CARTER, Wyo. – Carter, population 10 – in 2010 – increased its head count at least eight times Monday as Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 rolled onto a track through this small unincorporated place east of Evanston, Wyo.
Trains’ video team arrived before sunrise Monday to find the perfect spot and saw first-hand the natural and relatively calm surroundings of the town. High desert birds, sheep, and antelope all came into full view before being joined by about 80 railfans and locals, including six state police cruisers and officers.
The extra law enforcement helped urge the camera toting crowd and traffic keep off the grade crossing where Big Boy unexpectedly stopped for more than 10 minutes.
Valves and pipes, checked, the steam crew whistled off and departed Carter in time to meet an eastbound Union Pacific train.
For more on the Golden Spike celebration, pick up our special issue Journey to Promontory and its companion DVDs, available now. Coming in June: Big Boy – Back In Steam special issue and companion DVD.
