‘Big Boy,’ world’s largest steam train, to stop in the metro-east on US tour
The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, also known as “Big Boy,” will host public displays in a metro-east city and St. Louis, this summer.
Freight railroad Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 will stop in Girard from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, along with a major public event at St. Louis’ Union Station from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19.
St. Louis’ public display is one of eight major stops in the tour, along with Omaha, Nebraska; West Chicago; Buffalo, New York; Fostoria, Ohio; and Scranton, Philadelphia and Altoona, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia’s stop will also be a Fourth of July celebration. Girard’s stop is shorter and considered a “whistle stop,” and will take place at the Center Street crossing to allow for Union Pacific crew to service the locomotive.
Other Illinois visits include Sterling and Rochelle Tuesday, June 2, West Chicago Wednesday, June 3 and Springfield July 18. In addition to St. Louis, Missouri stops will be made in Pacific, Hermann, the city of California and Kansas City.
The steam locomotive is making its tour in collaboration with Norfolk Southern as the two railroads celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“Union Pacific couldn’t be prouder to share this powerful piece of history with the nation and to be a part of America’s birthday celebration,” Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said in a Tuesday press release. “This tour celebrates our company’s rich 164-year history, our nation’s amazing story and the people who have helped build our great country and our railroad.”
More than 500,000 people visited Big Boy during its 84-day tour in 2024, and the steam locomotive tends to draw large crowds at its stops in Illinois and across the nation.
Admission to most displays is free, though some sites may have charges to park nearby. The Girard and St. Louis stops have no admission charge, and tickets will not be required.
Train safety tips for visiting ‘Big Boy’
Union Pacific staff ask those coming to see Big Boy to follow a few safety tips, including:
- Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks, and also keep any drones at least 25 feet from the tracks.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right-of-way are private property. Do not trespass.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive — always expect a train.
- Be a safe and considerate driver. Do not pace the train.
- Be aware of the environment. Union Pacific strives to provide access to all guests, the company’s website says, but Big Boy is positioned in a working rail environment with uneven walking surfaces that may create difficulty for accessibility.
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