Big Boy No. 4014 is a 78-year old Union Pacific locomotive that’s currently touring the Southwestern U.S.

It was part of a series of 25 extra-large steam engines built between 1941 and 1944, and it’s one of the only two still in operation.

This particular Big Boy was sitting in a museum in Pomona, California when, in 2013, Union Pacific decided to buy it back, restore it, and get it running in time for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad earlier this year.

When we heard it was making a stop in Tucson, we decided to stop by there as well.

I think they may have underestimated the number of train enthusiasts in Southern Arizona. We certainly did.

The normally quiet roads surrounding the depot were choked with lines of cars waiting to get in – and then out.

It was cool seeing the train, even though we weren’t able to get in to see the displays inside. One of the rail cars has been turned into kind of a mini museum. The line to get in stretched about half the length of the train, and we were out of time.

I wondered about the stories of the people who had made the trip there. Had they traveled far? Did they have a connection to the Big Boys? Or a passion for all steam locomotives? Or, like us, did they just happen to live in Tucson and think it would be an interesting thing to see?

Whatever their reasons, Big Boy No. 4014 certainly has plenty of fans, and I hope it rolls into town again.

Steam train engine — Photo of Big Boy No. 4014 – without the crowds – via Union Pacific.

– More Steam Train Info –

Big Boy No. 4014’s 2019 appearance schedule and current location.
Union Pacific steam locomotives.
The 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Experience the Union Pacific – museum on a rail car. Short video on their site with a glimpse inside.

[Some thoughts Phillip wrote down during our journey from Rome to Venice on a high speed Italo Treno train. –S]

How do I love thee high-speed train travel? Let me count the ways!

After my first trip on high speed rail in Italy, I’m a believer!

Here are some things I loved about traveling on a train instead of flying:

1. You don’t have to check your luggage, so it’s way less likely to be lost.

2. Quick boarding and deboarding time.

3. You can move around. Since there’s no turbulence, there’s no “fasten seatbelt sign,” and you can get up and down whenever you want.

4. No extreme pressure changes.

5. No taxi time or Air Traffic Control delays. (For example, when we were traveling back to Phoenix, our plane was stuck on the ground close to 40 minutes at JFK airport).

6. You can keep your phone on. No need to put it in “airplane mode” on a train.

7. Still very fast (250 kmh/150mph). A plane travels around 500 mph, but with all the extra time and hassle at the airport, it might still take about the same amount of time to get to your destination.

We were guests of Italo Treno.

Tag: trains

Big Boy Trains with a Big Fanbase

– More Steam Train Info –

7 Things to Love About High Speed Rail