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Union Pacific No. 4012 is a four-cylinder articulated 4-8-8-4 Big Boy-type steam locomotive owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. It was built in November 1941, by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady and built especially for fast freight service on the UP.

It made its last run in 1959 and was retired in 1962. Two years later, it was offered to and purchased by railroad enthusiast and seafood magnate, F. Nelson Blount, for his Steamtown, U.S.A collection, in Bellows Falls, Vermont. After a further twenty years on display, the Steamtown Collection (4012 included) was moved to the former DL&W yards and roundhouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Since it was too big to fit in the roundhouse, the 4012 was placed next to the car park, where it remains today, as a static display.

While 4012 is on display, it became very rusty, and it needed some cosmetic restoration. Due to its excellent condition, it has been suggested that 4012 could possibly be restored to operational condition, but it has also been suggested that the locomotive should remain on display as it is doubtful that the size of the locomotive could safely travel through the museum and the main line it is connected to. For now, the 4012 continues to remain on display, in fairly good condition.

Trivia[]

  • 4012 very loosely resembles 4014 after the latter's restoration. But there is a difference between 4014 and 4012. 4014 now uses oil while 4012 can still run on coal.
  • 4012 and 4014 were both built in the same month and year, November 1941.
  • 4012 isn't the only Big Boy that had a cosmetic restoration. 4004 had one as well in 2018.

Gallery[]

Specs[]

List of Union Pacific Big Boy Locomotives
Real-Life Members: 4000400140024003400440054006400740084009401040114012401340144015401640174018401940204021402240234024
Fallen: 400040014002400340074008400940104011401340134015401640194020402140224024
Preserved: 40044005400640124014401740184023
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