Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4014 will leave Cheyenne, Wyo., on March 29, for the first part of a coast-to-coast trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The first part will take the engine from Wyoming to California and back over a month, returning to its home base on April 24. 

The eastern leg of the tour, which is expected to bring the world’s largest operating steam locomotive to the East Coast for the first time ever, is set to begin in late spring. UP officials said those details are still being worked out. The engine is expected to travel over Norfolk Southern rails, which UP is currently trying to acquire. 

“We are proud to honor our nation’s great history and legacy of innovation with our heritage locomotives. For the first time, we will share the Big Boy with communities on the East Coast, operating it from ocean to ocean,” said CEO Jim Vena. “America has never been afraid to dream about what’s possible – and neither is Union Pacific as we carry the grain that feeds families, the steel that builds cities and the household goods that stock store shelves.” 

So far, only two display dates have been announced: April 10 and 11 in Roseville, Calif., and April 18 and 19 in Ogden, Utah. The 4014 is expected to be joined by two commemorative diesel locomotives, including its newest, 1776, painted in honor of the Semiquincentennial. 

—Justin Franz