Courtesy of Union Pacific
Big Boy No. 4014, a Union Pacific steam locomotive built in the 1940s
A big piece of history is touring the country and making a stop in Fort Worth this weekend.
And we mean really big.
Big Boy No. 4014 — a 1940s steam locomotive built for Union Pacific to carry equipment over mountains during World War II — will arrive in Fort Worth on Friday and be displayed Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. near downtown Fort Worth, about one block east of 825 E. Ninth St.
It's the world’s largest steam locomotive, according to Union Pacific; Big Boys were about 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds. About 25 of these trains were built, with only eight remaining in existence, and No. 4014 is the only one operating today.
The restored Big Boy No. 4014 first debuted in 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion, and 2021 marks the first year the locomotive will be going on tour. Big Boy will make whistle-stops in more than 90 communities and be on display during one-day events in Houston, New Orleans, St. Louis, Denver — and, of course, Fort Worth.
Saturday's free event will allow guests to take photos with the train as well as interact with the people behind the restoration, explore a restored baggage car, and peruse booths and tents educating visitors about the railroad.
Prior to the event Saturday, Big Boy will make three brief whistle-stops around Texas before arriving in Fort Worth:
- 2 p.m. Pottsboro, Grayson St. Crossing
- 4 p.m. Pilot Point, Liberty St. Crossing
- 5 p.m. Denton, E. Sycamore St. Crossing
More information is available on Union Pacific's website.
