Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014: East Coast Tour in Northeastern Pennsylvania
This summer, northeastern Pennsylvania will be graced by the presence of Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world. As part of a nationwide tour commemorating America's 250th anniversary, the iconic train will make its first-ever journey to the East Coast. Departing from Shenectady, New York, where it was originally built, Big Boy No. 4014 will visit Scranton, home to historic Big Boy No. 4012 at Steamtown National Historic Site. The locomotive is scheduled to be on display at Steamtown from June 15 through June 16, with additional maintenance time until the end of the month. Public viewing during the initial days will require tickets through the National Park Service.
Before reaching Scranton, Big Boy 4014 will traverse parts of northeastern Pennsylvania, including a highly anticipated crossing of the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct in Nicholson on June 13. This event is expected to draw large crowds eager to witness the historic train in action. A special passenger excursion through the Pocono Mountains is also planned for June 14, offering the public a unique opportunity to ride behind Big Boy 4014. Tickets for this excursion are being sold by the Union Pacific Museum as part of a fundraising initiative.
In addition to its scheduled stops, the locomotive will make numerous short whistle-stops across multiple states, providing fans with brief glimpses of the train as it travels. Following its time in Scranton, Big Boy 4014 will continue its journey south through Pennsylvania, with planned stops in Jim Thorpe, Reading, and Pottstown before heading to Philadelphia for Fourth of July celebrations. Rail officials emphasize that the tour presents a rare chance to engage with American railroad history, with Big Boy 4014 serving as a mobile tribute to the nation's industrial heritage.
In conclusion, the upcoming visit of Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 to northeastern Pennsylvania promises an exciting opportunity for rail enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The tour, part of a larger celebration of America's 250th anniversary, will showcase the world's largest operating steam locomotive in a series of public displays and special excursions. Don't miss the chance to witness this iconic piece of American railroad history in action as it travels through the region.