Following a two-year restoration process, Big Boy is now making its way around the southwest United States in celebration of the Union Pacific Railroad’s 150th anniversary of completion. Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds and extending 132 feet long, No. 4014 was first delivered to the railroad in December1941 and traveled 1,031,205 miles before retiring two decades later.
For a more interactive experience, Big Boy No. 4014 will be on display prior to reaching Spring, on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 902 Washington Ave., Houston. Unlike the Spring viewing-only location, display access includes free admission, souvenir-purchasing opportunities and access to the “Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car” walk-through exhibit.
Those interested in seeing the locomotive should take into consideration Union Pacific’s rail safety tips. Especially if planning to take photos of the event, rail pedestrians should stand at least 25 feet away from railroad tracks. The railroad also recommends hearing protection.
Time schedules are subject to change. Schedule updates and additional information can be found here.