June 18, 2024 - TRA Newswire -

Union Pacific's "Heartland of America Tour" that starts August 29 in Cheyenne, Wyoming will see its legendary steam locomotive Big Boy No. 4014 whistle its way through towns and cities in Texas by early October.

This is the second tour of the giant steam locomotive this year. In addition to whistle-stops in many communities in mid-America, the public and Union Pacific employees will be able to view it in Houston on October 6 and in Fort Worth October 10 and 11.

Big Boy will steam through a total of 10 states including nearby Arkansas and Oklahoma this late summer and fall. The eight-week tour concludes in late October. In all No. 4014 will have visited 14 states in 2024, with the first tour from Wyoming to California earlier this year. 

Big Boy is the world's largest operating steam locomotive. Twenty-five were built during World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one still in operation with others scattered around railroad museums in static displays, including at the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, Texas. Big Boy weighs 1.2 million pounds. 

Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety in mind and stay 25 feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing this mammoth workhorse. The railroad warns against taking a picture or video on tracks or on the ballast and climbing on the locomotive or any of the other cars can be a safety issue. Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a train.

There will be a steam tracking map that shows Big Boy's location and route and it will be available at http://www.up.com/up/heritage/steam/index.htm.