A giant steam locomotive, the world’s only operating "Big Boy," traveled through Illinois before stopping in a Chicago suburb, where it will be on display for several days this weekend.
One of the largest steam locomotives ever made, sitting at over 1.2 million pounds, Union Pacific’s Train no. 4014 is on a “Great Race Across the Midwest," traveling through Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Wyoming to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion.
The train was built in the 1940s and retired in 1959, but returned to operation thanks to "two years of meticulous restoration work," according to Union Pacific.
No. 4014 left Butler, Wisconsin at 8 a.m. and headed for West Chicago, arriving just after 2 p.m. It will remain on display through July 29 at the Union Pacific Larry S. Provo Training Center. While there, fans can view the locomotive up close and tour the "Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car."
The train is expected to depart West Chicago at 8 a.m. Tuesday, traveling to Rochelle before it moves into Iowa.
Track it here.
