Big Boy Steam Locomotive made some low… commotion in Central Texas

Central Texas ( FOX 44 ) — Big, loud, and proud! Big Boy was retired in December 1961, having traveled over 1 billion miles in its 20 years in service.

In May 2019, Big Boy returned to service after 58 years of retirement and a 3-year project. Regaining the title as the World’s Largest Operating Steam Locomotive.

Hundreds of people in the Marlin and West community gathered to witness the Big Boy as it made its stop, showing off its beauty.

People like Susan Contella came to see Big Boy and had lunch with her friends from the Golden Years nursing home.

“The steam train was the loudest part of the steam engines, and I had seen one once before when it came through many years ago,” says Susan Contella.

Many parents brought their kids who are obsessed with trains! Like Kelli Walker’s grandson, Tameir.

“We’re just trying to get him here because he is infatuated with trains. He goes to sleep with trains, he wakes up with trains. So, we brought him here to get this experience up close and personal,” says West resident, Kelli Walker.

Another train enthusiast, Aiden Allen was mesmerized when he saw Big Boy close up and personal.

“This is the coolest experience because he is all about trains. He just knows all about the people and he’s been excited about seeing this train for a long time,” says West resident, Beth Gann.

According to Union Pacific, no other railroad in the country has retained its historical equipment and honored its past like Union Pacific.

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