- Union Pacific's Big Boy #4014 steam engine came through Utah for America's 250th anniversary.
- The locomotive, built in 1941, is the only operational Big Boy remaining.
SALT LAKE CITY — Train enthusiasts in Utah have another reason to celebrate this year.
Union Pacific announced several new stops for Big Boy #4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, as part of a transcontinental tour celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
"The Union Pacific has volunteered their steam locomotive to be part of America 250, and we'll be riding in from one coast to the other throughout the year," said Ron Fox, co-chair of the America 250 Utah Commission. "It's a great thing to have. As you can see, many, many people come out to see the largest moving object in the world."
The massive locomotive — stretching 133 feet long and weighing more than 1.1 million pounds — is the only Big Boy still in operation out of the 25 built in the 1940s.
Fox said the engine was made in 1941, nearly 100 years ago. "It was one of the last large locomotives. It's the only one currently operating, though they are working on several other engines."
The engine played a major role in moving heavy freight through mountain terrain during World War II. The large engine was used when millions of pounds of cargo had to travel up steep grades.
Fox said the engine transported various items, including armaments and tanks for use in the war.
Big Boy #4014 was scheduled to stop in Morgan and Salt Lake City on April 2 as it headed west toward California. The engine will then return to Morgan later in the month after a two-day display in Ogden. The train previously visited Utah on a tour in 2024.
"It's growing across the country to honor America," Fox said. "We here in Utah have our commission that we're promoting events in every county and every city in the state. We have a number of activities planned from St. George to Logan."
More information about the various activities across Utah can be found on the America 250 Utah website.
