Train enthusiasts/train buffs across the country are preparing to see it in action and to view. Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 is touring the Union Pacific system throughout 2019 to commemorate the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary. The world’s largest steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy, will embark on a third and final tour that will include the High Desert this week.
The tour celebrates the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad completion, giving train enthusiasts/train buffs across the United States an opportunity to experience the history.
History:
Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific, the first of which was delivered in 1941 to handle the steep terrain between Cheyenne and Ogden. They helped deliver vital freight and materials needed for World War II. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the world’s only operating Big Boy. In May, it completed its inaugural tour to Ogden for Union Pacific 150th anniversary ceremony. The Big Boy and historic steam locomotive Living Legend No. 844 met nose-to-nose, recreating the iconic image taken May 10, 1869, when the last spike was tapped into place at Promontory Summit, creating America’s first transcontinental railroad.
Back in 2013, Union Pacific reacquired No. 4014 from the Rail Giants Museum at the Fairplex in Pomona and eventually relocated the train back to Cheyenne to begin a multi-year restoration process.
Running times:
Interstate 15 (from Hwy 138 to the truck escape ramp)
Hwy 138 (Mormon Rocks area)
Cajon Blvd. in San Bernardino/Devore
Summit Valley Road in Hesperia
Hesperia Road in Hesperia
D Street in Victorville
National Trails Hwy.
Scheduled stops are below:
Wednesday, October 9 Departs from Yermo yard at 8am, Arrivals at the Amtrak Platform on D St. in Victorville at 10am and departs 10:45am to Bloomington arrivals at 2:30pm. Running time should be in the Cajon Pass around 11am-12 noon. (going down the pass).
Saturday, October 12 from Bloomington Depart at 9:30am. Arrival 12:15pm at the Amtrak Platform on D St. in Victorville then back to the Amtrak Station in Bartow Arrival at 2:30pm. Running time should be in the Cajon Pass around 10am-11am. (going up the pass)
Last time is Sunday, October 13 Arrival at 9:15am at the Amtrak Station in Bartow departs at 11am (NO STOPS) to Bloomington Arrival at 4pm. Running time should be in the Cajon Pass around 12pm-1pm. (going down the pass).
Tuesday, October 15 depart Bloomington 8am to Beaumont.
**Running times and scheduled stops are subject to change.
For more info on this train and its travel click here where we got the information