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Posted on 03/21/2026 2:03:32 PM PDT by CedarDave
Historic Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Locomotive to Tour the East Coast
Union Pacific Railroad, founded by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, unveiled its plans today to celebrate the United States, its amazing history and the people behind its unparalleled success story with two new locomotives and the first Big Boy steam tour to the East Coast in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Big Boy, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to Philadelphia for Fourth of July, with stops planned in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
Our nation’s origin will be celebrated with a beautiful No. 1776 – America250 locomotive that will feature an American flag waving against the backdrop of a traditional, armor-yellow Union Pacific locomotive and the America250 logo. President Lincoln, our founder, is commemorated with the No. 1616 locomotive in a paint scheme characteristic of his era.
Our third and newest commemorative locomotive No. 4547 was built in partnership with Wabtec. It celebrates our current president, President Donald J. Trump and features large, flowing American flags on each side of the locomotive, one with 13 stars for the original colonies and the other depicting today’s beloved red, white and blue flag.
This is the third in a series of presidential locomotives, which also includes the No. 4141, the locomotive that honors the late President George H.W. Bush, and that allowed our proud Union Pacific employees to transport the late president to his final resting place in College Station, Texas, where the locomotive is now on display at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. UP 1616 at Jenks Locomotive Shop.
“Union Pacific is honored to take part in the 250th anniversary of this great nation,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “Each of these commemorative locomotives symbolizes important moments in the history of Union Pacific and the U.S. Our shared history shows the vital role railroads have played and will continue to play for generations to come.”
The Big Boy will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, March 29 for the first leg of its historic tour, returning April 24, after making stops in California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
The Eastern leg begins May 25 and will include display days in Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, Illinois; Buffalo, New York; and Scranton, Pennsylvania, before Big Boy’s arrival in Philadelphia for Independence Day. Additional display days are anticipated in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, before the tour concludes July 29.
A detailed schedule for the East Coast leg, including whistlestop locations, will be released at a later date. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to join Union Pacific’s Steam Club at upsteam.com.
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UP 4547 (President Donald J. Trump) -- This one will certainly generate its share of controversy...
No word on if they plan to paint units for the other 42 individuals who have served as president. My money is on no.
“Union Pacific is honored to take part in the 250th anniversary of this great nation,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “Each of these commemorative locomotives symbolizes important moments in the history of Union Pacific and the U.S. Our shared history shows the vital role railroads have played and will continue to play for generations to come.”
Trying my best to not drag things too far into the political discussion here, but it's somewhat unavoidable to mention given the nature of the 4547: To me, this is the latest move from UP that seems to indicate that they are pulling out all the stops to get this merger approved. TBD if their efforts succeed (the STB is theoretically an independent body, albeit comprised of political appointees), but I personally find it concerning and quite sad for the state of our nation that Union Pacific is attempting to buy favor with an administration so brazenly.
I'd hope that could be something that everyone, regardless of party, could agree on. Whatever your feelings on the George HW Bush unit, it's worth remembering that it was not painted until over a decade after HW was out of office (and he had personal ties to UP). And to get it out of the way -- I would have felt the same way if Canadian Pacific or Kansas City Southern had painted a "President Joe Biden" unit during their merger application process.
Anyways, that's all I will say on the unfortunately unavoidable politics of this announcement.
The TRUMP Train!
Hope they have great 24 hr security for 4547. TDS is alive and active in the demented minds of way too many people.
Was away too ooo coooooool!
Waaaaaaay.
Stupid spell check.
I can see some loons trying to derail 4547.
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