World’s largest steam engine to visit East Texas during national tour

TEXARKANA, Ark. ( KTAL/KSHV ) – The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, ‘Big Boy’, will make its way through East Texas as part of the upcoming Heartland of America Tour.

Big Boy No. 4014 was delivered to Union Pacific back in Dec. 1941. The company reacquired it in 2013 and began a multi-year process to restore the steam engine to its former glory. It was returned to service in 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s Completion.

Union Pacific will auction off four cab rides in Big Boy to support the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend to Friend Network , a nonprofit that helps railroad families affected by medical or natural disasters.

Make your winning bid by Aug. 19 for a rare opportunity to ride in the cab of the historic train.

The Heartland of America Tour starts on Aug. 28 and will pass through ten states, including Arkansas and Texas. Admission to the Major Display Days is free, although parking at nearby facilities may involve a charge. The train will also make short stops as it makes its way across the country.

Big Boy will pass through East Texas on Sept. 16-17 as it heads from Little Rock on the way to Dallas/Ft. Worth. The locomotive will make a brief appearance, called a whistle-stop, on the 17th at the Pearl St. Crossing in Big Sandy.

Union Pacific reminded visitors that locations and times are subject to change and to check back periodically for updates . To keep everyone safe, they asked that visitors stay at least 25 feet away from all railroad tracks, including drones. They warned that railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and right of way are private property and visitors should not trespass. Always expect a train and assume the tracks are active.

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