Big Boy No. 4014 Embarks on Historic Coast-to-Coast Tour

The Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive, weighing 1.2 million pounds and measuring 133 feet in length, is set to embark on its first-ever coast-to-coast tour in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. This tour, organized by Union Pacific, will include a Western leg starting on March 29, followed by an Eastern leg beginning on May 25. The Big Boy No. 4014 is the last of its kind still operational, having returned to service in 2019 after extensive restoration.

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The Western leg of the tour will feature major public displays in Roseville, California, on April 10-11, and in Ogden, Utah, on April 18-19. The Eastern leg will include stops in cities such as Philadelphia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Indiana, Ohio, and Altoona, Pennsylvania, concluding on July 29. Notably, the Philadelphia stop is scheduled for Independence Day, marking a significant occasion for the historic locomotive.

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The Big Boy locomotives were originally built during World War II to transport heavy freight across the United States. Only eight of the original 25 Big Boy engines remain, with No. 4014 being the only one still in operation. The locomotive's ability to travel to the Eastern U.S. hinges on the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which would expand Union Pacific's network to cover over 40 states and the District of Columbia.

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Union Pacific's senior manager of communications, Mike Jaixen, emphasized the importance of the Big Boy in connecting with communities and celebrating the railroad's historical role in American development. He referred to the locomotive as “the Elvis Presley of locomotives,” highlighting its iconic status. Union Pacific has also urged spectators to maintain a safe distance from the tracks during the tour.

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While the tour is celebrated by many, there are concerns regarding safety. Union Pacific has warned against placing objects on the tracks for souvenirs, as this can distract individuals from the approaching train and pose a risk. Critics argue that the excitement surrounding the tour should not overshadow safety precautions.

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As of now, the specific dates and times for the Eastern leg stops have not been released, leading to some uncertainty among potential attendees. Additionally, while the tour is set to cover significant areas, the impact of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger on the tour's logistics remains unclear.

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• “The Big Boy gives us an opportunity to connect with the communities we serve, sharing the historic role Union Pacific has played in Building America,” — Mike Jaixen, Senior Manager of Communications, Union Pacific

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• “While some have placed coins on the tracks to create theirown elongated souvenir from a Big Boy sighting, Jaixen noted it is unsafe to trespass on railroad property to place an object on the track.” — Mike Jaixen, Senior Manager of Communications, Union Pacific

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The Big Boy No. 4014 tour represents a significant moment in American rail history, offering a unique opportunity for communities to engage with a piece of their heritage.

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