Union Pacific Railroad announced its famed Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive will stop in more than three dozen communities during its fall tour across 10 states, including four public display days in Houston, Fort Worth and the Chicago area. Big Boy No. 4014 will depart from Smith Street Crossing in Grand Mound at 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 6. The engine will pass through Clinton going over the Railroad Bridge to arrive in Sterling, Illinois, at 1:30 p.m.
The 2024 Heartland of America Tour kicked off Aug. 28, from Cheyenne, Wyoming. During the tour, Big Boy will pass through Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.
Twenty-five Big Boys were built during World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one of the eight still in operation and remains the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.
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 the colossal locomotive. That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.
A steam tracking map showing No. 4014’s location and route will be available at upsteam.com.
