Union Pacific 4014 Steam Train Visits Eastern Iowa

Union Pacific 4014 Steam Train Visits Eastern Iowa

The legendary Union Pacific 4014, also known as “Big Boy,” recently made a highly anticipated stop in Eastern Iowa, attracting large crowds of train enthusiasts and history buffs. As one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, the fully restored 4014 is currently touring the country, showcasing the power and nostalgia of the steam era.

A Brief History of Big Boy

Union Pacific 4014 was part of a series of 25 Big Boy locomotives constructed between 1941 and 1944, designed to pull massive freight loads over the mountains in the Western U.S. Retired in the 1960s, this massive engine spent decades in a museum before undergoing an extensive restoration process beginning in 2013. After a two-year effort, the 1.2 million-pound steam engine was brought back to life and returned to active operation, making it one of the last of its kind still running today.

Eastern Iowa Stop

During its stop in Eastern Iowa, Big Boy 4014 thrilled local onlookers, who captured incredible photos of the historic steam engine as it rumbled through town. The distinctive whistle and the enormous presence of the locomotive made it an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness the event.

Special thanks to @rod_rail on Instagram for providing amazing photos of the 4014 during its stop in Eastern Iowa. Be sure to check out their account for more stunning rail photography!

The Restoration Process

Restoring the 4014 was no small feat. The locomotive was transported from a California museum to Union Pacific’s steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where it underwent a full two-year refurbishment. Engineers and restoration specialists worked diligently to retain the engine’s original structure while incorporating modern updates that allow it to operate on today’s railways. Now, Big Boy is touring the U.S., sharing a piece of railroad history with new generations.

Next Stops on the Big Boy 4014 Tour

Union Pacific 4014’s journey is far from over! The steam locomotive has several more stops planned across the U.S., where crowds can once again enjoy the sights and sounds of this engineering marvel. Here are some of its upcoming stops:

• Friday, Sept. 6

  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    • 9:00 a.m. departure

  • Grand Mound, Iowa

    • Smith St. Crossing Arrival: 11:00 a.m. CT

    • Departure: 11:15 a.m. CT

  • Sterling, Ill.

    • Sterling Marketplace, 111 W. 2nd St.

    • Arrival: 1:30 p.m. CT

    • Departure: 1:45 p.m. CT

• Saturday, Sept. 7

  • Rochelle, Ill.

    • Private Union Pacific Employee Event (NO PUBLIC ACCESS)

• Sunday, Sept. 8

  • Rochelle, Ill.

    • Union Pacific Ike Evans Global III Terminal

    • On Display: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT (Free and open to the public)

• Monday, Sept. 9

  • Rochelle, Ill.

    • Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. 9th St.

    • Arrival: 8:45 a.m. CT

    • Departure: 9:00 a.m. CT

  • Watseka, Ill.

    • North St. Crossing

    • Arrival: 5:00 p.m. CT

    • Departure: 5:30 p.m. CT

For more details on Big Boy’s journey, visit the Union Pacific Big Boy Tour Schedule.

For the full schedule and to find out when Big Boy 4014 will be passing through a town near you, visit the Union Pacific Big Boy Tour Schedule.