No. 4023– a 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" type steam locomotive– was moved from the Durham Western Heritage Museum to a permanent display location at Omaha's Lauritzen Gardens. The Big Boy, along with DD40AX No. 6900, represent the largest steam and diesel locomotives used on the Union Pacific and are the focal point for the garden's new Kenefick Park (named in honor of retired Union Pacific president and CEO John C. Kenefick.) Wasatch Railroad Contractors performed a complete cosmetic restoration of the steam locomotive during the five months following the move.

There were numerous tasks required to complete the project, however, four basic steps were accomplished.

First, preparation and evaluation work was performed to provide the best-possible restoration. Next, missing and deteriorated parts needed to be fabricated or replaced, while the remainder of the locomotive was thoroughly cleaned and prepared for paint. The locomotive was then completely repainted to original Union Pacific specifications, including accurate lettering styles and colors. Final touches and assemblies were performed to produce a complete interpretive display that will fascinate people of all ages for years to come. The new Kenefick Park will open to the public in Spring 2006.

Throughout the next few pages, you can see photos of many of these tasks as they were carried out by the WRC team.

(Photos of 4023's move to Lauritzen Gardens can be found here at the Union Pacific Historical Society website.)