BIG MIKE GOES TO WORK
Big Mike, a Mikado-type steam locomotive, was built in 1920 by the
American Locomotive Co.
The powerful 2-8-2 Mikado was designed to include a large
firebox supported by a two-wheel trailing truck located behind the
rear driving wheels. The locomotive acquired the name Mikado
because the first 2-8-2 engines were built for export to Japan.
Nicknamed Mike by railroad men, it was a very successful type of
locomotive. More than 14,000 were manufactured between 1920 and
1944.
Boise's Big Mike was used as an all-purpose freight engine along
Union Pacific's main line from North Platte., Neb., to Fruitland,
Idaho.
A NEW HOME
Engine No. 2295 was "retired" by the Union Pacific Railroad and
donated to the city of Boise in 1956. The locomotive was
subsequently moved to 3rd Street entrance to Julia Davis Park.
On Dec. 9, 2007, Big Mike was moved to a new home on a siding on
the east side of the Boise Depot, a former Union Pacific passenger
depot located in the heart of Boise. Hundreds of people watched the
move, which occurred at midnight on the cold winter's night. The
"tender," which carried water and fuel for the engine, was
separated from the engine and moved on Dec. 6, 2007.
ALL CLEANED UP
After the train was moved, it was power washed, the windows were
repaired, and the engine and tender were repainted. Boise-based
Hillside Landscape Construction built a new plaza, which features a
freestanding kiosk with interactive display, interpretive signage,
paved walkways, reseeded vegetation, trees and a wrought-iron
fence.
The interpretive kiosk was designed and constructed
by Mark Baltes of Boise-based Landmark Impressions. Signs featuring
colorful illustrations, maps and photographs focus on:
• How steam locomotion works
• Big Mike
train facts & specifications
• Engine 2295: The Big Mike story
• Union Pacific's Old Overland Route
• Chronological history & train crews of the
Steam Era
The kiosk interactive display includes three short videos
about:
• How engineers operate trains
• Locomotives in motion and photos of depots along Big Mike's
route
• The move from Julia Davis Park to the Boise Depot
FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
The Idaho Transportation Department awarded $309,000 in federal
funds for the entire project, which included moving the historic
locomotive, preservation efforts, construction of the new plaza and
interpretive signage. The funds were designated for non-roadway
improvements.
Private donors contributed $14,000 to the Big Mike relocation
project; the city provided $13,500 of in-kind services.
FUN FOR KIDS
CONTACT
For information about the plaza and kiosk, contact Cheyne Weston
at (208) 608-7637 or via email.