Union Pacific’s iconic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive, the world’s largest operating steam engine, will be making several stops in Texas as part of its “Heartland of America Tour” this fall. The tour, which begins on August 28 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, will travel across 10 states, including key stops in Texas during October.
As part of the tour, Big Boy No. 4014 will be on public display at select locations in Texas, offering rail enthusiasts and history buffs a rare opportunity to see the legendary locomotive up close. Union Pacific has scheduled the following Texas stops:
- Houston, Texas: On Sunday, October 6, Big Boy No. 4014 will be on display at the Houston Amtrak station, located at 902 Washington Ave., from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to witness this historic steam engine.
- Fort Worth, Texas: The locomotive will be on display at 275 W. Lancaster Ave. on Thursday, October 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and again on Friday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These display days are free and open to the public.
Additional whistle-stop viewing opportunities in Texas include:
- Big Sandy, Texas: Tuesday, September 17
- Mexia, Texas: Thursday, September 19
- Navasota and Hempstead, Texas: Friday, October 4
- Spring and Navasota, Texas: Monday, October 7
- Bryan, Texas: Tuesday, October 8
- Marlin and West, Texas: Wednesday, October 9
Union Pacific has also announced that four cab rides on Big Boy No. 4014 will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend to Friend Network, a nonprofit supporting railroad families in times of need. The auction, which runs from August 12 to August 19, can be accessed online.
Big Boy No. 4014 is one of only eight remaining Big Boy locomotives out of the 25 originally built during World War II, and it is the only one still in operation today. The locomotive’s tour through Texas and other states is part of Union Pacific’s ongoing effort to share this piece of American industrial history with communities across the country.
Union Pacific reminds all visitors to prioritize safety during the tour. Spectators should maintain a safe distance of at least 25 feet from the tracks and avoid trespassing on railroad property. For real-time updates and a tracking map of Big Boy No. 4014’s location, visit the Union Pacific Steam Club website.
For more information about Union Pacific and the Heartland of America Tour, visit www.up.com or follow Union Pacific on social media.
Image Credit: Union Pacific
Texas Reporter 