Steam will return to the Union Pacific as the famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive, will return to the rails in 2024 for a tour celebrating the railroad’s deep history and connection to communities, and its employees. The tour is expected to reach all four corners of Union Pacific’s 23-state system with anticipated stops in:
- Chicago, Illinois
- Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Nampa, Idaho
- Portland, Oregon
- Roseville, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
“As we move forward at Union Pacific, we remember where we came from; the Big Boy represents the history of Union Pacific and the United States,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “When No. 4014 comes to town, we will celebrate with the communities where we operate, our employees and their families. Together, we will marvel at how far technology has brought us.”
The announcement comes after the locomotive made just one appearance in both 2022 and 2023, running from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Denver Colorado and return in 2022 and Cheyenne to Omaha, Nebraska in 2023. This is slated to be the busiest season for the UP Steam crew since 2021 when Big Boy toured ten states in 5 weeks. 4014 returned to steam in 2019 and has toured the Union Pacific system as an ambassador for the railroad since .
Tour dates and route information will be released in 2024. In addition to public stops, Union Pacific employees and their families will be invited along the route.
The Railfan Journal will bring you the full schedule when it becomes available.
Feature photo courtesy Union Pacific Railroad
25 Feb 2024
Hello,
We saw 4014 leave Pomona Fairgrounds. Would love to see it run.
We, and lots and lots of people, would like to see it at Union Station in LA.
Thanks,
Tim, Karen, Judy, and Porsche Gibson
Newport Beach, CA
tim@gibsonprecision.com