Big Boy No. 4014 to make whistle stops in Texas: Where to see the world’s largest locomotive CR News24h

Onlookers and railroad fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Big Boy No. 4014 in Texas this fall will have plenty of opportunities to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive up close, including at planned whistle stops throughout the state.

The stops are part of Union Pacific’s Heartland of America Tour, which kicked off on Aug. 28 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and will take the colossal steam locomotive that measures 132 feet long through 10 states and more than three dozen communities.

In addition to the whistle stops, there will be three display days in Texas. The Big Boy will be in Houston on Oct. 6 and Fort Worth on Oct. 10 and 11.

But it’s the in-between moments when the steam locomotive is in motion that might be more exhilarating to witness. In nine cities, the locomotive will stop at specific railroad crossings for the public to see it, according to Union Pacific.

Whistle stops traditionally were utilized at small, occasionally used railway stations to signal to an engineer to stop at that station. Trains inbound to a “whistle stop” station would signal their approach with a blast of the train’s steam whistle, which would alert the train depot attendant to their arrival. If passengers, mail or freight were waiting to be picked up at the depot, the depot master would raise a tower signal to indicate to the train engineer that the train should stop. If no stop was necessary, a different signal would be raised and the engineer could pass through the depot without stopping.

In Union Pacific’s case for the Heartland of America Tour, whistle stops will consist of short stops in smaller cities as the Big Boy makes its way across the Lone Star State. Stops are typically 30 to 45 minutes long.

The railroad emphasized it’s important to keep safety top of mind when trying to see the Big Boy in person and provided the following guidelines:

• Onlookers and drones should always stay back 25 feet from all railroad tracks.
• Never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.
• Don’t trespass. Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and rights of way are private property.
• Never assume tracks are abandoned and always expect a train.
• Be a safe and considerate driver when traveling to different locations. Do not pace the train with your car.

Here, we map out where and when the nine planned whistle stops will be in Texas, with the two display days included. All scheduled times and locations are subject to change, according to Union Pacific. The railroad also noted there is no public access to the Big Boy outside of listed stops and that overnight stops are closed to the public unless otherwise noted.

Sept. 17: Texarkana, Arkansas, to Dallas

Big Boy No. 4014 will depart Texarkana, Arkansas, at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 17, to head toward Dallas.

It will make just one whistle stop that day in Big Sandy, Texas. The locomotive will stop at the Pearl Street railroad crossing from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. CT.

Sept. 19: Dallas to Hearne, Texas

After being in Dallas for a private company event on Sept. 18, the Big Boy will depart the city the next day at 9 a.m. CT to head toward Hearne, Texas.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, No. 4014 will make a single whistle stop in Mexia, Texas. The locomotive will stop at the East Commerce Street crossing from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. CT.

Oct. 4: Hearne to Houston

Big Boy No. 4014 will be out of the public eye from Friday, Sept. 20, through Thursday, Oct. 3, for scheduled maintenance.

On Friday, Oct. 4, the locomotive will depart Hearne at 9 a.m. CT and head toward Houston, with two whistle stops along the way.

The first will be in Navasota, Texas, at the East McAlpine Street crossing from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CT.

The second stop will be in Hempstead, Texas, at the Wilkins Street crossing from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. CT.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, Big Boy No. 4014 will be on display at the Houston Amtrak station from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. CT. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

After spending the weekend in Houston, the Big Boy will depart the city at 9 a.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 7, to make its way toward Bryan, Texas, with two whistle stops along the way.

The first stop will be in Spring, Texas, at the Elm Street crossing from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CT.

The second stop will be a repeat visit to Navasota, Texas, at the East McAlpine Street crossing from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. CT.

While not technically a whistle stop, the Big Boy will be available for public viewing all day in Bryan on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the F and B Road crossing, just adjacent to the intersection with Wellborn Road.

After spending a day in Bryan, Big Boy No. 4014 will depart the city at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to head toward Fort Worth. It will make two whistle stops that day.

The first will be in Marlin, Texas, at the Wood Street crossing from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CT.

The second stop will be in West, Texas, at the West Broadway Street crossing from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT.

Big Boy No. 4014 will spend two days in Fort Worth at 275 W. Lancaster Ave. The locomotive will be accessible by the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 10, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 11. Admission is free.

The Big Boy will depart Fort Worth at 8 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 13, to leave the state and head toward McAlester, Oklahoma.