STRUTHERS, Ohio — Thousands of rail enthusiasts gathered in Struthers over the weekend to welcome Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, as it made a stop during its America 250 Coast to Coast tour.
The historic locomotive traveled through the Mahoning Valley on Norfolk Southern tracks as part of a special collaboration between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Leading the excursion was Ed Dickens, Union Pacific’s senior manager of Heritage Operations and the locomotive’s chief engineer. Dickens has spent years helping restore Big Boy No. 4014 from a museum display into a fully operational steam locomotive.
After seeing the large turnout in Struthers, Dickens said the enthusiastic reception from the community was one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
The restoration and operation of the 1.2-million-pound locomotive has required years of planning and the dedication of hundreds of railroad employees, mechanics and volunteers. Some retired railroad workers even returned to assist with the ongoing operation of the historic engine.
Originally restored in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Big Boy No. 4014 returned to service in 2019 after decades on display and has since traveled thousands of miles across the country, giving communities a chance to experience a living piece of American railroad history.
The Struthers stop was one of several scheduled appearances as the locomotive continues its cross-country journey, drawing large crowds and celebrating the legacy of America’s railroads ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
