Union Pacific's 'Big Boy' train could be coming to a city near you
The front of the Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive is shown on August 17, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Union Pacific’s iconic "Big Boy" train will take a second tour through middle America this fall.
According to Union Pacific, Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.
Twenty-five "Big Boys" were built during World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one in operation.
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The second fall tour will travel through 10 states from Aug. 29 through the end of October. It will follow Big Boy’s summer tour, which kicks off June 30 and passes through five states.
Big Boy Westward Bound Summer Tour Schedule:
The Big Boy summer tour kicks off June 30 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It will travel through Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Idaho and California before ending up back in Cheyenne July 26.
Click here for the full schedule.
Big Boy Heartland of America Fall Tour Schedule
The "Heartland of America" tour starts Aug. 29 in Cheyenne, Wyoming and will roar through nine other states over eight weeks: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
A family stands together for a picture in front of the Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive on August 17, 2021 in Houston, Texas.(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
So far, only three stops have been announced, but more stops will be announced closer to the tour date:
- Sept. 8: Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area)
- Oct. 6: Houston, Texas
- Oct. 10-11: Ft. Worth, Texas
A steam tracking map showing No. 4014's location and route will be available at upsteam.com.
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"Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25 feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing this mammoth machine," the railroad cautions. "That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment."