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News & Reviews News Wire Full schedule released for Big Boy’s fall ‘Heartland’ tour

Full schedule released for Big Boy’s fall ‘Heartland’ tour

10-state trip begins Aug. 28, concludes Oct. 23.

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific has released the full schedule for the 10-state “Heartland of America” tour by Big Boy No. 4014, to begin Aug. 28 in Cheyenne and return there Oct. 23.

As previously announced, public display events are planned for Sunday, Sept. 8, in Rochelle, lll.; Sunday, Oct. 6, in Houston; and Thursday and Friday, Oct. 10-11, in Fort Worth, Texas. Viewing-only events are scheduled in Bryan, Texas (Oct. 8), Kansas City (Oct. 16), and Salina, Kan. (Oct. 18). As on other trips, a number of brief “whistle stops” are planned elsewhere on the route.

Unlike the earlier trip to California, no public excursion is planned on this outing, but four cab rides are being auctioned to benefit the Union Pacific Museum Association and the UP Friend-to-Friend Network. Two will be offered Sept. 2 on the trip into Omaha, Neb., and two will be Sept. 4 outbound from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Each ride will be approximately 90 minutes in duration; riders must be 18 or older and comply with requirements listed on the site where bidding is being conduced. Bidding began this morning (Aug. 12) at 10 a.m. CT and will conclude Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. CT. For information or to bid, visit this web page .

The Big Boy’s looping route will take it through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (crossing briefly back into Missouri at Kansas City, Mo.), and Colorado before returning home to Cheyenne. In addition to its public display dates, private Union Pacific employee events are planned in North Platte, Neb.; Rochelle; St. Louis; North Little Rock, Ark.; Dallas; Houston; Fort Worth; and Denver. The full schedule is available here .

As always, UP advises to check the steam website for updates, that all schedule times and locations are subject to change, and that there is no public access to the Big Boy outside of listed stops.

One thought on “ Full schedule released for Big Boy’s fall ‘Heartland’ tour ”

$4,000 opening bid. Probably more than I can find in the cupholder in the car…

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Union pacific's famed 'big boy' steam engine to visit dozens of communities in upcoming tour, the heartland of america tour includes four display days in texas and illinois.

Omaha, Neb., August 12, 2024

Union Pacific Railroad today announced its famed Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive will stop in more than three dozen communities during its fall tour across 10 states, including four public display days in Houston, Fort Worth and the Chicago area.

As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum will be auctioning off four cab rides on Big Boy No. 4014, with proceeds going to two worthy causes: the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend to Friend Network , a nonprofit that benefits railroad families in times of need, such as medical or natural disaster hardships. The auction starts Monday, Aug. 12 and ends Monday, Aug. 19. Details can be found at https://rarauctions.com/upm .

The 2024 Heartland of America Tour kicks off Aug. 28, from Cheyenne, Wyoming. During the tour, Big Boy will pass through Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

As previously announced, the four display days are scheduled for:

Sept 8 – Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area)
Oct. 6 – Houston, Texas
Oct. 10 & 11 – Fort Worth, Texas

Whistle-stops and other viewing opportunities:

Aug. 28 – Kimball
Aug. 29 – Ogallala
Sept. 1 – Overton
Sept. 2 – Columbus and Omaha
Sept. 4 – Carroll
Sept. 5 – Belle Plaine
Sept. 6 – Grand Mound
Sept. 6 – Sterling
Sept. 9 – Rochelle and Watseka
Sept. 10 – Nokomis
Sept. 12 – De Soto and Ironton
Oct. 15 & 16 – Kansas City
Sept 13 – Piggott
Sept 14 – Hickory Ridge, Brinkley and Pine Bluff
Sept. 15 – North Little Rock
Sept. 16 – Kingsland
Sept. 17 – Big Sandy
Sept. 19 – Mexia
Oct. 4 – Navasota and Hempstead
Oct. 7 – Spring and Navasota
Oct. 8 - Bryan
Oct. 9 – Marlin and West
Oct. 13 – Durant
- Oct. 14 – Muskogee and Claremore
Oct. 15 – Osawatomie
Oct. 17 – Topeka
Oct. 18 – Salina
Oct. 19 – Wilson
Oct. 20 – Grainfield
Oct. 21 – Strasburg
Oct. 23 – Greeley

Twenty-five Big Boys were built during World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one of the eight still in operation and remains the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.

Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25-feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing the colossal locomotive. That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.

A steam tracking map showing No. 4014's location and route will be available at upsteam.com .

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com .

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www.twitter.com/unionpacific

The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.

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Big Boy locomotive in Illinois: 2 more chances to see the iconic steam train

Over the weekend, heavy traffic was reported as many visitors showed up to see union pacific's 4014 big boy steam engine in illinois, by nbc chicago staff • published september 9, 2024 • updated on september 10, 2024 at 8:56 am.

Editor's Note: Tuesday's timing schedule for the Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy in Nokomis, Illinois has changed. The latest information can be found here . Our original story continues below.

Union Pacific's 4014 Big Boy steam engine tour across America continues Monday with two stops in Illinois.

📺 24/7 Chicago news stream: Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are

The classic locomotive began it's 10-state "Heartland of America" tour in August, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Friday, the train made its first of four stops in Illinois, in Sterling, before parking in Rochelle for the weekend.

Ahead of its public debut in Rochelle Sunday, extensive traffic delays and backups were reported. Photos posted on social media showed traffic backups and a number of people who attempted to beat the traffic and walk along the road to the viewing.

The heavy traffic prompted Rochelle police to issue an alert on social media.

"There are a lot of visitors today for the Big Boy viewing," police said in a Facebook post. "Please avoid Jack Dame Dr unless you are making your way to the Union Pacific Rail Yard. Traffic is moving at a good speed, and there is plenty of parking at Global III therefore if you can avoid walking it’s suggested since there are no sidewalks. Also note that there are several retention ponds therefore there is no direct access point once you get into the Union Pacific yard. We ask that everyone drive with caution as we have officers and volunteers assisting with traffic."

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More traffic may be expected as the train will park in Rochelle for a second viewing Monday, beginning at 8:45 a.m. The appearance however will brief, with a 15-minute viewing time, the locomotive's schedule showed.

Later Monday, the train will stop in Watseka, followed by a final Illinois stop Tuesday in Nokomis.

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter .

Illinois Big Boy schedule is below. The full schedule for the train can be found here .

Sept 8. – Rochelle – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT, Global III
Sept. 9 – Rochelle , 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. CT, Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. 9th St.
Sept. 9 – Watseka , 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. CT, North St. Crossing
Sept. 10 – Nokomis , 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. CT, Maple St. Crossing

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Union Pacific sets Big Boy locomotive tour dates. Here is the schedule

B ig Boy No. 4014 just may be chugging through a city near you, as Union Pacific announced the legendary locomotive's upcoming tours for summer and fall.

Those in Colorado will need to wait until fall to see the locomotive.

The popular Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive at 132 feet long and weighing 1.2 million pounds. It is the only one of 25 built during World War II that is still in operation.

Here is where you can see Big Boy during its summer Westward Bound Tour

This five-state, 19 whistle-stop tour starts June 30 at Big Boy's home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

It will travel across Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California and Idaho.

Highlights include public display for two days each in Roseville, Calif., from July 12-13 and Ogden, Utah, from July 20-21.

See Big Boy's Westward Bound Tour schedule here .

Big Boy's Heartland of America Tour to include Colorado

Union Pacific announced on June 17 that its legendary steam locomotive will embark on an eight-week Heartland of America Tour starting Aug. 29.

The tour starts in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and includes nine additional states: Colorado, Nebraska, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October.

