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The biggest steam locomotive is whistle-stopping across the U.S.
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, toured coast-to-coast in celebration of America's 250th birthday, making a notable stop in Philadelphia over the July 4th weekend.
- Despite extreme heat reaching 102 degrees, hundreds gathered at Valley Forge National Historical Park to witness the massive 133-foot, 1.2 million-pound train steam by, with many using apps to track its progress and enjoying the powerful whistle and bells.
- The Big Boy locomotive, originally built between 1941 and 1944 to haul freight through mountainous terrain, was restored to operating condition under the supervision of Ed Dickens, who also serves as its engineer and ambassador.
- Over two days, nearly 100,000 people visited the train at Philadelphia's Navy Yard, where fans of all ages marveled at its size and historical significance before it continued its journey back to Wyoming with scheduled stops across several states.
- Safety remains a priority as the Big Boy travels, with engineer Dickens urging spectators to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 feet from the tracks, reinforced by the train's distinctive whistle warnings.
