Spectators wait 2 or more hours in traffic to see Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 train in Rochelle

ROCHELLE, Ill. (WTVO) — Thousands of spectators flocked to Rochelle on Sunday to see Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 steam engine in person, with some waiting over 2 hours in traffic for the chance.

Twenty-five “Big Boy” trains were built during World War II, and only nine of the largest operating steam locomotives remain. A single engine, the 4014, remains in service and is currently on a “Heartland of America” tour.

Local historian Ed Dickens said he wasn’t surprised that thousands of people showed up at the Rochelle Intermodal to see it for themselves.

After driving from a Madison, Wisconsin suburb, Michael Kokott waited nearly three hours in traffic to see the locomotive.

The train will stop in Wateska , on Monday, September 9th, from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at North Street Crossing; and in Nokomis , on Tuesday, September 10th, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Maple Street Crossing, before heading to Saint Louis, Missouri.. See the full schedule .

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