Steaming Through History: Big Boy No. 4014 Celebrates America’s Milestone
Amidst soaring summer temperatures, an iconic piece of American rail history is capturing the imagination of thousands as it makes its way across the country. Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operating steam engine locomotive in the world, is touring the United States in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, offering enthusiasts a chance to witness history in motion.
Big Boy No. 4014, which hails from Wyoming, recently made a stop in Philadelphia over the July 4th weekend, part of its coast-to-coast tour. On an exceptionally hot day, with temperatures hitting 102 degrees, crowds gathered at Valley Forge National Historical Park, eager to catch a glimpse of the 133-foot-long, 1.2 million-pound locomotive.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” remarked John Seibert, a model railroad club member, who was among those waiting with camp chairs and coolers. As anticipation grew, the train’s progress was tracked by many using smartphone apps, and excitement peaked as the unmistakable sound of the steam whistle echoed through the air.
Big Boy’s arrival was met with awe, with Seibert noting, “When he blew the whistle right by us, it kind of went right through you.” The next day, the train was stationed at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard, allowing closer interaction for enthusiasts like 15-year-old Brandon Westerfield, who exclaimed, “It’s so cool to see just something that big right in front of you.”
A Train and Its Celebrity
Originally built between 1941 and 1944, Union Pacific’s twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were designed to transport freight through the challenging terrain of Utah and Wyoming. Despite their eventual replacement by diesel engines, Big Boy No. 4014 remains the only one operational today, thanks to a meticulous restoration led by Ed Dickens, the senior manager of Union Pacific’s Heritage Operations.
Known for his signature overalls and cap, Dickens operates the 7000-horsepower engine manually, a testament to its timeless engineering. He shared, “It’s all manually operated, there’s nothing automatic,” during a recent event, where he also took time for selfies with fans.
Big Boy No. 4014’s journey continues, with planned stops in several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. As it moves through towns, Dickens emphasizes safety, advising, “Please don’t hesitate to tell your fellow Americans, ‘Hey people, I talked to the train engineer and he told me to tell you to stand back. Always 25 feet back.'”
The tour, drawing nearly 100,000 visitors over two days in Philadelphia alone, highlights the enduring fascination with steam locomotives. As Dickens observed, “From a personal standpoint, seeing the happiness, seeing the crowds is something that’s just spectacular for us.”
For those unable to catch the train in person, the Big Boy’s whistle may still serve as a reminder of this historic journey.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
