Where to begin?!
THANK YOU, Union Pacific, for including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum on your Great Race Across the Midwest tour! WHAT a thrill for us, along with the thousands of spectators who filled the rail yard, parking ramps and overpasses, eagerly awaiting 4014's arrival. So first, thank you, UP.
Ed Dickens. Thank you for being such a gracious ambassador for the railroad you represent, and an excellent leader for the 4014 crew. You humbly stood in the crowd, greeted thousands of visitors, posed in photos, answered questions and made some great memories for junior railroaders!
To the 4014 crew, the BNSF team, and our wonderful staff, volunteers and board members - your hard work and dedication paid off and was very evident as it reflected off the faces and smiles of thousands and thousands of guests. What a thrill to see so many people so excited and enthusiastic; hard work rewarded with cheers!
So, here's what happened...
Friday, July 19th, the 4014 left St. Paul and arrived in Duluth, later that evening, to an eagerly-awaiting crowd, lined-up on overpasses, along the parking ramp and throughout the railyard.
Saturday, 4014's cab was available for quick glimpses of the engine, the UP Experience Car was open for exhibit tours, the 4014 crew was around greeting the crowd and Ed was available for meet and greets, photos and was able to make many great memories for the visiting rail enthusiasts. In tandem with 4014, our newly-renovated steam locomotive, #332, was carrying guests on 90-minute excursions, along Lake Superior.
Saturday evening, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, along with UP, hosted a steampunk-inspired, Steam Festival Gala - a fundraiser for the museum's foundation. It was a fun evening, well-supported and our sincere appreciation goes out to UP, all the vendors, volunteers, staff and guests who made the event possible.
Sunday morning the engine, crew and train were prepped for departure.
Jeff Terry captured a fantastic shot of the two engines and the two crews, right pulling out of the station. Some of his photos are incorporated into the video. David Schauer sent a really fun drone shot - looking down on the train as it went past CN's dock. Tim Schandel, LSRM curator, got a few pictures of the departure, too. Dan Mackey included one from the water's perspective, and a handful of fantastic rail photographers emailed us shots from the overpass in Superior. Thanks for sending in those images! The drone footage was taken by board member, Tim Zager - and WOW - did he capture some FANTASTIC coverage of the Big Boy in motion!!!! EXCELLENT, Tim - thank you so much for sharing it with everyone!
What was it like, you ask?! Besides, AMAZING?!
Well, it was Sunday morning, and the weekend was a hit with all. In the quietness of the cab, Ed shared his grandfather was a pastor, so we spoke of faith and family - and as we crossed the bridge, my breath was taken away by the beauty and awe of it all. To speak faith and feel as though the Spirit was around us, much like the steam itself, was an unforgettable experience. The music, Oceans, was selected to honor those moments, along with Ed's faith, passion and dedication towards the awakening and restoration of BIG Boy 4014.
Safe travels home, 4014 crew, from your friends at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, - thank you for the great visit, tours and time spent with us!