The popular Big Boy steam engine can be viewed at the Great Overland Station in Topeka this October.
Union Pacific announced that the famous steam locomotive No. 4014 will begin its Heartland of America tour. The steam locomotive will stop at the Great Overland Station, 701 N. Kansas Ave., in Topeka on October 17 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
What is the Big Boy Steam Engine?
Big Boy No. 4014 is the only locomotive of its type still in service. Seven other Big Boy locomotives are on display at various locations throughout the United States, according to Union Pacific’s website.
Starting in 1941, 25 Big Boys were built for the Union Pacific and normally ran between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Ogden, Utah.
The operational train, No. 4014, was delivered to the Union Pacific in December 1941 and, according to the Union Pacific website, traveled more than 1.03 million miles before being retired from service in December 1961.
In 2013, Union Pacific re-acquired Big Boy No. 4014 to restore and return it to service starting in 2019.
Big Boy was last seen chugging through Topeka in 2021. During his tour, he came through Topeka twice this year, first in August and then again in September.
What do you need to know about the train tour?
When touring the train, people must maintain a distance of 25 feet, according to Union Pacific’s website.
Other safety tips from Union Pacific include the following:
- Always assume that the railway tracks are active.
- Wear hearing protection, such as earplugs.
- Remember that land, bridges and yards are private property, so do not enter them without permission.
If you are interested in commemorative hats, pins and other items, you can find merchandise on the Union Pacific website.
