Oreos Wrote:
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> How did the 4014 run in the "good old days?"

The 4000 class locomotives were restricted to operations between Ogden, UT and Cheyenne, Wy, plus side trips to Denver. A number of clearances were increased on the double track main line between Ogden and Cheyenne.

> Wasn't track back then all jointed rail and in
> much worse shape than it is now?

Just because it was jointed rail, that did not make it "in much worse shape than it is now". The UP had EXTREMELY excellent track maintenance back then.

Did concrete
> ties exist back then?

No, and concrete ties wouldn't have mattered anyway.


> I would think today's track and roadbed is far
> superior to the "old" days in which 4014 ran, so I
> don't understand.

The concern is NOT "track maintenance" nor the design of the "track and roadbed", but the clearances on curves due to the extreme swing-out of the boiler on such a long/large articulated steam locomotive. The double track original UP main line would not have any issues with a 4000 class locomotive, however other main lines added through all the mergers would definitely be suspect for adequate clearances.

Please explain to us all,

OK, hows THAT?