To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, Union Pacific has launched a coast-to-coast steam tour for the Big Boy No. 4014 that began March 29 from its home base at Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, according to Union Pacific. It is only one of eight still in existence, and the only one in operation.
The first part of the tour ended April 24, and an eastern segment of the tour will begin May 25, taking the train through New York and the Southern Tier.
How to see the Big Boy No. 4014 in the Southern Tier
Union Pacific has officially released the schedule for the eastern stretch of the tour, with a stop in Owego at the old train station — now The Turn Golf Simulator — on June 12. The stop will be accessible to the public, and Village of Owego Mayor Mike Baratta said on April 29 they’re expecting a “pretty big crowd.”
It is still early in the planning process, but Baratta is sure the village will have to close a few streets and set up detours for the event, especially with an anticipated tour bus coming from Syracuse to view the locomotive.
The Turn Golf Simulator will be the place locals and others traveling to Owego for the Big Boy No. 4014 can gather during the scheduled 30-minute stop. Bring blankets and chairs to set up on the grassy field that overlooks the tracks.
The train is expected to arrive at 53 South Depot St. by 10:45 a.m. and depart at 11:15 a.m.
There is also an exclusive Norfolk Southern stop planned for the Binghamton-area employees on June 12, but that is not accessible to the public. The train will be departing from the Binghamton area on June 13 at 7:30 a.m., then heading toward Nicholson, Pennsylvania, for the next stop on the tour.
New York schedule details for the Big Boy No. 4014
Here are the other stops the train will be making across New York:
In an April 15 email statement, Union Pacific shared its excitement about the “historic coast-to-coast tour.”
“This is the first time Big Boy has been east of the Ohio Valley since it was delivered to Union Pacific in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1941. Our Steam Team is looking forward to visiting New York for the very first time,” Union Pacific said in the statement.
What is the Big Boy No. 4014?
Big Boys were built exclusively for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1941, according to Union Pacific, and they were designed to haul heavy equipment, operating between Ogden, Utah, and Wyoming.
The 133-foot machine weighs 1.2 million pounds. Due to their size, the frames are “hinged” to allow them to maneuver curves.
The locomotive was retired in 1961 after traveling 1,031,205 miles. Union Pacific acquired the train from RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California, in 2013.
While in Cheyenne, Wyoming, No. 4014 underwent a multi-year restoration and returned to the tracks in 2019 to mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
How local business will celebrate the No. 4014 arrival
Joshua VanBarriger, co-owner of the Freight Yard Model Trains and More, located at 63 Barlow Road in Binghamton, said he has been following the restoration of the train since its announcement in 2013.
VanBarriger said it is “wonderful to see an event like this come to the Binghamton area,” and “a privilege to see it spark such interest in our local community.”
To celebrate the special occasion, the Freight Yard Model Trains and More will be hosting sales and discounts over the June 12 weekend. Select products throughout the store will be marked 40% off.
The shop will also have a special guest appearance from local railroad YouTuber Mark Roloson, host of “My Life’s Track,” offering those in attendance a meet-and-greet experience.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Owego expects ‘pretty big crowd’ for Big Boy 4014 locomotive tour stop
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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