The complete schedule hasn't been finalized but will include several whistle-stops in communities along the route and public display days. Here are known stops:

Sept. 8: Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area)
Oct. 6: Houston
Oct. 10-11: Ft. Worth

The last time Big Boy No. 4014 was in Denver was July of 2022 when it was at Union Station.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Union Pacific sets Big Boy locomotive tour dates. Here is the schedule

Union Pacific 4014 will leave its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 30, traveling across Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California and Idaho during July. Photo by Steve Barry.

‘Big Boy’ Tour Schedule Released; 4014 to Lead Excursion Over Donner Pass

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Union Pacific has released a detailed schedule for “Big Boy” 4014’s upcoming tour across Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California and Idaho in July, including a public excursion over the legendary Donner Pass. The month-long trip is supposed to be the first of at least two outings this year that will take the world’s largest operating steam locomotive to multiple parts of the UP system.

During the tour, the Union Pacific Museum will host a special passenger excursion behind the locomotive on July 14, from Roseville, Calif. to Sparks, Nev., on the former Southern Pacific route over Donner Pass. More information and ticket information will be posted at www.UPtraintix.org in the coming weeks.

The locomotive is expected to run again in the fall, venturing to Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Illinois, among other states.

June 30: Cheyenne, Wyo. to Rawlins, Wyo. July 1: Rawlins, Wyo. to Rock Springs, Wyo. July 3: Rock Springs, Wyo. to Evanston, Wyo. July 4: Evanston, Wyo. to Salt Lake City, Utah July 6: Salt Lake City, Utah to Elko, Nev. July 8: Elko, Nev. to Winnemucca, Nev. July 9: Winnemuca, Nev. to Portola, Calif. July 11: Portola, Calif. to Roseville, Calif. July 12 and 13: Roseville, Calif. (Display) July 14: Roseville, Calif. to Sparks, Nev. (Excursion) July 16: Sparks, Nev. to Winnemucca, Nev. July 17: Winnemucca, Nev. to Elko, Nev. July 19: Elko, Nev. to Ogden, Utah. July 20 and 21: Ogden, Utah (Display) July 22: Ogden, Utah to Montpelier, Idaho July 23: Montpelier, Idaho to Rock Springs, Wyo. July 25: Rock Springs, Wyo. to Rawlins, Wyo. July 26: Rawlins, Wyo. to Cheyenne, Wyo.

Additional tour details can be found on the UP steam website .

Big Boy No. 4014 to make whistle stops in Texas: Where to see the world’s largest locomotive

Updated: Sep. 11, 2024, 1:44 a.m.
| Published: Sep. 08, 2024, 1:29 p.m.

Drone shot of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 departing Ennis, Texas

Big Boy No. 4014 blows its whistle as it departs downtown Ennis, Texas, on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The world's largest operating steam locomotive will crisscross Texas this fall as part of Union Pacific's Heartland of America Tour. Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Ryan Cohick | [email protected]

Onlookers and railroad fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Big Boy No. 4014 in Texas this fall will have plenty of opportunities to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive up close, including at planned whistle stops throughout the state.

The stops are part of Union Pacific’s Heartland of America Tour, which kicked off on Aug. 28 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and will take the colossal steam locomotive that measures 132 feet long through 10 states and more than three dozen communities.

In addition to the whistle stops, there will be three display days in Texas . The Big Boy will be in Houston on Oct. 6 and Fort Worth on Oct. 10 and 11.

But it’s the in-between moments when the steam locomotive is in motion that might be more exhilarating to witness. In nine cities, the locomotive will stop at specific railroad crossings for the public to see it, according to Union Pacific .

Whistle stops traditionally were utilized at small, occasionally used railway stations to signal to an engineer to stop at that station. Trains inbound to a “whistle stop” station would signal their approach with a blast of the train’s steam whistle, which would alert the train depot attendant to their arrival. If passengers, mail or freight were waiting to be picked up at the depot, the depot master would raise a tower signal to indicate to the train engineer that the train should stop. If no stop was necessary, a different signal would be raised and the engineer could pass through the depot without stopping.

