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Historic Big Boy steam locomotive to roll through central Pennsylvania

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History buffs and railroad enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity this week as the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 makes its way through central Pennsylvania during a cross-country tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is scheduled to travel through the region on July 7 after departing King of Prussia at 9 a.m. The 7,000-mile, 23-state tour marks the first time the iconic locomotive has crossed the Mississippi River and traveled to the East Coast since the engines were built in the early 1940s.

Today, July 6, the locomotive will depart Philadelphia at 9 a.m. following its Independence Day stay in the city. There will be no public access or scheduled public stops that day. On Tuesday morning, the train will again depart from a non-public location in King of Prussia at 9 a.m. before heading west toward central Pennsylvania.

Measuring 133 feet in length and weighing 1.2 million pounds, Big Boy No. 4014 is the only operational locomotive of its kind remaining. Crowds have gathered across the country to watch the historic engine at railroad crossings and scheduled whistle stops.

The locomotive’s first public stop in central Pennsylvania will be at Lebanon Station, 250 N. Eighth St., where it is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 p.m. and depart at 2:15 p.m. The city will host a watch party featuring food vendors, entertainment and family activities. Visitors are encouraged to use designated parking areas and shuttle buses because several streets will be closed before and during the event.

After leaving Lebanon, the train will continue west through Annville, Palmyra and Hershey, where communities are hosting watch parties even though the locomotive will not stop. It will then pass through the Rutherford Rail Yard in Swatara Township, continue through the Harrisburg Yard and cross the historic Rockville Bridge before making a non-public stop at the Enola Rail Yard.

The following day, Big Boy No. 4014 will make another public whistle stop in Lewistown before continuing to the Railroaders Memorial Museum for public display July 9 and 10. The locomotive will also be displayed at Horseshoe Curve National Historic Site on July 11.

A complete tour schedule and route information are available from Union Pacific Railroad.

Source: Union Pacific

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