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Heritage & Steam
World’s Largest Steam Locomotive Returns to the Rails as Union Pacific Commemorates Transcontinental Railroad’s 150th Anniversary
April 24, 2019 Update: To ensure the Big Boy is ready for its big debut, No. 844’s whistle-stop tour that was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, has been cancelled. Instead, No. 844 will double-head with No. 4014 from Cheyenne to Ogden on May 4 after the 9:30 a.m. MT christening ceremony.
This new schedule will give the UP Steam Team more time to complete final preparations for No. 4014. The latest tour schedule is available at UPSteam.com.
Omaha, Neb., March 14, 2019
Union Pacific announced the commemorative tour schedule for its historic steam locomotives, Big Boy No. 4014 and Living Legend No. 844. The iconic steam locomotives will join together in a public display for the first time May 9 in Ogden, Utah, during Union Pacific’s celebratory event marking the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary. The festivities include recreating the iconic photo taken May 10, 1869, when the last spike was tapped into place at Promontory Summit, creating America’s first transcontinental railroad. Union Pacific no longer has tracks near Promontory Summit. They were removed to support the scrap metal projects during World War II.
"Completing the transcontinental railroad was a major feat that united America and laid the foundation for the country’s growth, economic progress and improved the way of life," said Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "The restored steam engines are rolling pieces of history that take us back in time as we celebrate this momentous anniversary. We’re excited to share No. 844 and No. 4014 with our communities, and invite generations to join us along the tour."
No. 844 will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, April 27. It will make several brief stops called whistle-stops in communities along its route, arriving in Ogden on April 28. The Living Legend will be on display at Ogden Union Station through May 11.
The Big Boy’s return follows more than two years of restoration. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the world’s only operating Big Boy locomotive. It will leave Cheyenne May 4 following a 9:30 a.m. MT christening ceremony at the historic Cheyenne Depot and arrive in Ogden for the May 9 celebratory event at Ogden Union Station. The Big Boy also will make several whistle-stops in communities along its route.
A comprehensive tour schedule, including No. 844 and No. 4014 GPS location tracking information is available at https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/. Due to the dynamic nature of these operations, running times and scheduled stops are subject to change.
The 150th anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with No. 4014 visiting many states across the Union Pacific system. A tentative schedule with tour locations and dates will be published in the near future.
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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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