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Posted on 01/30/2026 12:55:36 PM PST by Morgana
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific’s Big Boy will return to California this spring in the first leg of its planned coast-to-coast trip for America’s 250th anniversary, the railroad has announced.
The first segment of the trip will be a round trip from Cheyenne, Wyo., beginning March 29 and concluding April 24, with two major public displays: April 10-11 in Roseville, Calif., and April 18-19 in Ogden, Utah. A full schedule will be released closer to the start of the tour. The eastern portion of the trip is still being finalized but is expected to begin in late spring.
No passenger excursions are planned on the western leg.
“We are proud to honor our nation’s great history and legacy of innovation with our heritage locomotives. For the first time, we will share the Big Boy with communities on the East Coast, operating it from ocean to ocean,” UP CEO Jim Vena said in an email to UP Steam Club members. “America has never been afraid to dream about what’s possible – and neither is Union Pacific as we carry the grain that feeds families, the steel that builds cities and the household goods that stock store shelves.”
The plans also call for the inclusion of a newly announced “America 250” locomotive, No. 1776, which will pay tribute to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and founding of the nation. That locomotive will feature the emblem of the national nonpartisan organization to lead 250th anniversary events, the America 250 Semiquincentennial Commission. A second commemorative locomotive will also be involved.
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How will it get water? Are there any water towers left along the tracks?
Will they use the brand-spanking new high speed rail line?
Oh, that’s right - it hasn’t been built yet...
It looks passive, like the diesel-electric is running the show.
There’s no steam puffing out from the piston exhausts.
What a beautiful sight! Brings out the little boy in all of us!
In my case, the little girl.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Are the yellow cars water tanks?
Or is it all faked and that diesel locomotive is pushing it?
You mean the mysterious invisible one that's cost 30 billion so far?
“No passenger”. Ha! That’s what they think. I’ve watched Emperor of the North enough times to know how to hobo a train.
As long as you’re A-1 and not Cigarette...
Have you ever ridden the trains in Chama or Durango?
They both used to be part of the same railroad and use the same type of equipment.
Shack better watch his back is all I have to say.
I thought this would be about double decker hamburgers in northern Michigan.
There are two auxiliary tenders behind the main tender.
The 4014 was converted to burn oil too, so no chance of hot cinders causing any vegetation fires.
The diesel is there in case the 4014 breaks down, but also for dynamic braking and positive train control.
I was there, nothing you see is fake.
The regular locomotives were backup .
Screw UP. And with it, its big boy. That company ruined too many worker’s lives, careers, happiness and reputations. Along with taking a toll on employees families, indirectly, through stress. There it’s said. I can personally recount many 1st-hand horror stories. And if I weren’t such a nice person, I’d tell you how I really feel!
Thank you. Good to have that cleared up.
Not that Big Boy. He has a checkered past.
Tanker trucks
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