Big Mike & The Move

Big Mike Steam Engine Moved December 9, 2007

Rigging & Heavyhaul moved "Big Mike," the historic steam locomotive, at 3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 in Julia Davis Park. The historic steam engine was loaded onto a heavy-hauler semi-trailer for the drive to The Boise Depot. The trip was expected to take 2 ½-3 hours.

The "tender," which carried water and fuel for the engine, was separated from the engine. It was moved at midnight Thursday, Dec. 6. The tender move was expected to take 30-45 minutes.

The retired Union Pacific engine and tender together are 80 feet long and weigh nearly 463,000 pounds.

After the train is moved, it will be power washed, the windows will be repaired, and the engine and tender will be repainted. Boise-based Hillside Landscape Construction will build a new plaza adjacent to Big Mike. The plaza will feature interpretive signage, paved walkways, new grass, trees and wrought iron fencing.

The Idaho Transportation Department awarded $309,000 in federal funds for the entire project, which includes moving the historic locomotive, preservation efforts, construction of the new plaza and interpretive signage. The funds are designated for non-roadway improvements. Previously funded Boise Parks & Recreation projects include Greenbelt extensions from Garden Street to Orchard Avenue and Garden City to the Main Street Bridge on the south side of the river as well as beautification efforts along of Capitol Boulevard.

Private donors contributed $14,000 to the Big Mike relocation project; the city is providing $13,500 of in-kind services.

Built in 1920 by the American Locomotive Co., Big Mike was used as an all-purpose freight road engine along Union Pacific’s main line from North Platte., Neb., to Fruitland. It was the last steam engine to operate between Pocatello and Boise. "Big Mike" was retired by the Union Pacific Railroad and donated to the city of Boise in 1956, and later placed at the Third Street entrance to Julia Davis Park.

Local model railroad organizations have held several benefits to raise funds for moving "Big Mike," including an open house attended by about 4,000 people in 2005.
Boise Parks & Recreation held a public meeting on the train relocation proposal in July 2006.

For information contact Cheyne Weston at 384-4060 ext. 309 or via email at cweston@cityofboise.org