Historic Big Boy steam locomotive heads east for USA 250 celebration
The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, is leaving its western base for a rare cross‑country trip east to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday, performing a roughly 10‑state tour that includes Omaha, West Chicago, Buffalo, Scranton, Philadelphia, Altoona, Fostoria and St. Louis. Built in 1941 to haul wartime freight and restored in 2019, the 133‑foot, 1.2‑million‑pound engine now tours publicly with viewing spots and a real‑time location tracker from Union Pacific.