WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The Union Pacific Railroad today announced its famed ‘Big Boy’ No. 4014 locomotive will stop in more than three dozen communities as part of the 2024 Heartland of America Tour during its fall tour across 10 states, including three Central Texas cities.
As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum is auctioning off four cab rides on ‘Big Boy’ No. 4014. The proceeds are going to the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend to Friend Network, a nonprofit that helps railroad families in need.
The auction starts on Monday, Aug. 12 and ends Monday, Aug. 19.
The tour starts on Aug. 28 from Cheyenne, Wyoming and will pass through Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.
Two display days are scheduled in Texas for:
- Oct. 6 – Houston, Texas
- Oct. 10-11 – Fort Worth, Texas
They will stop at six Texas cities including:
- Sept. 17 – Big Sandy
- Sept. 19 – Mexia
- Oct. 4 – Navasota and Hempstead
- Oct. 7 – Spring and Navasota
- Oct. 8 – Bryan
- Oct. 9 – Marlin and West
25 ‘Big Boys’ were built in World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one left that is still in operation and remains the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.
The Union Pacific wants to remind the public that safety is a top priority and to stay 25-feet back from the tracks at all times.
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