Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 Locomotive Concludes 150th Anniversary Celebration with 'Great Race Across the Southwest'

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Sep 05, 2019, 11:00 ET

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest steam locomotive, Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, will embark on a third and final tour celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad's completion, giving rail fans across the Southwest an opportunity to experience history. The newly restored locomotive recently completed a tour across the upper Midwest and a trip to Ogden, Utah, for a May 9 ceremony commemorating the anniversary.

The Big Boy No. 4014 at its christening celebration in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

No. 4014 will leave the Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Sept. 27 for the "Great Race Across the Southwest," making brief whistle-stops in communities along its route through Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. At this time, only the October tour dates are available; however, the full schedule is expected to be released at upsteam.com prior to the Sept. 27 tour launch. No. 4014 will be on display in the following cities:

Oct. 2-3: Provo, Utah
Oct. 7: Las Vegas, Nev.
Oct. 10-11: Greater Los Angeles Area, Calif.
Oct. 18: Tucson, Ariz.
Oct. 21-22: El Paso, Texas

"Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, the Big Boy makes a big impression in communities it visits, reminding us of bygone days and the important role the railroad continues to play in our global economy," said Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "Union Pacific wants to thank the countless rail fans and communities who have helped us celebrate this tremendous anniversary."

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. 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's 150^th 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.

Union Pacific strongly encourages visitors to keep safety top of mind while viewing and photographing No. 4014 on its journey. For everyone's safety:

Remember, trains can't stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.
A train's distance and speed can be deceiving.
The average train overhangs the track by at least three feet – take extra precaution and stand back at least 25 feet.
Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property.
Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – always expect a train.

The Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car, a new, multi-media walk-through exhibition providing a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading, will accompany the Big Boy on its tour. A route map and No. 4014's GPS location tracking information is available at upsteam.com. Due to the dynamic nature of these operations, running times and scheduled stops are subject to change.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. The railroad's diversified business mix is classified into its Agricultural Products, Energy, Industrial and Premium business groups. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

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SOURCE Union Pacific