Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive was in North Platte on Saturday, Aug. 31, parked on a siding near the Golden Spike Visitor’s Center and observation tower.
The public could see the giant, historic locomotive on the observation deck of the tower from 3-7 p.m., in conjunction with UP’s family appreciation days.
The Big Boy pulled out a 9 a.m. the next morning, on its eight-week “Heartland of America Tour” that began in Cheyenne on Aug. 28.
The tour covers nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, and concludes in late October.
Big Boy, No. 4014, will be on display in the following locations:
- Sunday, Sept. 8: Rochelle, Ill. (Chicago metro area)
- Sunday, Oct. 6: Houston, Texas
- Thursday/Friday, Oct. 10-11: Fort Worth, Texas
During World War II Union Pacific operated some of the most modern and powerful steam locomotives ever built. Among them were the famous “Big Boys,” the largest steam locomotives in the world.
Twenty-five Big Boys were built, the first of which was delivered in 1941.
The locomotives were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds. Because of their great length, the frames of the Big Boys were “hinged,” or articulated, so they could negotiate curves.
They had a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement, which meant they had four wheels on the leading set of “pilot” wheels which guided the engine, eight drivers, another set of eight drivers, and four wheels following, which supported the rear of the locomotive.
The massive engines normally pulled heavy loads over the Rocky Mountains between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyo.
No. 4014 was completely restored in 2013-2017 and continues to make goodwill tours around the country, a testament to the accomplishments of the World War II generation.
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