Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” 4014 wrapped up its historic cross-country tour on July 29 in Cheyenne, Wyo. The months-long tour began back in March, when the engine and crew made a round trip to California over the course of four weeks. Then, on May 25, the locomotive headed for the East Coast, bringing the world’s largest operating steam locomotive to iconic locations like Tunkhannock Viaduct and Horseshoe Curve. 

Along the way, tens of thousands of railroad enthusiasts and curious onlookers lined the tracks — sometimes getting a little too close — to witness the spectacle put on to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Equally important to UP officials, however, was to promote UP’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern; east of Chicago, the locomotive mostly traveled over NS rails to Philadelphia, where it spent the July 4th weekend. After that, the engine headed back west over NS rails towards Chicago, before heading south for St. Louis and Kansas City. 

“Big Boy UP 4014 visited communities from Sacramento to Philadelphia, making more than 75 whistle-stops and 16 display day appearances, bringing railroad history to life for thousands across the nation,” UP wrote on social media. “To every person who waved, photographed, cheered and shared in the experience: thank you for helping make this tour one to remember.”

Along with that post was a photo of the locomotive’s smokebox door with the number 7,145.48: The number of miles the locomotive traveled during its historic tour. 

—Justin Franz 

The Union Pacific steam crew back home in Cheyenne, Wyo., with “Big Boy” 4014. Photo Courtesy of Union Pacific. 

7145.48: The final mileage of the historic cross-country tour. Photo Courtesy of Union Pacific.