Historic Steam Engine Big Boy No. 4014 Tours the U.S. for America’s 250th
Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is captivating audiences across the United States as it embarks on a nationwide tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This iconic engine recently made a stop in Philadelphia, drawing crowds from all over.
On a sweltering day, temperatures soared to 102 degrees, but that didn’t deter train enthusiasts who gathered at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Among the crowd was John Seibert, who described the experience as “a once-in-a-lifetime” event. People armed with camp chairs and coolers tracked the train’s progress via an app, eagerly awaiting its arrival.
“It’s a once-in-a lifetime experience,” Seibert remarked. “I mean you’re never gonna see it again.”
As the massive 133-foot-long, 1.2-million-pound steam engine thundered past with its bells ringing and whistle blaring, the crowd was in awe. The locomotive’s sheer size and power left a lasting impression on attendees like Brandon Westerfield, who traveled from New Jersey to see the train up close.
“I mean it’s obvious, but it’s huge,” Westerfield, 15, said. “It’s so cool to see just something that big right in front of you.”
A Train and Its Celebrity
Union Pacific originally built 25 Big Boy locomotives between 1941 and 1944 to haul freight through the Wasatch Mountains. These engines were retired by 1962, replaced by diesel locomotives. Today, only eight remain, and Big Boy No. 4014 is the sole operating giant, thanks to a restoration led by Ed Dickens, senior manager of Union Pacific’s Heritage Operations.
Dickens, the man at the throttle of this 7,000-horsepower marvel, explained, “It’s all manually operated, there’s nothing automatic.” His dedication has made him a beloved figure among train fans, with attendees praising his welcoming demeanor.
“Ed Dickens is just a super ambassador,” said Matt Zollers, a visitor from Hatsboro, PA. “What a great guy, great representative of the Union Pacific. Takes his time to talk to everyone, so friendly, so shout out to him.”
Over two days, around 100,000 people visited the Big Boy in Philadelphia, demonstrating the enduring fascination with this mechanical marvel. As it continues its journey back to Wyoming, with stops in several states, Dickens urges safety, reminding onlookers to “always stand back” as the train passes through.
As the Big Boy rolls on, its whistle serves as a reminder of its storied past and the spectacle it remains today.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
