Big Boy locomotive chugging in Arkansas this weekend: Here’s when and where to see it

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Visitors will have a chance to see the largest operating steam locomotive in the world in Arkansas this weekend.

The Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive will cross Arkansas this weekend as part of its cross-country tour . The 1.1 million pound last-of-its-kind is making whistle stops across the state, beginning in Pigott on Friday afternoon.

Saturday stops will be in Hickory Ridge, Brinkley and Pine Bluff, ending the day in North Little Rock.

On Sunday the massive locomotive will be on display in North Little Rock from 5 until 7 p.m. and on Monday morning it will leave North Little Rock on the way to Texas, with a midday stop in Kingsland on Monday and ultimately into Big Sandy, Texas, on Tuesday afternoon.

Big Boy’s tour began with its departure from North Plate, Nebraska, on Sept. 1 and will end in Wyoming in October.

Its railroad history shows Big Boy No. 4014 was one of 25 locomotives commissioned in 1941 for hauling big freight loads across mountain ranges. Eight of the marques survive, with the Union Pacific-owned 4104 being the only one still in operation.

Union Pacific officials state 4014 is slightly longer than two school buses end-to-end and the heaviest steam locomotive ever built. Its 4-8-8-4 configuration of a four-wheel leading truck, twin sets of eight driving wheels, and a four-wheel trailing truck to support the firebox make it one of the largest-ever steam locomotives.

No. 4014 was converted from coal-fired to fuel oil during its restoration by Union Pacific between 2014 and 2019.

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