In Union Pacific’s case for the Heartland of America Tour, whistle stops will consist of short stops in smaller cities as the Big Boy makes its way across the Lone Star State. Stops are typically 30 to 45 minutes long.

The railroad emphasized it’s important to keep safety top of mind when trying to see the Big Boy in person and provided the following guidelines:

Onlookers and drones should always stay back 25 feet from all railroad tracks.
Never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.
Don’t trespass. Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and rights of way are private property.
Never assume tracks are abandoned and always expect a train.
Be a safe and considerate driver when traveling to different locations. Do not pace the train with your car.

Map of central and southern United States showing where Union Pacific Big Boy. No 4014 will travel

This map shows where Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will travel this fall during the Heartland of America Tour. In total, the world's largest steam locomotive will travel through 10 states and stop in more than three dozen communities. Courtesy Union Pacific Railroad

Here, we map out where and when the nine planned whistle stops will be in Texas, with the two display days included. All scheduled times and locations are subject to change, according to Union Pacific. The railroad also noted there is no public access to the Big Boy outside of listed stops and that overnight stops are closed to the public unless otherwise noted.

Sept. 17: Texarkana, Arkansas, to Dallas

Big Boy No. 4014 will depart Texarkana, Arkansas, at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 17, to head toward Dallas.

It will make just one whistle stop that day in Big Sandy, Texas. The locomotive will stop at the Pearl Street railroad crossing from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. CT.

Sept. 19: Dallas to Hearne, Texas

After being in Dallas for a private company event on Sept. 18, the Big Boy will depart the city the next day at 9 a.m. CT to head toward Hearne, Texas.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, No. 4014 will make a single whistle stop in Mexia, Texas. The locomotive will stop at the East Commerce Street crossing from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. CT.

Oct. 4: Hearne to Houston

Big Boy No. 4014 will be out of the public eye from Friday, Sept. 20, through Thursday, Oct. 3, for scheduled maintenance.

On Friday, Oct. 4, the locomotive will depart Hearne at 9 a.m. CT and head toward Houston, with two whistle stops along the way.

The first will be in Navasota, Texas, at the East McAlpine Street crossing from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CT.

The second stop will be in Hempstead, Texas, at the Wilkins Street crossing from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. CT.

Oct. 6: On display in Houston

On Sunday, Oct. 6, Big Boy No. 4014 will be on display at the Houston Amtrak station from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. CT. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Oct. 7: Houston to Bryan, Texas

After spending the weekend in Houston, the Big Boy will depart the city at 9 a.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 7, to make its way toward Bryan, Texas, with two whistle stops along the way.

The first stop will be in Spring, Texas, at the Elm Street crossing from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CT.

The second stop will be a repeat visit to Navasota, Texas, at the East McAlpine Street crossing from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. CT.

Oct. 8: Viewing only in Bryan

While not technically a whistle stop, the Big Boy will be available for public viewing all day in Bryan on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the F and B Road crossing , just adjacent to the intersection with Wellborn Road.

Oct. 9: Bryan to Fort Worth

After spending a day in Bryan, Big Boy No. 4014 will depart the city at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to head toward Fort Worth. It will make two whistle stops that day.

The first will be in Marlin, Texas, at the Wood Street crossing from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CT.

The second stop will be in West, Texas, at the West Broadway Street crossing from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT.

Oct. 10-11: On display in Fort Worth

Big Boy No. 4014 will spend two days in Fort Worth at 275 W. Lancaster Ave . The locomotive will be accessible by the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 10, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 11. Admission is free.

Oct. 13: Big Boy departs Texas

The Big Boy will depart Fort Worth at 8 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 13, to leave the state and head toward McAlester, Oklahoma.

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World’s largest locomotive Big Boy No. 4014 to roll through Texas this fall: See the full schedule
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