"How can he compete and not you?" - Big Boy Interview I

Recorded on November 3, 2022

DUDE. THIS IS MIKE AND SPIKE, REPORTING LIVE FROM THE WIKI CAMP 2. SOMEHOW WE MANAGED TO INTERVIEW A GIANT STEAM ENGINE.

Just look at this thing. It's massive.

Yeah, but he can't talk, so I'll do it for you.

YOU WILL?

Yeah, sure.

ALRIGHT, DUDE. FIRST OFF, HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

I don't know. I was just doing my ordinary thing, while he was lying dormant at the Steam Shop.

The Steam Shops... Kinda like the Steamworks from Thomas & Friends, right?

Correct.

Steam trains are very nostalgic.

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT, MY DUDE. SAY, HOW DO THEY EVEN MAKE STEAM IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Well, most steam engines use coal as fuel. This guy uses oil. With that being said, the combustible fuel (anything works) is inserted into the firebox to heat up some liquid water in a large tank called a boiler, to the point where it evaporates into steam. From there, it goes through a series of tubes and into the cylinder, which is connected to a series of rods which are also connected to the wheels. The pressure from the steam in the cylinder pushes the piston, which moves the rods and thus turns the wheels. Finally, the exhaust steam is released via the chimney.

SICK, MAN! NOW, HOW DID THEY MAKE STEAM ENGINES THIS LARGE?

That's a good question. Back then, many large steam engines were built to haul massive amounts of freight over the mountains. Big Boy was built just for that, especially with the increase of demand by World War II. But he's not the only unique engine we have here at Union Pacific. We've designed many other unique engines to haul freight throughout Wyoming, Utah, and beyond.

UNION PACIFIC? THAT SOUNDS ODDLY FAMILIAR...

It's our railway company. We specialize in hauling freight across the Western United States, along with our main competitor, BNSF, with whom we both share a duopoly.

Gotta love it.

INTERESTING. ANYWAYS, HOW'S IT BEEN HERE IN THE WIKI CAMP 2?

Day by day, I'm getting more used to this place. I mean, look at all the trains they have here!

YOU SHOULD VISIT STARSHIP MARIO, MAN. IT'S GOT A LOT GOIN' ON.

Oh, I'd love to. I would die to go there.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, DUDE? HERE'S SUPER MARIO'S PHONE NUMBER.

LETS GOOOOOOO

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY?

I love The Wiki Camp 2 and I hope to stay here forever.

It's an honour to be here.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, DUDE. GOOD LUCK IN THE NEXT CHALLENGE, MAN.

No problem. See you around.

Big Boy and his driver leave.

I'm glad they didn't derail the conversation this time.

Yeah, unlike this entire wiki!

Oh ho ho ho!

YEAH, UNLIKE MIKE'S SMASH CAREER.

You up for another round?

I'M EASILY MAKING IT 2-0.

Bring it on.