The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is the world's largest operating steam engine. The Big Boy is currently on a coast-to-coast tour as part of America's 250th anniversary.
The Big Boy made one of its stops in Ripley, New York, only 30 minutes from where we live. So, we made the short trip to see this historic steam engine.
The town of Ripley and Chautauqua County did an amazing job of organizing this event. We drove to a small church just outside Ripley and boarded a shuttle into town for the event. There had to be more than 3,000 people there. We arrived early enough to be right up front for an amazing view of the Big Boy.
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 History:
The Big Boy was built in 1941 by The American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York. It was designed for one purpose: moving enormous freight trains through the mountains of Utah and Wyoming. The Big Boy was created for the Union Pacific Railroad to handle heavy loads over steep grades.
The Boy was retired and on display in California as part of railroad history. In 2013, Union Pacicific reacquired the Big Boy and began to restore it, and in 2019, the Big Boy moved under its own power again.
Its massive size is something to see at 130 ft. long and weighing 1.2 million pounds. This was a true adventure to see a part of railroad history in action, and a true engineering marvel.
A video of the Ripley, New York, visit, along with an interview with the Big Boy engineer. The train stopped here for 30 minutes, and we had the opportunity of watching the crew perform maintenance.
Even if you're not a train enthusiast, this is well worth a trip to see part of history in action. Below is the Union Pacific Big Boy tour schedule. If it is coming anywhere near you, it is well worth the trip. Big Boy 4014 Tour Schedule.
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Sam, so glad you got to see the Big Boy steam engine. My Iowa son, a fan of trains his entire life, got to see it not long ago as it passed by Dewitt, IA (not far from his home north of the Quad Cities) on 6/2/2/2026 on its way to Chicago. His view was as it was moving at 50 mph, but still a thrill to this train fan.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic opportunity to experience this part of history up close and personal, Sam! Very exciting. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteMy husband really wanted to see the Big Boy, but we would have to travel a good distance to do so. You are fortunate that you live so close to one of the stopping points. I know it was wonderful and what a great opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity. Thanks for an interesting review
ReplyDeleteSam my Dad LOVED steam engines, he would have been on this! Right up his alley. And mine too. I absolutely love trains, always have. So many memories traveling by train in Canada. An absolute big part of my life, I would love this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Sam. This would truly be a remarkable train to see.
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