Home / Business and Economy / Big Boy Locomotive Ends Historic Coast-to-Coast Tour
Big Boy Locomotive Ends Historic Coast-to-Coast Tour
2 Jul
Summary
- The Big Boy No. 4014 completed a unique coast-to-coast tour.
- Tens of thousands visited Steamtown to see the Big Boys.
- No. 4014 is the only operational Big Boy steam locomotive.
The Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014, renowned as the world's largest operating steam locomotive, has completed its groundbreaking coast-to-coast tour. This remarkable journey was undertaken to commemorate America's 250th birthday.
The locomotive departed Scranton on Wednesday, following a two-week engagement at Steamtown National Historic Site. Its route took it south through several counties before reaching the Philadelphia area for the Independence Day weekend. This tour marks the first time a Big Boy has traveled coast-to-coast.
The grand tour drew tens of thousands of spectators to Steamtown. Many were particularly eager to witness No. 4014 alongside Steamtown's own Big Boy, No. 4012. These locomotives were part of a fleet of 25 Big Boys built in the 1940s.
Of the 25 Big Boys constructed, only eight still exist today, and seven of those are no longer operational. No. 4014, restored in 2019 and converted from coal to oil power, stands as the sole Big Boy capable of moving under its own steam. It is now en route back to its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
