Union Pacific Big Boy "Heartland of America" Schedule Released

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 pulls into Bunkie, Louisiana - By Ken Hulsey

 From Union Pacific

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

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:

Nebraska

Aug. 28 – Kimball
Aug. 29 – Ogallala
Sept. 1 – Overton
Sept. 2 – Columbus and Omaha

Iowa

Sept. 4 – Carroll
Sept. 5 – Belle Plaine
Sept. 6 – Grand Mound

Illinois

Sept. 6 – Sterling
Sept. 9 – Rochelle and Watseka
Sept. 10 – Nokomis

Missouri

Sept. 12 – De Soto and Ironton
Oct. 15 & 16 – Kansas City

Arkansas

Sept 13 – Piggott
Sept 14 – Hickory Ridge, Brinkley and Pine Bluff
Sept. 15 – North Little Rock
Sept. 16 – Kingsland

Texas

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

Oklahoma

Oct. 13 – Durant
Oct. 14 – Muskogee and Claremore

Kansas

Oct. 15 – Osawatomie
Oct. 17 – Topeka
Oct. 18 – Salina
Oct. 19 – Wilson
Oct. 20 – Grainfield

Colorado

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.

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