Historic 'Big Boy' locomotive rolls through Utah

Union Pacific's restored steam engine brings America's rail history to life on a cross-country tour.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:06pm

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The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014, is making its way through Utah as part of a nationwide tour celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Originally built in 1941 to haul freight across steep mountain terrain, the restored locomotive is now carrying history instead of cargo, drawing crowds of families and rail enthusiasts to witness the powerful machine in action.

Why it matters

The Big Boy 4014 represents an important era in American transportation history when railroads were the backbone of the country's economic and industrial growth. Its return to the rails allows people to experience the awe-inspiring scale and power of these historic steam engines firsthand, connecting them to the nation's past.

The details

Big Boy 4014 was designed to move massive loads across the steep terrain between Utah and Wyoming during World War II, helping power the country's wartime production. After decades in a museum, Union Pacific Railroad has restored the locomotive and is now touring it across the country as part of its heritage program, allowing people to see, hear, and feel the locomotive's impressive presence.

  • Big Boy 4014 is scheduled to stop at Salt Lake City's Central Station at 3 p.m. on April 2, 2026.
  • The locomotive is due back for another stop at the Ogden Union Station on April 18, 2026.

The players

Union Pacific Railroad

The railroad company that owns and operates the historic Big Boy 4014 locomotive, which it has restored and is now touring across the country as part of its heritage program.

Ed Dickens

The lead engineer who helps operate the Big Boy 4014 locomotive, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working with this iconic steam engine.

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What they’re saying

“It's never really lost on you what it is. We care for it.”

— Ed Dickens, Lead Engineer

“It's almost an emotional experience. You can feel the energy. When it rolls in, it's beautiful.”

— Ed Dickens, Lead Engineer

“Railroads helped America, and when you see this, it brings you back to what it was built for.”

— Ed Dickens, Lead Engineer

What’s next

Big Boy 4014 is scheduled to make additional stops in Utah and across the country as part of Union Pacific's nationwide tour celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

The takeaway

The return of the historic Big Boy 4014 locomotive to the rails allows people to connect with America's rich railroad heritage, reminding them of the vital role these powerful steam engines played in the country's industrial and economic growth. The locomotive's tour is a unique opportunity for communities to experience a living piece of the nation's past.