Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is on a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Weighing 1.2 million pounds, the massive engine is making its first-ever trip to the East Coast with dozens of whistle-stops.
American Locomotive Company (ALCO) built 25 of these between 1941 and 1944 in Schenectady, N.Y. for heavy freight hauling during World War II. No. 4014 is the only one that is still operational.
The Big Boy is making a stop in Buffalo next week. It arrives next Tuesday, June 9, and will be in Buffalo on Wednesday, June 10. It departs Thursday, June 11.
Below are local viewing opportunities, and here is a link to Big Boy FAQ's
Tuesday, June 9:
- Ripley, N.Y State St. Crossing.
- Arrive: 12:00 noon Depart: 12:30 pm.
- Buffalo, NY Bison Rail Yard - No public access
- A Watch Party will be held on Tuesday, June 9, starting at 11am at the Heritage Discovery Center 100 Lee Street, Buffalo
Wednesday, June 10:
- Buffalo, N.Y. on Display: 9:00 am. - 2:30 pm
- Access the Big Boy via free shuttles at the Walden Galleria Mall ONLY (North side near Primark.)
- Limited capacity, No parking or pedestrian access at display site; use shuttles instead. Free Admission
- No public access outside of these hours
Thursday, June 11:
- Buffalo, NY No public access
- Depart: 9:00 am.
- Silver Springs, NY (Wyoming County)
- North Main St. Crossing Arrive:
- 11:45 am. Depart: 12:00 noon
- Letchworth State Park Genesee River Arch Bridge (Park Admission Required)
- Passing through: 12:20 p.m.
- Hornell, NY
- Hornell Erie Depot Museum, 111 Loder St.
- Arrive: 2:00 pm. Depart: 2:30 pm.
While in Buffalo, Big Boy will be stationed in Bison Yard (a working rail yard), visitors will be required to take a free park-n-ride shuttle service from the Walden Galleria Mall's north side, near Primark. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, from 9 a.m.-to-2:30 p.m.
Ed Dickens, Lead Engineer of Big Boy No. 4014 said it's a steam locomotive in every sense. "Rugged, heavy, loud. It's quite a machine, but it runs like a Swiss watch."
He loves seeing the crowds.
"This is quickly becoming a national icon. It's such an important part of American history and the development of the west."
Local viewing opportunities will take place in Ripley, Buffalo, Silver Springs and Letchworth State Park
Local viewing opportunities will take place in Ripley, Buffalo, Silver Springs and Letchworth State Park
