Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you.
Posted on 06/02/2026 3:19:10 PM PDT by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcchicago.com ...
|
|
Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
It’s about ten miles from our house.
A most impressive machine.
L
It can only get there on a track. Just map it out to see along its way.
Very cool!
Very well done animation regarding how steam locomotives work.
Based on The Big Boy.
Long (30 minute) video but worth it if steam locomotives interest you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Hszu80NJ438&ra=m
I went on a train when I was 12...from Upstate NY to Detroit. The thing I remember most was the finger bowls at lunch on the train. Also...that the train was VERY VERY big.
I know. Downtown West Chicago is two towns away.
L
WOW, what a machine. Doing the restoration HAD to be a labor of love and respect. That is awesome!
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.
Steam power is nothing to sneeze at. Not to forget that all US Navy submarines and aircraft “super” carriers are “steam boats.”
If at came in from Iowa, it would have gone through our old backyard in Ogle County, IL.
I saw Big Boy today in Grand Mound, Iowa. Very impressive!
up in your neck o’the woods.
Nuclear power = Steam engine
Wish I could make the trip there to see it. So very cool!
Long (30 minute) video but worth it if steam locomotives interest you.
******************************************
Excellent. Thank you.
Shipped link to family. They have kids, some are going to see the Big Boy as it passes.
Different cycle but it don’t matter.
There’s an N scale 4014 on this table.
Had a 55 ft flat car decked with 4X12’s for getting log trucks across the creek. The creek won.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.