A new chapter in the Maple City’s storied railroad history will be written in June.
Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will make a whistle stop in the City of Hornell on Thursday, June 11 as part of its historic coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The massive locomotives — the Big Boys are 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds — were built in Schenectady to haul heavy equipment during World War II, normally operating between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. No. 4014 was retired in Dec. 1961 after traveling 1,031,205 miles.
Twenty-five Big Boys were commissioned exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. Of the eight remaining Big Boys in existence, No. 4014 is the only one still in operation.
The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
Big Boy will pass thru Letchworth, stop at Hornell Erie Depot Museum
According to Union Pacific, Big Boy will depart Buffalo at 9 a.m. on June 11, and reach the North Main Street crossing in Silver Springs, New York at 11:45 a.m.
After departing from Silver Springs at noon, Big Boy will pass through Letchworth State Park in Castile, crossing the park’s Genesee River Arch Bridge at 12:20 p.m.
The train will arrive at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum on Loder Street at 2 p.m. It will leave Hornell at 2:30 p.m.
The Big Boy may operate ahead or behind the posted schedule, Union Pacific said.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 to Hornell,” Mayor John Buckley said, “Our city has a deep and proud railroad history, and having such an iconic locomotive stop here will truly be a special moment. It’s the kind of event that brings people together and reminds us of the role communities like ours have played in building and supporting the nation’s rail system.”
“It’s as historic and nostalgic as it gets,” said John Kucko, a veteran television broadcaster and digital content creator.
“To see such an iconic steam locomotive up close, as it marks the 250th anniversary of America, is truly something special. Folks in Hornell will have a wonderful view as it sits there at the old Erie Railroad Depot.”
Retired Allegany County Historian Craig Braack viewed the restored train in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2019 during the celebration marking the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Braack expects passionate train enthusiasts to pack the area for this rare viewing.
“It has never been east of the Rocky Mountains since it was built, so that’s why it’s such a massive, significant event,” Braack said. “Because of its railroad history, I predict there will be massive crowds in Hornell and all along the vantage points in Steuben and Allegany counties.
“There will be hundreds of train photographers lining county Route 119.”
City planning for big crowds, will emphasize public safety
Buckley expects Big Boy will draw visitors from across the region to Hornell. He welcomes the spotlight while acknowledging preparation will be paramount.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing our beautiful city while sharing in that sense of history and excitement,” Buckley said.
The city is “taking the necessary steps” to ensure the event is safe and well organized, Buckley said.
“I’ll be working closely with our police and fire departments to plan accordingly,” Buckley said. “That may include additional staffing and making sure our resources are positioned in a way that allows us to respond quickly if needed, especially with our Public Safety Building located near the tracks where the train will be stopping.”
Union Pacific requires spectators to stand back at least 25 feet or more from the tracks to avoid debris and steam or being hit by the train itself.
The same rules apply to drones, they must be at least 25 feet from train tracks.
Union Pacific also noted that railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right-of-way are private property, and they asked spectators to please not trespass.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Big Boy No. 4014 Hornell stop in June expected to draw huge crowds
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
