The Big Boy of Diesels

The Union Pacific Directors Special came up the coast route today with DDA40X #6936 in charge. This locomotive has the distinction of being the largest diesel ever built. Called a "Centennial" because the first batch of these locomotive were built in 1969, the 100th anniversary of the driving of the golden spike on the Transcontinental Railroad. #6936 is a little newer being built in 1971. It homebase is Cheyenne, Wyoming and is store with the UP steam locomotives and historic E-9 units.
The train came into Watsonville Junction about 4:45 PM and boy was it windy! Anyhow I took a short video of it and managed a single still picture of it as it passed by.



Here is the video...




Also this week I have finished work on my newest live steam locomotive. It now carries the Big Trees Flume & Lumber Company Logo.



Here is a closeup of the saddle tank with the logo...



I also finished up installing a new propane burner in the firebox. This one should really work better than the old.



I also added a spatula, hurricane lamp, and coffee pot for the engineer.


On Friday, we finally got my nephews car painted. This has been a two year restoration project that will hopefully be finished for his high school graduation this June. Gary, my painter did an excellent job and finished the buffing today. Man this car shines!