Union Pacific’s Big Boy locomotive delivers thrills to area rail enthusiasts
Union Pacific Railroad’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, made its way to Western Pennsylvania Saturday for the first time as part of a coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The historic excursion, conducted in collaboration with Norfolk Southern, included a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major public display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops across 10 states. In addition to making its first stop in Pennsylvania, the locomotive also had initial visits scheduled in Indiana, Ohio and New York.
The eastern portion of the tour marks the first time Big Boy has steamed east of the Mississippi River and into the Ohio Valley since it was built in Schenectady, N.Y., and delivered to Union Pacific in 1941.
Big Boy arrived at Leetsdale Saturday for a 30-minute whistle stop before concluding its night with a private Norfolk Southern employee event in Conway. Crowds of people lined the tracks throughout the route to cheer on the huge steam machine.
The only scheduled stop Sunday, July 12, is at Struthers, Ohio, although earlier it will be traveling near Freedom, Monaca, Rochester, New Brighton and Beaver Falls in Beaver County.
The whistle stop in Leetsdale Saturday was one of more than four dozen such stops scheduled for the locomotive.
The East Coast journey concludes Big Boy’s Coast-to-Coast 2026 tour after an earlier spring trip through California that included a stop in Sacramento at the Central Pacific’s Milepost Zero, where construction of the transcontinental railroad began.
“Union Pacific couldn’t be prouder to share this powerful piece of history with the nation and to be a part of America’s birthday celebration,” Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said earlier. “This tour celebrates our company’s rich 164-year history, our nation’s amazing story and the people who have helped build our great country and our railroad.”
Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George said the partnership reflects the important role railroads have played in the nation’s development.
“Railroads helped build this nation by connecting people, communities and commerce — work carried forward for generations by dedicated railroaders,” George said. “As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Union Pacific’s Big Boy’s return to the East on Norfolk Southern rails reflects a shared legacy.”
Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built exclusively for Union Pacific beginning in 1941 to haul heavy freight over the steep grades between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyo., supporting the nation’s wartime transportation needs during World War II.
The massive engines measure 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds. Their articulated, or hinged, frame allows them to navigate curves despite their size. The locomotives feature a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement, consisting of four leading wheels, two sets of eight driving wheels and four trailing wheels.
No. 4014 was retired in December 1961 after logging more than 1 million miles. Union Pacific reacquired the locomotive from the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, Calif., in 2013 and transported it to Cheyenne for an extensive restoration. It returned to service in May 2019 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Today, No. 4014 is the only operating Big Boy. The seven other surviving locomotives are on permanent public display in St. Louis; Dallas; Omaha, Neb; Denver; Scranton, Pa.; Green Bay, Wisc.; and Cheyenne.
The 2026 tour has allowed rail fans and communities across the eastern United States a rare opportunity to experience one of the most iconic steam locomotives ever built as it helped commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Gallery by Mike Longo Jr.
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