Words or less) Bold, beautiful, and powerful, steam locomotives have captivated children and adults alike for generations. From the editors of Trains magazine, Big Steam is Back features 11 well-known locomotives from across the United States and their individual journeys to restoration. This special 100-page edition includes the restored Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, widely considered to be the best and most powerful locomotive ever built, the colorful Southern Pacific 4449, and an update on the much-anticipated completion of Big Boy 4014.
A NEW AGE OF MAINLINE STEAM
2926 So close • Legendary Santa Fe 4-8-4 nears completion in New Mexico
2926: A love story in steam
California DREAMIN’ • Keeping big steam alive under the Southern California sun
THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE PARTS
SANTA FE 3751 MATTERS, HERE’S THE SHORT LIST OF REASONS WHY
Taming the BEAST OF THE EAST • 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 is about to become the biggest operating articulated in North America on Western Maryland Scenic’s 17-mile mountain railroad
BEAUTY put to the TEST • You know No. 611 is the most powerful 4-8-4. Now we’ve got the proof
DAYLIGHT rising • For four decades, Southern Pacific 4449 has wowed crowds from coast to coast
SP&S 700, The Northwest’s Own 4-8-4, awaits its return
Michigan’s hardworking BERKSHIRE • Decades after regular service, Pere Marquette No. 1225 is still reeling off the miles
Union Pacific’s DYNAMIC DUO • With 4-8-4 No. 844 on the road again, the Cheyenne shop crew focuses on Big Boy No. 4014. In this two-part report, learn about both restorations
DYNAMIC DUO BIG BOY • Big Boy No. 4014’s restoration is the project of the century
Coming ATTRACTIONS • Four locomotives to watch: A C&O 2-8-4; an NC&St.L 4-8-4, and two Reading Co. 4-8-4s with a future
More than just a STEAM LOCOMOTIVE • The Friends of the 261 pays attention to what’s behind the tender to keep the fires burning
Secrets of a STEAM STAR • Excursion favorite Southern 4501’s untold history
Q WHY IS THE FRAME BEHIND THE NO. 4 DRIVER BENT?
Mikados on the mind
Q HOW DID THE 1976 REPLACEMENT DRY PIPE FUNCTION?
THE NEXT GENERATION • Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society finds its niche in a new era of steam excursions
TO ABSENT FRIENDS • Now cold, these big steam locomotives were hot not long ago. We remember them fondly