Large crowds glimpse largest steam locomotive and World War II workhorse
Roseville, Calif.- In many ways, Roseville remains a railroad town. Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 rode the rails to town this week and in the process delivered large crowds and economic jolt to Downtown Roseville. Next up are visits to Colfax and Truckee before departing the Golden State.
Union Pacific’s 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.
Roseville Stop
The powerful steam locomotive will make its first California stop in Oroville while traveling from Portola to Roseville, from 2:15 – 2:45 p.m. PT, Thursday, July 11.
Atlantic St. near Jefferson
The tour is expected to reach all four corners of Union Pacific’s 23-state system with anticipated stops in:
- Roseville, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Nampa, Idaho
- Portland, Oregon
- Salt Lake City, Utah
The only “Big Boy” in operation
“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.”
No. 4014 is the only Big Boy in operation today. Weighing in at 1.1 million pounds, it was restored in 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion. Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific to haul heavy freight during World War II, but only eight still exist. The other seven are on display around the United States.
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.
When the Big Boy goes on tour, many people race to find a prime spot to take photos or put coins on the track. Union Pacific reminds everyone to keep safety top of mind, always stay 25-feet back, and refrain from putting anything on the rails.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations.
Big Boy
Display days include locomotive viewing, access to the “Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car,” a multi-media walk-through exhibition that provides a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading, and live Q&A with the Steam Crew.
WWII freight haulers
Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific to haul heavy freight during World War II and out of the eight still preserved, No. 4014 is the world’s only functioning Big Boy. Weighing in at 1.1 million pounds, this is the second tour since the locomotive was restored for 2019’s “Great Race” tours which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion, following a retirement that spanned six decades.
“The Big Boy was delivered to Union Pacific in December 1941 and helped carry the nation through World War II,” said Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. “It now serves as a reminder of our history and how rail is the backbone of America. The tour last year brought out about 1.1 million people from the communities we serve, and we cannot wait to share Big Boy again this summer.”
Big Boy No. 4014 will leave the Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, June 26, making brief whistle-stops in dozens of communities in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Further details will be released in May by Union Pacific.
A steam tracking map showing No. 4014’s location and route will be available at upsteam.com.