Union Pacific's Legendary Big Boy 4014 Locomotive Embarks on California Tour

The world's largest operational steam locomotive begins its westward journey across the American West.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Union Pacific's historic Big Boy 4014 locomotive has embarked on a highly anticipated tour, making its way westward from Cheyenne, Wyoming to California. The massive 133-foot-long, 1.2-million-pound steam engine, one of only 25 Big Boys ever built, is the sole operational unit of its kind and is drawing crowds of enthusiasts as it travels through the region.

Why it matters

The Big Boy 4014 is a symbol of the golden age of American railroading, and its restoration and tour represent a unique opportunity for the public to witness the power and majesty of this engineering marvel. As one of the last remaining operational steam locomotives, the Big Boy's journey highlights the enduring appeal of these historic machines and the continued passion of rail enthusiasts.

The details

After leaving the Steam Shop in Cheyenne on Sunday, the Big Boy 4014 made stops in Laramie and Medicine Bow, Wyoming, where maintenance crews were able to oil the locomotive's running gear, a crucial task for steam engines. The five-member steam crew will stay overnight in the locomotive and relight the firebox each morning, a process that can take several hours. Despite their age, Union Pacific's senior manager of Heritage Operations, Ed Dickens, says the Big Boys remain dependable workhorses, though they are less efficient than modern diesel-electric locomotives.

  • The Big Boy 4014 departed Cheyenne, Wyoming on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The locomotive made a stop in Laramie, Wyoming on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Big Boy 4014 arrived in Medicine Bow, Wyoming on Monday, March 30, 2026 for an overnight stop.
  • The locomotive will be in Wamsutter, Wyoming from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Big Boy 4014 will continue to Rock Springs, Wyoming on March 31, 2026 and make another stop in Green River, Wyoming on April 1, 2026.

The players

Union Pacific

The American Class I railroad that owns and operates the Big Boy 4014 locomotive.

Ed Dickens

Union Pacific's senior manager of Heritage Operations and the lead engineer for Big Boy 4014.

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What they’re saying

“Even after 80 years, the steam locomotive continues to be a dependable workhorse.”

— Ed Dickens, Union Pacific's senior manager of Heritage Operations

“The fact that steam locomotives were eventually replaced by diesel‑electric power is proof that they are less efficient than their modern counterparts.”

— Ed Dickens, Union Pacific's senior manager of Heritage Operations

“Big Boy 4014 was restored specifically with that purpose in mind.”

— Ed Dickens, Union Pacific's senior manager of Heritage Operations

What’s next

After completing its tour of California, the Big Boy 4014 will return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with another stop in Medicine Bow scheduled for April 24th. Union Pacific is also planning an East Coast run for the locomotive, though the details are still being finalized.

The takeaway

The journey of Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 locomotive represents a unique opportunity for the public to witness a living piece of American railroad history. As one of the last remaining operational steam engines, the Big Boy's tour showcases the enduring appeal and engineering prowess of these iconic machines, reminding us of the golden age of railroading.