Steam & Excursion > UP 4014 Route, Pittston to Steamtown

After the UP one way trip from Nesquehoning to Pittston will they reverse back to Dupont on the R&N and use the connection to get on NS or use the secondary to Taylor?

twl

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/02/26 12:12 by globalethanol.

I was thrilled when I learned the UP 4014 was headed to the east coast. Then my heart sank when I learned the cheapest price to be a passenger on this train was $2500! This is more than most railfans can afford. so the poassengers on this train will be limited to the silly rich.  So i guess I will have to be satisfied which watching my MTH Premier 4012 running on my O guage layout. 

WauhopM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was thrilled when I learned the UP 4014 was
> headed to the east coast. Then my heart sank when
> I learned the cheapest price to be a passenger on
> this train was $2500! This is more than most
> railfans can afford. so the poassengers on this
> train will be limited to the silly rich.  So i
> guess I will have to be satisfied which watching
> my MTH Premier 4012 running on my O guage
> layout. 

I think they are only selling tickets for one car. I have no issues with the UP museum charging what they can get or with people paying the price. I've been known to drop that much or more on hobbies. However, what I do find fascinating is that you can ride the same route round trip (4014 is one way) behind a hard working 4-8-4 with open windows for only a little over $100. So essentially it is a $2,400 premium just for bragging rights of saying "I rode behind the Big Boy." To each their own. Even without the cost I'll take the 2102 any day.....well actually I'll take 2102 on a day without the Big Boy hoopla, but that's just me.

WauhopM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was thrilled when I learned the UP 4014 was
> headed to the east coast. Then my heart sank when
> I learned the cheapest price to be a passenger on
> this train was $2500!

$2500!? That's way off the crazy meter

Based on earlier post-restoration Big Boy excursions I'd been thinking about what I would be willing to spend on this for years now. Strictly for the pre-sale hook I did become a "Patron" of the Union Pacific Museum and accepted that upcharge/fee for the privilage of being in line early just in case the ticket prices suited me. With traditional mainline steam excursions gone and the Wolszytn Experience (steam throttle time in Poland..) having ended I now had those funds available.

Before the ticket prices were made known I had decided $1500 was my personal threshold of pain for a relatively short trip in sealed cars as it really would be primarily a "check the box" experience for me. Regarding bennefiting the Union Pacific Museum's mission I know I would prefer to donate funds at that level to a number of volunteer operations and museums I still take an interest in. As "bmoore765" mentioned the railroad hosting the Big Boy for this excursion offers what many consider the best big steam experience in the country operating on a busy schedule over a variety of routes along with a beautiful Pacific type, RDC's, F units and a great passenger fleet to keep things interesting with all this being available at very reasonable cost. 

My enthusiasm for the Big Boy restoration has always been guarded since passenger carrying excursions are my primary interest where restored steam is concerned and except for rare ocassions like these the Union Pacific dosen't go there anymore. I didn't expect to ever plan a dedicated trip west to watch #4014 drift by so to learn that three days before my birthday next month the Big Boy will be stopping at a Norfolk Southern grade crossing I use on my 7 mile afternoon drive home seems crazy. In addition my wife worked in a large facility at that same NS grade crossing where we shared lunch some afternoons. Obviously I'm thrilled at the thought of having such a magnificent machine practically stop at our doorstep and I trust all aboard the June 14th Passenger Special a few days later will have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Lastly, none of this is an attempt to tell the Union Pacific Railroad or Museum how to operate or manage any of their resources. I simply wanted to share my thoughts on the unusual opportunity to ride behind #4014 and perhaps learn what others observe as it takes shape. If not interested, please select the next message, thanx.











 



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/09/26 21:44 by grizzledgary.

I'm delighted that steam-friendly Reading & Northern and steam-friendly Union Pacific could make this once in a (my?) lifetime event happen. This is a truly amazing trip.