Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014 recently whistled and puffed its way into Eastern Pennsylvania, where the “world’s largest operating steam locomotive” had been booked for an extended stay through June 30 at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton.

One of only eight remaining locomotives of this 4-8-8-4 configuration, No. 4014 was displayed alongside Steamtown’s Big Boy No. 4012 as it received routine maintenance. Both mammoth locomotives were built in 1941, among 25 manufactured exclusively for the Union Pacific Railroad over the course of World War II.

The Big Boy Reunion was part of a nationwide tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary that began with a journey to the West Coast from Big Boy No. 4014’s home at the UP Roundhouse in Cheyenne, Wyoming, earlier this year. Retired in 1961 and reacquired from RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California, by Union Pacific, the historic loco was upgraded from a static display to a working UP ambassador that generally runs excursions once or twice a year.

Union Pacific’s design team, in partnership with American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York, developed the 4-8-8-4 locomotives to provide enough power to haul heavy freight and later troop trains, over the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and other tough western terrain. There are four pilot wheels, two sets of eight drivers and a four-wheeled trailing truck to provide power and balance. Weighing 1.2 million pounds, and at 133 feet long, the frames are articulated (hinged) to allow the massive engines to negotiate curves.

Joining the thousands of tourists gathered outside of Steamtown were Bethlehem mom Janet Norris and her adult son Nate. “I get it from my grandpa,” says the 24-year-old rail fan and modeler who still has the vintage Lionel electric train set gifted to him as a child.

An upstate New York family has strong ties to the two Big Boys. Visiting Scranton from Valley Falls, New York, were matriarch Bonny Collins, sons Edward, David and John H. Collins III, as well as daughters Carolyn and Barbara Collins. The 10-member entourage also included two grandchildren and a nephew and his wife.

Bonny Collins was proud to share two photos her family brought with them of a freshly made Big Boy locomotive and the crew that built it in 1941. Her late father, Ernest Spigner, worked at ALCO and appears in both photos. Not only part of the crew that built the massive locomotives, Spigner is credited with coining the “Big Boy” nickname for them.

“This is No. 4000, this is the first one,” remarks Union Pacific Senior Manager of Steam Operations Ed Dickens as he was shown the photos. Pointing at No. 4014 which he operates, Dickens adds, “This is the 15th one.” Unfortunately, No. 4000 was scrapped in 1959, according to Dickens.

Observing John Collins III was wearing his grandfather’s ALCO company ID pin, Dickens explained that they were issued to defense industry employees at the time.

Several attendees expressed a calming sense of patriotism and unity with their fellow travelers as they made their way through the long lines. What appeared to be a bald eagle flew over the heads of people lined up for the souvenir tent, soaring past the pair of Big Boys.

“We sold 28,500 tickets today,” says Steamtown Superintendent Jeremy M. Komasz, who estimated that around 30,000 people showed up. “It’s a time-ticketed entry for the entire time Big Boy is here, so we can control the crowds.” At a cost of $1, tickets were available at www.nps.gov/steamtown.

“We want everybody to have a great experience with the Big Boys,” says Komasz, “but also a great national park experience.”

Bob Ardle of Lehigh Township went even farther to see Big Boy. He caught it at Union Station in Kansas City, where he reported there was a large crowd.

Throughout region

Christine Campbell and John Morcum, both of Lehighton, rode bikes to Penn Haven Junction on the D & L Trail when the train was moving at about 23 mph.

William “Bill” Jacobson is an 80-year-old (and proud of it) retired CPA who lives in Bear Creek Township. He traveled 15 miles south on the trail, getting on in White Haven.

Terry Oravec and Welles Lobb of Allentown got on the trail in Weissport.

“Although the train was an hour and half late, to see the train in action was well worth the wait,” Campbell said. “We avoided the crowds as the Penn Haven Junction is only accessible by the trail where only authorized vehicles are permitted, so only biking or walking to get there. So, I am sure the heat also deterred people from doing either for 7 miles from Glen Onoko, the closest access. It was an awesome experience.”

The Village at Houser’s Crossing welcomed guests from across Pennsylvania and beyond on July 2, for what became one of the most memorable railroad events in the property’s history as the Big Boy made its highly anticipated journey through Houser’s Crossing.

Guests gathered at the historic railroad crossing throughout the day to witness the world’s largest operating steam locomotive pass through South Tamaqua.

There visitors were delighted when the Reading & Northern patriotic 1776 and 2026 heritage diesel locomotives unexpectedly arrived and staged on the second set of tracks at Houser’s Crossing while awaiting Big Boy’s arrival.

The locomotives remained at the crossing for nearly an hour, providing guests with a rare opportunity to view, photograph and appreciate the historic equipment up close.

“We knew Big Boy’s visit would be special, but we never imagined our guests would have the opportunity to spend so much time admiring the 1776 and 2026 heritage locomotives as well,” said Carolee Smith, owner of The Village at Houser’s Crossing. “The excitement throughout the day was incredible. Seeing guests sharing stories, making new friends and experiencing these historic trains together is exactly what makes events like this so meaningful.”

One of the highlights of the day occurred when the conductor stepped off the train to greet friends and guests gathered at the crossing.

Guests also enjoyed an unexpected nostalgic touch when a beautifully restored Packard automobile arrived at the crossing, creating a perfect backdrop for photographs alongside the historic locomotives.

Wayne Cabot was one of many who saw Big Boy in Tamaqua, but he went off the beaten path to get a photo of the locomotive coming out of the tunnel.

“My wife, Jill, clambered down a frighteningly steep incline to accompany her train geek husband,” he said. “Her knees and our marriage survived.”