UMVA has learned that the world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, is embarking on a historic journey across the East Coast as part of the celebrations leading up to America's 250th birthday.
The massive locomotive, which weighs nearly 1.1 million pounds and stretches over 130 feet long, arrived in Illinois this week as part of Union Pacific's America 250 tour, a multi-state journey that will take it through Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania before arriving in Philadelphia ahead of Fourth of July celebrations.
Rail enthusiasts gathered in droves to catch a glimpse of the locomotive as it passed through Sterling, Illinois, on Tuesday, with many lining the tracks to watch it chug along during one of many whistle-stops planned along the route. For some, the attraction was a chance to indulge in a lifelong passion for trains.
"I've always loved trains," said one visitor. "It's just the history of it."
Others traveled great distances to lay eyes on the locomotive, with Wisconsin resident Brandon Becker describing it as "huge" and "beautiful". The locomotive's sheer scale and historic significance have drawn crowds of modern-day rail enthusiasts at each stop.
Big Boy No. 4014 was built in 1941 to haul heavy freight through the mountains of the American West. After spending decades on public display, it was restored to operating condition in 2019 and is now the only one of its kind still operating today.
As the locomotive made its way through the Midwest, visitors were treated to an up-close look at the steam engine during a public display event in West Chicago on Wednesday. For Marcia Simler, the chance to see the train up close was worth taking the day off work.
"I took the day off just to see the train because I just love it," she said.
The America 250 tour is a key part of Union Pacific's efforts to commemorate the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. With over 50 whistle stops and public display events across 10 states, the tour is set to stir patriotic feelings in all who catch a glimpse of the historic locomotive.
"Stirring patriotic feelings in me, that's for sure," said John Bollig, one of the many visitors drawn to the locomotive.
As the tour continues through Pennsylvania and into Philadelphia, Big Boy No. 4014 is set to participate in events tied to the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, marking a major milestone in American history.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the eastern leg of the tour is being conducted in partnership with another major railroad, marking the first time Big Boy has traveled to the East Coast.
