Posted on 05/08/2026 4:43:42 PM PDT by KitJ
Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
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Makes sense to send it east, given the merger (takeover) of Norfolk Southern underway by UP.
I remember seeing it at the Worlds Fair in New Orleans, so it has been east of the Mississippi River before. I don’t think it’s been any further east than that.
4014 is big, even in N scale.
Saw big boy up close and personal a couple weeks ago as he pulled out of Roseville, CA. It was the first time my wife had ever seen such a glorious machine such as big boy up close and personal.
Brought back a lot of memories for me. My dad worked for the Southern Pacific at the downtown rail yards in Sacramento. I got to enjoy Railfair 1984 in downtown Sacramento up close because of my dad. So many trains from all over the country. It was a young boys dream come true.
I’d like to see it go thru my back yard. I’m a chessie neighbor. I’ve seen Circus trains and the presidents car. Lots of OJ and lumber today.
And philly should find some Baldwin Locos to go with it. It was the largest philly employer in early 1900. Had 8 Blocks where the inky building is today.
Saw Big Boy go through Cambridge, MN a few years back. That thing was bigger than life. What a thrill!
Watched it go by in Kansas last time it was out.
Impressive, and Hoo Boy that whistle was LOUD.
Got another chance this year, overnight in Salina.
I’d love to see that up close. The closest I was to a steamer that big was in my office just outside Dresden Germany. We heard that thing a mile away and the ground shook. The smell of the steam and coal was intoxication.
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