Million-pound steam locomotive Big Boy rolls into Chicago area this week

NBC Chicago ^ | June 2, 2026 | staff

[Morgana]

All aboard! Don't miss your chance to see Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, as it rolls into the Chicago area this week.

Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 will stop Wednesday in West Chicago at the Union Pacific Training Center as part of the one-million pound train's first-ever northeast tour.

"As the world’s largest operating steam locomotive—and the only one of the eight remaining Big Boys still in operation—this is a rare opportunity to see railroading history up close," Union Pacific said.

The train will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Union Pacific Center in the western suburb, according to organizers. Some may even have the chance to catch a glimpse of the huge, "legend on rails" when it glides into town Tuesday.

While the event is free, it is expected to draw large crowds, traffic impacts and even some street closures, the city of West Chicago said.

Ahead of the highly anticipated stop, here's what to know.

When does the Big Boy train first arrive in Illinois, and where will it be?

According to the city of West Chicago, the massive steam locomotive is set to pull into Union Pacific Center, at 335 Spencer St. about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. While there is no public access, limited parking and shuttles will be available to Wilson Avenue Bridge for a viewing area.

From 9 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, the train will be on public display at the Union Pacific Center for free, with no tickets required. There is no parking on -site, and guests are encouraged to take the Metra UP West Line to the West Chicago station, which is less than a mile away.

[Bullish]

It won't be "pulling" in to anywhere, it will be pushed in by four modern diesel electric locomotives. But you'll still get to see it puff a little steam and hear them blow the horn a few times. I would love to see and hear it actually pulling a train but this is all just for show.

[sistergoldenhair]

I saw this train when it made its first trip after restoration. The track ran at the back of my yard. It’s huge. A most impressive machine.

[aumrl]

dear bullish;

you couldn’t be more wrong

[aumrl]

dear bullish;

you couldn’t be more wrong

[Charles Martel]

It depends on the location's rail layout, diesels might make it easier for that locomotive to move through certain places without damaging the rails. 4014 is quite functional, I assure you. I saw it come through north Texas a few years ago.

One of its "Big Boy" siblings was moved from Dallas's Fair Park area, near the Cotton Bowl stadium, to the new railroad museum north of there in Frisco, Texas. It took diesel-electric assistance to get it (#4018, IIRC) to budge - the rails had bowed beneath its weight over the decades.

[Bonemaker]

It’ll be stripped of it’s wheels, batteries, communicatios, fuel, any copper etc by democrats while in shitcago. Big mistake.

[Jordo]

Here’s Big Boy pulling a train unassisted a few weeks ago:
https://youtu.be/bQIXIksH4YE?si=MRAn8OGZ-uNYamix&t=319
No other locomotive to be seen.

Sometimes they include a diesel locomotive, but that’s mainly for the modern braking system, not because Big Boy needs help moving the train.

[kvanbrunt2]

I like Baldwins better. The company made all customized locos for companies around the world. Their ability to produce customized solution for their customers with a steam locomotive is legendary.

[kvanbrunt2]

Big Boy (ALCO): The largest successful steam locomotive, weighing 386.125 tons (without tender) with 135,375 lbs of tractive effort.
Baldwin Giants:
Northern Pacific Z-5: Weighed 358.5 tons with 159,330 lbs of tractive effort (higher pulling power, but lighter).
Great Northern R-1/R-2: Weighed 289 tons with 142,165 lbs of tractive effort.
Baltimore & Ohio EM-1: Weighed 314.35 tons with 115,056 lbs of tractive effort.

[telescope115]

I just now saw a local (Rockford, IL) news report about it. It was in Rochelle, IL earlier today. Wish I could’ve seen it.

[kvanbrunt2]

One sees train cars all the time and never thinks much about it. Get up close to one and witness exactly how massive just one car is empty. The wheels the axles, the stabilizing systems. Incredible.>>> Chessie runs behind my house and at first i thot it obnoxious but i see three and sometime 4 diesels pulling and pushing wood, OJ and lots of oil. I like the commerce. Saw a circus train once and the presidents car.

[Theophilus]

Is the boiler not safe to operate? Or are they trying to maximize its lifespan by not putting it under stress?

[central_va]

Question: Do steam locomotives have a generator to supply electricity to the whole passenger train? if so where is it?

[Morgana]

It’s touring the country.

https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

[stylin19a]

thanx...couple a clicks away

[US_MilitaryRules]

This train is awesome to watch. I’ve only seen it on Instagram but one I would love to be on the side of the tracks watching it go by!

[US_MilitaryRules]

Um No! You’re completely wrong. Big Boy is fully functional. From what I’ve read the diesels are there as a back up in case anything happens to Big Boy. Which means Big Boy is dragging those diesels.

[Tellurian]

Totally safe, totally self sufficient. It’s been entirely rebuilt - spec’d. Runs like the proverbial top. Probably safer and stronger than it was brand new.

[mewzilla]

Update. It’s in Upstate NY now. Schedule here...

https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule