The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, is set to visit Colorado this autumn. This limited excursion tour will bring the massive engine to Greeley and Eaton, offering a rare opportunity for public viewing. A more extensive tour is planned for 2026, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary.
Key Takeaways
- Big Boy No. 4014 will visit Greeley and Eaton, Colorado, on September 30 and October 1.
- This autumn excursion is a limited event, with a larger tour scheduled for 2026.
- The locomotive is the world's only operating Big Boy steam engine.
- It was built in the 1940s for heavy-haul freight across mountain ranges.
Big Boy No. 4014: A Brief Fall Appearance
Union Pacific announced that Big Boy No. 4014 will make a brief return to Colorado this fall. The powerful steam engine will be in Greeley on Tuesday, September 30, and in Eaton on Wednesday, October 1. These stops are part of a limited excursion designed for public viewing.
The locomotive will depart from Cheyenne, Wyoming, at 11:00 a.m. MDT on September 30. It is expected to arrive in Greeley, Colorado, at the 10th Street Crossing between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. MDT. This provides a viewing window for enthusiasts and the public.
Fast Fact: Big Boy's Weight
The Big Boy No. 4014 weighs approximately 1.2 million pounds. This makes it one of the heaviest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built.
Scheduled Stops and Viewing Opportunities
On Wednesday, October 1, the locomotive will be in Eaton, Colorado, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MDT. Spectators are advised to park west of Highway 85 and use the Collins Street pedestrian crosswalk for safe viewing. Following its stop in Eaton, the Big Boy will return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with an operational move to turn the locomotive at Speer, Wyoming, before arriving back in Cheyenne by 5:00 p.m. MDT.
Union Pacific emphasized that while this fall's tour is short, a much larger tour is in the planning stages for 2026. This extensive tour will commemorate America's 250th anniversary, offering more opportunities for the public to see the historic engine.
The History of Big Boy Locomotives
The Big Boy locomotives were constructed in the 1940s during World War II. Their primary purpose was to transport heavy equipment and freight over the challenging Wasatch Mountain Range, located east of Ogden, Utah. These engines were designed for immense power and durability.
"Big Boy No. 4014 was delivered to Union Pacific in December 1941, specifically built to conquer the Wasatch Mountain Range."
A total of 25 Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific. However, No. 4014 is the only one remaining in operational condition. Eight other Big Boys are preserved across the United States, serving as static displays in various museums and parks.
A Look Back: Big Boy's Service and Restoration
Big Boy No. 4014 was retired from active service in 1961 after accumulating over one million miles of travel. Union Pacific reacquired the locomotive in 2013 and initiated a multi-year restoration project. The engine returned to service in 2019, much to the delight of train enthusiasts and the public.
Previous Colorado Visits and Companions
Big Boy No. 4014 was last seen in Colorado in July, also making a stop in Greeley. During that visit, the locomotive was accompanied by the No. 1616 Lincoln Locomotive. This newer commemorative engine honors Abraham Lincoln's significant role in uniting the nation through the development of the transcontinental railroad, which formed the basis for America's modern freight rail network.
The Lincoln Locomotive highlights the historical importance of rail in American infrastructure and economy. Its presence alongside the Big Boy added another layer of historical context to the summer visit.
Other Big Boy Locations
While Big Boy No. 4014 is the only operational unit, other Big Boy locomotives can be viewed by the public:
- Big Boy No. 4005: On display at the Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver, Colorado.
- Big Boy No. 4004: Located at Holliday Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
- Other Big Boys are located in various states, offering a glimpse into the past of American railroading.
These static displays allow people to appreciate the sheer size and engineering of these historic machines, even when they are not in motion.
The Significance of Steam Locomotives
Steam locomotives like the Big Boy represent a significant era in transportation history. They were instrumental in the industrial development and expansion of the United States, particularly in moving goods and people across vast distances and challenging terrains.
The restoration and occasional excursions of engines like No. 4014 keep this history alive. They provide educational opportunities for new generations to learn about the engineering marvels and the impact of rail on American society.
These events also draw considerable crowds, demonstrating a continued public fascination with these powerful machines. The limited fall tour offers a special chance to witness a moving piece of history.
