Full Breakdown
Big Boy No. 4014 Embarks on Historic Eastward Tour for America’s Semiquincentennial
5/1/2026, 3:59:41 PM
Background & Context
Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” No. 4014, a 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive built in 1941, is the only operating member of the 25-engine class that hauled wartime freight. At 133 ft and 1.2 million lb, it logged over one million miles before retirement in 1961. The eastward leg, coordinated by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, marks its first Mississippi crossing and inaugural run east of Chicago for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern President-CEO Mark George have promoted the event.
Tour Schedule
- May 30 – Omaha, Nebraska
- June 3 – West Chicago, Illinois
- June 10 – Buffalo, New York
- June 15-16 – Scranton, Pennsylvania
- July 4-5 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- July 19 – St. Louis, Missouri
- July 29 – Return to Cheyenne, Wyoming
Scope & Numbers
Big Boy is 133 ft long, weighs 1.2 million lb, and has traveled over one million miles. Of the original 25 engines, eight survive; only No. 4014 remains operational. The eastward leg visits ten states, includes eight major display cities, and features over 50 whistle stops; the tour spans fourteen states.
Significance
The tour highlights railroads’ historic role in nation-building and links Union Pacific’s 164-year legacy with America’s 250-year story. Using Norfolk Southern tracks east of the Mississippi demonstrates a national network and renews interest in railway heritage.
Official Statements & Responses
UP’s Jim Vena said the locomotive celebrates the railroad’s legacy and the nation’s birthday. NS’s Mark George noted railroads have historically united communities and commerce, and that the joint operation reflects a shared legacy as the country nears its semiquincentennial. Union Pacific framed the tour as a partnership returning the engine to the communities that powered America’s industrial rise.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Union Pacific couldn’t be prouder to share this powerful piece of history with the nation and to be a part of America’s birthday celebration,” — Jim Vena, CEO, Union Pacific
- “This tour celebrates our company’s rich 164-year history, our nation’s amazing story and the people who have helped build our great country and our railroad.” — Jim Vena, CEO, Union Pacific
- “Railroads helped build this nation by connecting people, communities and commerce – work carried forward for generations by dedicated railroaders,” — Mark George, President & CEO, Norfolk Southern
- “As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Union Pacific’s Big Boy’s return to the East on Norfolk Southern rails reflects a shared legacy.” — Mark George, President & CEO, Norfolk Southern
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the start date—some list May 25 departure from Cheyenne, others May 30 first public display in Omaha. States visited are listed as ten, but including the western leg raises the total to fourteen. Whistle-stop counts vary between “more than 50” and “four dozen.” No source offers criticism.
Next Steps
The final public stop is July 29 in Cheyenne; the locomotive then returns to its home base. A ticketed passenger ride through Pennsylvania’s Poconos is set for June 14, and NS will unveil a new America 250 commemorative locomotive later this summer.
