The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is stopping in Salina again this year, its third stop in the last five years.
The Union Pacific Steam Club has announced the full schedule for Big Boy #4014’s Heartland of America tour and Salina has been selected as a sightseeing stop on the return trip from Houston this October.
When is Big Boy #4014 scheduled to be in Salina this year?
Big Boy is scheduled to depart Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, and after a brief stop at Great Overland Station in Topeka, begin its journey to the historic Salina Depot, 400 N. 13th St., where it will remain for two days for inspection purposes only.
According to the Heartland of America tour schedule on the UP Steam Club website, Big Boy will depart Salina at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 19th and head to Hays.
Big Boy 4014 was last in Salina in September 2021, where hundreds of people from north-central Kansas and beyond welcomed the locomotive to town.
What should people know about the Big Boy 4014 stop in Salina?
The Steam Club website states that safety around railway tracks and trains should be the top priority.
The club lists four main aspects to consider when looking at the Big Boy:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from all railroad tracks. This includes drones.
- Railway tracks, bridge arches, train stations and rights of way are private property – entry is prohibited.
- Never assume that the tracks are abandoned or no longer in use – always expect a train.
- Be a safe and considerate driver. Don’t drive too slowly.
For more safety tips, visit www.up.com/heritage/steam/safety/index.htm.
UP said Big Boy’s overnight stops, including in Salina, were closed to the public for safety reasons.
“Non-employees entering these locations without permission will be treated as trespassers,” UP’s Steam Club said.
Big Boy 4014 items are available for this tour
Finally, UP sells merchandise related to the Heartland of America tour.
To take a look at this merchandise, including things like shirts, hats, hoodies, pins, and even a belt buckle, visit the Big Boy Tour section of the official UP store website.
