The name “Big Boy” originated accidentally when an unidentified ALCO worker chalked the words “Big Boy” on the smokebox of the first 4‑8‑8‑4 locomotive while it was still under construction. This informal bit of shop‑floor graffiti stuck, overriding Union Pacific management’s intended name, the “Wasatch” class.
Cindy got it first! An unknown worker wrote it on the door, and the nickname stuck.
The name “Big Boy” originated accidentally when an unidentified ALCO worker chalked the words “Big Boy” on the smokebox of the first 4‑8‑8‑4 locomotive while it was still under construction. This informal bit of shop‑floor graffiti stuck, overriding Union Pacific management’s intended name, the “Wasatch” class.
Chalked on the smokebox door of a locomotive on the erecting floor at ALCO.