PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, is in Philadelphia for the July Fourth weekend as part of its first-ever coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
“It was an iconic machine even when it was built in 1941,” said Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tysver. “At that point in time, it was called Union Pacific’s miracle.”
Big Boy stands at nearly 17 feet tall, weighs 1.2 million tons, and has 7,000 horsepower. It carries about 75,000 gallons of water.
“It operates on steam,” Tysver said. “It has a boiler. It boils the water to create the steam that runs the machine, and it also powers the steam whistle.”
The train made its way through the city on Friday morning. Crowds stood in 102-degree weather to watch her chug along beneath the Chestnut Street Bridge. And on Saturday and Sunday, train enthusiasts got an even better view.
The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014. Union Pacific
Hundreds of people stood in a half-mile line at the Navy Yard to see Big Boy on Sunday, including 11-year-old Charlie. He came prepared with fun facts and stats; he’s a big fan of Big Boy.
“The Big Boy is the biggest and longest locomotive ever built, converted to oil a while back,” he said.
Dawn Benton with Norfolk Southern said it was no easy task getting Big Boy here.
“It’s just exciting that we were able to come to Philadelphia, be here for America’s 250th and make this happen for all these amazing fans.”Big Boy started its coast-to-coast tour from Sacramento, California, on April 10. The journey features major display events in eight cities, including a stop in Philadelphia on July 4 and 5.
You won’t be able to board the locomotive, but you can view it from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Intrepid Avenue and League Island Boulevard at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
The tour also features 50 whistle stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. It is the first time Big Boy has steamed across the Mississippi River and into the Ohio Valley since it was built in Schenectady, New York, in 1941, Union Pacific said.
The tour ends in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on July 29. You can track Big Boy’s journey in real time at up.com.
