Union Pacific's 1940s Big Boy locomotive stopping in Houston
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It's really that big. Photo: Jay R. Jordan/Axios
All aboard! The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific "Big Boy" No. 4014, will roll through Houston this fall.
State of the train: The locomotive is the last operating steam engine of its kind and is embarking on a Heartland of America Tour, stopping at Houston's Amtrak station Oct. 6.
Flashback: The 132-foot-long, 1.2 million-pound giant last stopped in Houston in 2021.
Fun facts: 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.
- Of the 25 originally built, all but eight were scrapped. Seven of those eight are now on permanent display throughout the country.
- No. 4014 was restored to its original, operational glory in 2019 and has been visiting cities along Union Pacific railways ever since.
💠Jay's thought bubble: I first saw a Big Boy — the No. 4004, which is identical to No. 4014 — in 2003 as a kid.
- I always remember being enthralled by the sheer magnitude of engineering that went into building these giants and have taken every chance I've had to see one again in person.
- This October will be no different. Maybe this time they'll let me blow the whistle.
If you go: No. 4014 will be on display at 902 Washington Ave. on Oct. 6 from 9am to 3pm. Admission is free.
- Union Pacific has published the Big Boy's full schedule, including tentative times and specific railroad crossings where onlookers can see the locomotive.