Massive Historic Train Rolling Through New York

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The massive 1.2 million pound Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive, the largest operating steam engine in the world, is embarking on a coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The train, originally built in Schenectady in 1941, is expected to make stops in Upstate New York towns like Owego and Buffalo in the coming weeks, drawing crowds of train enthusiasts eager to witness this piece of history in motion.

Why it matters

The return of the Big Boy 4014 to New York state holds deep personal significance for many residents, as the locomotive was built by the American Locomotive Company where their grandparents and other relatives once worked. This tour is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience the sheer power and scale of this iconic steam engine, which played a crucial role in hauling heavy freight during World War II.

The details

The Big Boy 4014 is 133 feet long, weighs 1.2 million pounds, and is known for its loud, powerful, and unapologetically massive presence. The eastern leg of the train's nationwide tour is scheduled to kick off on May 25, with an expected stop in Owego, New York on June 12 around 10:40 am for about 30 minutes. While the full schedule has not yet been confirmed by Union Pacific, the train is confirmed to make a stop in Buffalo as well.

• The eastern leg of the Big Boy 4014's nationwide tour is scheduled to kick off on May 25.
• The train is expected to make a stop in Owego, New York on June 12 around 10:40 am for about 30 minutes.
• The Big Boy 4014 is confirmed to make a stop in Buffalo as part of its tour.

What’s next

The full schedule for the Big Boy 4014's stops in New York has not yet been confirmed by Union Pacific, so train enthusiasts are encouraged to regularly check the railroad's website for updates as the tour's eastern leg approaches.