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Union Pacific Big Boy

The Union Pacific Big Boy Train: Schedule, History, And More

We love railroad history as much as anyone else, which is why we’ve written so much about railfan favorites like the Horseshoe Curve and the Pennsylvania Railroad. And that’s also why we’re so excited about the Union Pacific Big Boy train and its upcoming coast-to-coast tour. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the Big Boy, it’s the biggest steam locomotive ever, and there’s only one left in operation. Seeing it live is a rare, can’t-miss opportunity—and it may soon pass our front porch at The Station Inn! 

Steam Engine Train
Seeing the Big Boy pass by The Station Inn would be a big deal—not just because of its place in history, but also simply because it’s a steam locomotive. This photo is from August 13, 2012, and it’s the last time a steam locomotive traversed the main line in front of the Inn. (This is the Nickel Plate 765 coming out of Cresson, where it is about to pass under PA Route 53 on its way to Gallitzin and Altoona.)

Here’s everything you need to know:  

Table of Contents
What Is the Big Boy?
Big Boy Train Schedule
See the Union Pacific Big Boy At The Station Inn

What Is the Big Boy?

The Big Boy is the largest and most powerful steam locomotive in the world, weighing more than 1.2 million pounds, spanning 133 feet, and producing nearly 7,000 horsepower with the ability to travel up to 80 miles per hour. 

The Big Boys were so large, they were designed with a “hinge” to help them safely navigate curves in the tracks while traveling between Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Ogden, Utah.

Twenty-five Big Boys were manufactured by the American Locomotive Company from 1941–1944, largely to support the U.S. war effort, and they operated until 1962. 

Most of the Big Boy were decommissioned, and only eight of them still exist today; most are on display inside various museums. 

The most famous Big Boy today is run by Union Pacific. The company rebuilt No. 4014 in 2019—just in time for the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad. Thanks to Union Pacific’s involvement, No. 4014 is now the only Big Boy still in operation. 

Big Boy Train Schedule

The Union Pacific Big Boy has scheduled a 2026 coast-to-coast tour in celebration of our country’s 250th birthday. (And, we presume as a goodwill gesture to drum up support for the proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific!)

Although the East Coast dates and routes are still under development (The Big Boy may pass by The Station Inn, so book your reservation as soon as the dates are announced!), here’s what we know so far: 

  • March 29, 2026 – The Big Boy will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, and head for California.
  • April 10–11, 2026 – The Big Boy will visit Roseville, California. 
  • April 18–19 – The Big Boy will visit Ogden, Utah.
  • April 24, 2026 – The Big Boy will return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, marking the end of the first leg of the tour. 

The eastern leg of the tour is expected to launch in late spring, and we’ll do our best to update this article as soon as Union Pacific announces their dates. 

Two Important Railfan Notes: 

1. The Big Boy will be joined by two commemorative locomotives, including the railroad’s newest locomotive, No. 1776–America250. which will feature the emblem of the America250 Semiquincentennial Commission.

2. The Big Boy will not be available for public rides—at least not during the West Coast tour. You will, however, be able to photograph the train. 

See the Union Pacific Big Boy At The Station Inn

Get ready to see the Big Boy up close from the comfort of our front porch! Book your room today and get ready to visit us in Cresson, PA. 

While you’re here, be sure to check out everything to do in Altoona and Johnstown—two exciting cities for railfans. 

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