Meet Big Boy, a 600-Ton Train with Devoted Fans
The world's largest operating steam locomotive is 83 years old and still going strong.
Do you love big, old, girthy…trains? Then you're going to love Big Boy No. 4014. The train, built in 1941, was one of 25 Big Boy trains constructed during World War II. Big Boy No. 4014 is one of only eight still in operation, according to Union Pacific, and is the world's largest operating steam locomotive. The train is going on a cross-country tour this fall, with public viewing opportunities in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming.
Big Boy did its second major display on October 6 in Houston, Texas, and the massive 600-ton train brought dozens of train enthusiasts to watch the machine roll into town. "It's American history. In 1941 it was created. And it's still running today. It's beautiful. When you hear that whistleblower is like nothing else," train enthusiast Gino Villalobos told KHOU 11.
Some fun facts about Big Boy No. 4014 include that it has traveled 1,031,205 miles between 1941 and 1961. The train is 132 feet long and weighs 1.2 million pounds. Luckily, the Big Boy tour is continuing for all the devoted train fans across the country. Big Boy’s next stop is Fort Worth, Texas on October 10 and 11. After that, the train will continue with other whistle stops and viewing opportunities until October 23.
Here's where you can see Big Boy on the remainder of its stops through the US:
Oct. 7 – Spring and Navasota, Texas
Oct. 8 - Bryan, Texas
Oct. 9 – Marlin and West, Texas
Oct. 13 – Durant, Oklahoma
Oct. 14 – Muskogee and Claremore, Oklahoma
Oct. 15 – Osawatomie, Kansas
Oct. 17 – Topeka, Kansas
Oct. 18 – Salina, Kansas
Oct. 19 – Wilson, Kansas
Oct. 20 – Grainfield, Kansas
Oct. 21 – Strasburg, Colorado
Oct. 23 – Greeley, Colorado
You can track Big Boy's progress at UpSteam.com and find the exact schedule on the Union Pacific website. And if you're looking for even more train travel inspiration, Thrillist has you covered. We've got the best train rides in America, everything you need to know about traveling Amtrak, and how to catch a ride on America's longest steam train.
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