Union Pacific's Big Boy Locomotive Comes to Texas!

Vintage Steam Train to Visit 32 Texas Cities

Your chance to to see one of the world's largest steam locomotives might just be around the corner as railroad history rides the rails across Texas! Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 is touring around the USA in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. On it's 2019 tour, Big Boy No 4014 will briefly visit 32 Texas cities.

Union Pacific's Transcontinental Railroad Completion 150th Anniversary Celebration

A Little History About the Big Boys

Beginning in 1941, 25 Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific Railroad. At 132 feet long and 1.2 million pounds, there were the largest of the steam locomotives. Because of their length, their frames were articulated so that they could ride the curves in the tracks on their routes between Utah and Wyoming. Big Boys carried 6,100 gallons of fuel and 25,000 gallons of water. They stand 17 feet tall.

Of the original 25 Big Boys, seven remain on display including Big Boy 4018 which is on static display here in Texas at the Museum of the American Railroad.

What Makes Big Boy No 4014 Special?

Big Boy 4014 is special because it is the only one of the "Big Boy" locomotives that still operates.

Engine 4014 served in the Union Pacific fleet from December 1941 until December 1961 when it was retired after traveling over 1 Million miles.

In January 1962, Big Boy 4014 arrived at its new home on display at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds where it remained as part of the RailGiants Train Museum until 2013 when it was returned to Union Pacific to undergo a full restoration.

By the way, if you are interested in the complete specs of this beast, Union Pacific lists all of the details for you on Big Boy 4014's Heritage Page.

The Rebirth of a Giant

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 arrived back in Cheyenne, Wyoming in May 2014 and was returned to service in May 2019 as part of Union Pacific's Heritage Locomotive Fleet. Since then, Big Boy 4014 has been riding the rails of America celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Union Pacific chronicled the restoration on YouTube:

Big Boy UP No 4014 Project Playlist

Where Else is Big Boy 4014 Headed?

You can see the entire planned loop starting and ending in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Union Pacific's website featuring The Great Race Across the Southwest. You can also follow Locomotive 4014's adventures on Twitter: @UP_Steam.

We hope to be able to get out and see Big Boy 4014 as it passes through Texas, how about you?

Union Pacific's Big Boy Locomotive Comes to Texas!

Vintage Steam Train to Visit 32 Texas Cities

A Little History About the Big Boys

What Makes Big Boy No 4014 Special?

The Rebirth of a Giant

Big Boy 4014 Texas Stops in 2019:

Where Else is Big Boy 4014 Headed?

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