WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – Thousands of people gathered in West Chicago on Wednesday for a chance to see Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, during a stop on its nationwide tour ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebration.
The massive locomotive, which first entered service during World War II, spent the day on public display near the West Chicago Metra station, drawing railroad enthusiasts, history buffs and families eager to get an up-close look.
"It's immense,” said one attendee. “It’s bigger than any steam engine I've ever seen."
“I’m impressed by the size of the wheels because I’m 6-foot and the wheels are almost as tall as me,” said another visitor.
Big Boy 4014 weighs about 600 tons and stretches 133 feet long. It is the only operating locomotive of its kind and is one of eight remaining Big Boy locomotives built for Union Pacific during the 1940s.
A father and son admire Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014
Rachel Pierson
The display also proved popular with younger visitors.
“I am surprised and happier than I’ve ever been happy right now,” said 9-year-old Eduard Lynch. “I really like trains.”
The West Chicago stop is part of a coast-to-coast tour that will take Big Boy 4014 to Philadelphia for events marking the nation's semiquincentennial celebration before it returns west later this summer.
Union Pacific officials say the locomotive continues to draw large crowds wherever it travels, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience a piece of American railroad history in person.
Judging by the turnout in West Chicago, Big Boy still lives up to its name.
