Up and Close with a Big Boy

The hubby loves trains and train history. When I saw that the Big Boy Steam Engine was going to be in Adams as part of the Union Pacific's The Great Race Across the Midwest, I knew the hubby would want to see it. Adams was the closest stop and it is about 2 hours away.

The initial plan was for me to get out of work early, drive to Adams, see the train, and drive back to Appleton. However our plans changed and we stopped in Adams on our way to Eau Claire. It was slightly out of the way but it was worth it.

We rolled into town and found parking at by McDonald's. There was a lot of people... way more than I expected. It was a bit crazy because there was a flea market going on as well. 

The Big Boy Steam Engine was sitting on the track idling. We could get as close as 25 feet. They had it roped off so we couldn't get any closer. You kind of hard to force your way to the front or wait your turn. 

It was awe-inspiring to see the enormity of this train engine. It looked like it was backwards to me because the "nose" of the engine was so long. The engineer actually sat the rear of the engine. 

The Big Boy Steam Engine is the only remaining working big boy steam engine in the country. It does require a lot of maintenance. They were train personnel working on the axles while we were there.

I am glad the Union Pacific decided to have the Big Boy Tour the Midwest this summer. I am also glad there was a stop close enough for the hubby and I could go see it and one that actually worked in our schedule.