase. When Noah is older he'll better appreciate what he was privileged to see this day.

Thank you, UP. Your efforts on this project are greatly appreciated.