By Railfan & Railroad Staff
NEW ORLEANS — Fans of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive will have a chance to ride behind it in Louisiana next month. But be warned, it’s going to cost you.
Last week, tickets went on sale for the 2021 Union Pacific Museum Special led by Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” 4014 scheduled for Aug. 22, between New Orleans and Plaquemine, Louisiana. The one-way excursion is a fundraiser for the museum.
Tickets were first made available to museum members before going on sale to the general public on July 19. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable and no one under the age of 18 is allowed. As of Thursday afternoon, all coach tickets (at $650 per ticket) had been sold, but $1,100 dome car tickets were still available. Premium diner ($750) and premium dome ($1,200) were still available as well. Tickets will be mailed to passengers at the end of this month or can be picked up the evening before at a special passenger reception at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion at the National WWII Museum (ticket prices include passes to the museum). After taking the train to Plaquemine, passengers will be bussed back to New Orleans.
Big Boy 4014 will depart its home base of Cheyenne, Wyo., on Aug. 5 for a month-long tour before returning after Labor Day. Click here for the full schedule.
