From the Golden Age of American Railroads
Whether you are a fan of railroads and locomotives or not, this is U.S. history, mechanical engineering and physics all rolled into one, so you really should take note. It appears the Union Pacific, 4-8-8-4 Big Boy steam locomotive will be passing through North East.
This is one of twenty five Big Boys built, the first one was delivered in 1941 with only eight remaining today. Retired in 1961, 4014 was restored and returned to operation in 2019. It is the only one in operation.
These were the largest steam locomotives ever to operate and when it passes by it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see it moving under its own power. It was America’s golden age, our industrial golden age and a time when railroads and huge locomotives were a sign of our can-do spirit.
The first eastern US tour for 4014
There have been previous tours of the western US, but this is the first time 4014 will run in the eastern US which it’s doing in conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary. It will be in Philadelphia for the Fourth of July. It will be making stops at some larger cities on the way and it will be running on the former Nickel Plate route, now Norfolk Southern, from Chicago on its way to Buffalo. That takes it right through North East. If you want to see it up close at one of the stops, Buffalo is your nearest opportunity.
We’ve had other steam locomotives pass by, notably Berkshire number 765, a 2-8-4 configuration, which is impressive in its own right, but this Big Boy is the top of the heap. If you want to take some photos or videos of your own, and I imagine drone photographers will be out in force, you’ll want to keep your eye out for the exact dates for the eastern leg of this year’s tour. The tour begins May 25th and ends July 29th.
Detailed schedule to be announced: Union Pacific 4014 Schedule