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Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's
largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast for
the first time in collaboration with Norfolk Southern as part of a
historic coast-to-coast tour as both railroads celebrate America's 250th
anniversary. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in
Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50
whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in
Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
This will be the first time No. 4014 has ever steamed
east of Chicago. As the Big Boy makes this highly anticipated journey,
the eastern portion of the tour will operate across the Norfolk Southern
network, marking a historic collaboration between two of the nation's
storied railroads and bringing the legendary locomotive back to
communities that helped power America's industrial rise.
"Union Pacific couldn't be prouder to share this powerful
piece of history with the nation and to be a part of America's birthday
celebration," said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. "This tour celebrates our
company's rich 164-year history, our nation's amazing story and the
people who have helped build our great country and our railroad."
"Railroads helped build this nation by connecting people,
communities and commerce— work carried forward for generations by
dedicated railroaders," said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark
George. "As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Union
Pacific's Big Boy's return to the East on Norfolk Southern rails
reflects a shared legacy."
The Coast-to-Coast tour resumes from Cheyenne, Wyoming,
on May 25. Big Boy No. 4014 returned April 24 from the western leg,
featuring a ceremony in downtown Sacramento, near the historic Milepost
0 of the Central Pacific, where eastward construction on the nation's
first transcontinental railroad began in 1863.
Eight major public display events will be held in:
- May 30 – Omaha, Nebraska
(near the Union Pacific's historic Milepost 0)
- June 3 – West Chicago,
Illinois
- June 10 – Buffalo, New
York
- June 15-16 – Scranton,
Pennsylvania
- July 4-5 – Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
- July 9-10 – Altoona,
Pennsylvania
- July 14 – Fostoria, Ohio
- July 19 – St. Louis,
Missouri
In addition to the public display days, rail fans can see
this historic machine in action at over four dozen whistle-stops,
generally 15- to 30- minutes long.
Complete details can be found on UP.com in the official steam
schedule.
As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Museum will be
selling tickets for rides in vintage passenger cars pulled by Big Boy
through the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania on June 14. Interested
riders can purchase tickets from the Museum at www.UPtrainTix.org/ . This will
be the ONLY passenger excursion opportunity on this
tour.
On the eastern leg of the trip, Big Boy will be
accompanied by Norfolk Southern commemorative locomotives as well as
several historical passenger cars from Norfolk Southern's Heritage
Fleet. The coast-to-coast tour highlights the histories of Union
Pacific in the West and Norfolk Southern and its predecessors in the
East, reflecting the shared legacy of American railroads serving as the
backbone of the country's economic growth. In the coming weeks, Norfolk
Southern will unveil its commemorative U.S. 250 series.
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This coast-to-coast
tour has expanded the membership of our Steam Club with tens of
thousands of new members across the country. We know how excited
communities will be as the Big Boy whistles its approach, but we want to
remind everyone of some simple safety rules:
- Stay back at least 25
feet
from all railroad tracks. This includes
drones.
- Railroad tracks,
trestles, yards and right of way are private property - do not
trespass.
- Never assume tracks are
abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a
train.
- Be a safe and
considerate driver - do not pace the
train.
- Be aware of the
environment: While we strive to
provide access to all guests, Big Boy is positioned in a working rail
environment with uneven walking surfaces that may create difficulty for
accessibility.
That's all for now.
Stay safe, and we'll see you 25 feet back from the tracks this
summer!
Union Pacific Steam Club
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