Are you loco for locomotives? You’re in luck. This week, Big Boy 4014 aka one of the “world’s largest successful steam locomotive” is chugging into Fort Worth this week.
Built in 1941, Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4004 is one of 25 in the world. The massive steam engine weighs in at over 600 tons spanning over 132 feet long. Outfitted with a 4-8-8-4 wheel articulation, the Big Boy was capable of carrying heavy freights.
In 1961, the vehicle was retired after having traveled over one million miles. After the engine was reacquired by Union Pacific in 2013, the company returned to vehicle to service in May 2019.
Presently, the Union Pacific is taking the Big Boy 4014 across the country on the Heartland of America Tour. After making a couple stops in the Houston area, the Big Boy will continue its excursion across the US with a stop in Fort Worth on Thursday and Friday this week, October 10 and 11.
The massive steam engine will spend three days in Fort Worth, beginning on Thursday, October 11, at 275 W. Lancaster Ave. Here, the steam engine will be on display from 9 am to 3 pm, where visitors can behold the enormous engine.
On Friday, visitors can also get a glimpse of the Big Boy at the same location from 9 am to 1 pm. Both events are free and open to the public.
Big Boy will also be on display on Saturday, October 12, though it will be a private ceremony for Union Pacific employees. On Sunday, October 13, the vehicle will depart from Fort Worth at 8 am to McAlester, Oklahoma.
If you need even more trains in your life, check out the locomotive trips at Grapevine Vintage Railroad for themed trips ranging from a Day Out With Thomas, to the Witches Brew Train, The Wizard Train, and more!