The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, will roll through North Texas this fall.
State of steam: The train is the last operating steam engine of its kind and is embarking on a Heartland of America Tour, passing through Dallas in September and stopping in Fort Worth in October.
Flashback: Built in 1941, No. 4014 retired in December 1961 after logging an impressive 1 million miles during its 20 years of service.
No. 4014 was one of only 25 American Locomotive Company 4000 Class locomotives, all nicknamed Big Boy for their massive size and power, built in the early 1940s to deliver goods to aid the country's booming economy and war efforts.
Fun facts: No. 4014 was restored to its original, operational glory in 2019 and has been visiting cities along Union Pacific railways ever since.
Of the 25 originally built, all but eight were scrapped. Seven are now on permanent display throughout the country.
If you go: No. 4014 arrives in Texas next month and stops in Dallas on Sept. 18 for a private event. The train continues on to Mexia and then Houston.
Big Boy will be on display Oct. 10-11 at 275 W. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth after passing through Bryan. Admission is free.
The full schedule shows tentative times and specific railroad crossings where onlookers can see the locomotive.
