ED DICKENS - BORN TO RUN BIG BOY Union Pacific 4014

From his earliest childhood memories, formed from weekend rail fan trips to the Moffat Tunnel with his grandparents, to his current role as Senior Manager of Steam Operations for the Union Pacific railroad - Ed Dickens shares his love of trains and his passion to preserve the only operating example of a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy locomotive in the world. Following four years of service in the United States Air Force, where he was a Security Specialist with the 487th Ground Launch Cruise Missile Unit, Mr. Dickens worked for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, and became a locomotive engineer in 1994. Ed eventually transitioned to the Union Pacific Railroad, and was put in charge of its steam program in May of 2010. By November, he was responsible for all of U.P.'s steam operations. Almost immediately, Ed decided that the first goal of his department would be to take one of the decaying derelict Big Boy locomotives - a rusted hulk numbered 4014 - and bring it back to full operating condition. The magnitude of such an undertaking is the marine equivalent of raising the Titanic off the sea floor and making it seaworthy again! The story of how he and his dedicated team of professional machinists, boilermakers, mechanics, and engineers took one of the eight remaining Big boys and labored tirelessly to bring it back to life is far too elaborate to tell here. Instead, I offer this brief glimpse into Ed Dickens life. Afterward, I am sure you will be convinced - as I am - that Union Pacific could find no finer good will ambassador for its railroad than Ed Dickens. If you enjoyed this video, and you think I earned it, then please subscribe to my channel. THANK YOU! Grateful acknowledgment to Ed Dickens, Bruce Kirk, Ted Schulte, John Stravino, Cole Lewis, Brett (Yukon), Robynn Tysver, and every member of their supporting cast and crew.