Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 Set for East Coast Tour

West Chicago, Illinois – Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014, recognized as the largest functioning steam locomotive globally, is making its inaugural East Coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

This week, the locomotive rolled into Illinois as part of the America 250 Tour, which involves a multi-state route through Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, culminating in Philadelphia just in time for Independence Day.

On Tuesday, train enthusiasts gathered along the tracks in Sterling, Illinois, eager to witness the locomotives during one of the scheduled whistle stops.

One visitor shared his passion for trains, stating, “I’ve always loved trains. This is just the history of railroads.”

Many came from various states for a chance to see the iconic locomotive. Brandon Becker, who traveled from Wisconsin, remarked, “It’s huge. It’s beautiful.”

Constructed in 1941 for transporting heavy freight across western mountains, only Big Boy No. 4014 is still in operation out of the original 25 built. The locomotive, which weighs around 1.1 million pounds and stretches over 130 feet, was restored in 2019 after years of being on display.

A public exhibition event in West Chicago allowed attendees to see the locomotive up close before it continued its eastward journey.

While discussing the tour’s significance, Marcia Shimler, another train enthusiast, mentioned, “I took a day off just to see trains because I love trains.”

Union Pacific’s America 250 Tour includes more than 50 whistle stops and exhibits in ten states, part of a broader plan to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The crew inside the cab keeps tabs on various systems that power this steam engine, a technology that has been around for over a century. Each stop garners interest from modern-day rail fans, drawn in by both the engineering marvel and the historical essence of the locomotive.

As John Bollig put it, “There’s definitely a patriotic feeling rising inside me.”

Union Pacific notes that this segment of the tour is being done in collaboration with Norfolk Southern, marking a historic moment as Big Boy journeys to the East Coast.

The final leg will lead it through Pennsylvania to Philadelphia, where it will be part of events linked to the nation’s anniversary celebrations.