National Park Service – Steamtown National Historic Site, Asbestos Abatement, Prime, and Paint Steam Locomotive Big Boy Union Pacific #4012, Scranton, PA

Specialty restoration services were performed that involved the lead paint and asbestos abatement, priming and painting of steam locomotive big boy union pacific #4012.

National Park Service – Steamtown National Historic Site, Asbestos Abatement, Prime, and Paint Steam Locomotive Big Boy Union Pacific #4012, Scranton, PA

Our Project Team took on the significant task of restoring the iconic Steam Locomotive “Big Boy” Union Pacific #4012, focusing on health and safety while preserving its historical integrity. Our work involved removing hazardous materials, such as lead paint and asbestos, manufacturing deteriorated parts, and giving the locomotive a fresh coat of paint to protect and enhance its appearance for years to come.

The restoration process began with carefully removing the old paint and primer from the locomotive and its tender. We used gentle methods to ensure that the underlying metal was not damaged, preparing it for a new layer of primer and paint.

To address the asbestos, we took apart the locomotive and tender, carefully removing and documenting each piece to ensure everything could be accurately reassembled. This meticulous process included removing the jacketing to access and remove all asbestos materials safely.

Once the hazardous materials were removed, new jacketing was fabricated based on the original pieces to preserve the locomotive’s authentic look. We also replaced all wooden windows and doors in the locomotive cab, using the original ones as templates to maintain historical accuracy.

The final step was applying new primer and paint to the locomotive and tender, followed by precise stenciling to replicate the original design. This not only restored the locomotive’s appearance but also protected it from the elements. The COASTAL Team worked hand-in-hand with Union Pacific historical professionals to adhere to the original locomotive specifications.

This project was about more than just restoration; it was about honoring the legacy of the “Big Boy” Union Pacific #4012, ensuring it continues to inspire and educate future generations about our rich railway history. This restoration is one of only three “Big Boy” locomotives that remain in pristine condition.