Reporting by Nate Trela, Fort Collins Coloradoan
A “Big Boy” train that’s known as the world’s largest operating steam locomotive will come through Colorado at the end of July to wrap up a tour of the United States in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
By the time Big Boy No. 4014 rolls back into Cheyenne, Wyoming, on July 29 to complete a coast-to-coast tour, it will have been exhibited at large displays in eight cities and dozens of whistle stops in 10 states.
The locomotive has no large public displays scheduled in Colorado, but its three whistle stops planned in the state will be the public’s last chance to get near it on its tour.
What is Big Boy No. 4014?
The Big Boy No. 4014 is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, checking in at 133 feet long and 1.2 million pounds, according to Union Pacific.
It was one of 25 giants built starting in 1941 to lug heavy wartime freight between Cheyenne and Ogden, Utah. It has a hinged body to allow it to negotiate curves in the tracks and racked up more than 1 million miles before being retired in 1961. Union Pacific reacquired it from a rail industry museum in 2013 and set about refurbishing it.
Seven other Big Boys are on public display around the country, including ones in Denver and Cheyenne, but No. 4014 is the only one still operating.
Where can you see the Big Boy train in Colorado?
Big Boy will pass through Illinois, Missouri and Kansas between July 17 and when it enters Colorado on July 27. It has no formal events open to the public while in Colorado, but it has three whistle stops planned along with a private event that are its last activity before arriving home in Wyoming.
- Kit Carson, Young Street crossing on July 27. Arrive 10:45 a.m., depart 11:15 a.m.
- Strasburg, Main Street crossing on July 27. Arrive 3:45 p.m., depart 4:15 p.m.
- Denver, private Union Pacific employee event with no public access, July 28
- Greeley, 10th Street crossing on July 29. Arrive 1:15 p.m., depart 2 p.m.
How do you see Big Boy at a whistle stop?
Whistle stops are relatively short opportunities to see the Big Boy. Admission is free, although parking may involve a charge.
You might not be able to get close, as the Big Boy will be behind a fence or other perimeter in some cases, Union Pacific says on its website.
How to track the Big Boy train
Union Pacific has a real-time location tracker so fans can track the locomotive.
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network, with an emphasis on consumer finance, legal issues and state laws.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan.
