Full Steam Ahead: World's Largest Steam Locomotive Returns with 'The Big Boy 2021 Tour'
Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 will tour 10 states starting August 5, 2021, celebrating the heritage of railroads and the communities it serves. Following a multi-year restoration, this tour marks its first since the 2019 events commemorating the transcontinental railroad's completion. The locomotive will make stops across cities in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Union Pacific emphasizes safety during the tour and encourages community engagement through the Union Pacific Steam Club.
- Big Boy No. 4014's tour promotes community engagement and brand visibility.
- The locomotive serves as a reminder of the railroad's significant role in the economy.
- None.
OMAHA, Neb., June 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, will embark on "The Big Boy 2021 Tour" Aug. 5 to celebrate railroad heritage and the communities Union Pacific serves. This is the first tour since the locomotive was restored for 2019's "Great Race" tours celebrating the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad's completion. The multi-year restoration took place at Union Pacific's steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, following a retirement that spanned six decades.
"Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, the Big Boy makes a big impression in communities it visits, reminding us of bygone days and the important role the railroad continues to play in our global economy," said Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "This summer, we are proud to announce that the Big Boy will be back to tour through 10 of the states and hundreds of the communities which Union Pacific serves."
No. 4014 will leave the Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 5, making brief whistle-stops in communities across Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. The locomotive will be on display in the following cities:
- Saturday, Aug. 14: Fort Worth, Texas
- Tuesday, Aug. 17: Houston, Texas
- Saturday, Aug. 21: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Sunday, Aug. 29: St. Louis, Missouri
- Monday, Sept. 6: Denver, Colorado
No. 4014 will return to Cheyenne following the Denver stop. A complete list of overnight and whistle stops will be released at http://upsteam.com. Fans interested in getting the latest news regarding Union Pacific's steam program and notifications of schedule updates can join the Union Pacific Steam Club at http://up.com/SteamClub.
Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific, the first of which was delivered in 1941 to handle the steep terrain between Cheyenne and Ogden. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the world's only operating Big Boy. The other seven can be found on display in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; Frisco, Texas; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Omaha, Nebraska; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Union Pacific strongly encourages visitors to keep safety top of mind while viewing and photographing No. 4014 on its journey. For everyone's safety:
- Remember, trains can't stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.
- A train's distance and speed can be deceiving.
- The average train overhangs the track by at least three feet – take extra precaution and stand back at least 25 feet.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – always expect a train.
The Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car, a multi-media walk-through exhibition providing a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading, will accompany the Big Boy on its tour. A steam tracking map showing No. 4014's location and route will be available at upsteam.com.
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. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
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SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation
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