Heritage
July 24, 2025
Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is a Big Job with Great Benefits
It takes a village to keep the world’s largest operating steam engine running, but the smiles generated on Steam Tours make it all worthwhile.
Since 2019, when Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive returned to the rails after more than two years of restoration work, this legendary locomotive has been on nine tours and attracted more than 2 million people.
That’s 260 days on the rails and more than 21,000 miles, logging time in cities such as New Orleans, Houston, Chicago, Sacramento and Kansas City.
The Steam Team just completed a limited excursion tour in Colorado and Wyoming, but the work has already begun in preparation for 2026, when Big Boy will return to the rails to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Details of the 2026 tour have yet to be released – and are still being hammered out – but we thought it might be fun to ask Ed Dickens, manager of Union Pacific’s Heritage Operations, a few questions about what it takes to prepare for a tour.
Q. What does it take to maintain Big Boy?
A. It’s a year-round job that takes the same skills, processes and techniques used during the Steam Era, such as greasing with old-style, air-operated grease guns, inspecting the smokebox and loading up on water. Of course, today we get our water from fire hydrants and not the old familiar looking water towers that once dotted the rails.
It’s a dirty job, but we love it. We have modernized many steps along the way, such as modern computerized drawing, manufacturing processes and upgrading how we service the locomotive. For example, we have made modifications for adding oil lube through a special outside oil fill similar to adding oil to a diesel locomotive. This saves another trip under the locomotive when we can do that work outside in a standing position. We have also designed a fueling system that eliminates the need to stand atop the huge Big Boy tender. We can now easily take on fuel while standing safely on the ground.
Q. What does it entail for Big Boy to go on tour? How do you prepare for these tours?
A. It takes a lot of planning and preparation before Big Boy leaves its homebase in Cheyenne and hits the rails. Many Union Pacific teams are involved, planning for the whistle-stops and making sure the locomotive fits into our freight operations.
As for our Steam Team, we have to make sure all the supplies we need for the trip, such as grease, oil and cleaning supplies, are loaded onto the cars before we ever get on board.
It’s a great masterpiece of teamwork and cooperation to make it all happen – we are so very proud of our Union Pacific family all working together to make it happen.
Q. How far does Big Boy travel on fuel and water?
A. Big Boy can travel around 200-plus miles on a standard load of fuel and water. Of course, the addition of a diesel behind the Big Boy can help extend this range considerably when necessary.
Q. What’s your fondest memory of being on tour?
A. All Union Pacific employees engaged in Big Boy’s tours enjoy seeing the thousands of happy, smiling and cheering people along the route; No. 4014 makes friends everywhere it travels.
Q. When will the public learn more about the 2026 tour?
A. I can’t give you a definitive date or route, but stay tuned to UP.com and our steam page. Also, remember to stay back at least 25 feet when coming to see Big Boy passing through your towns and communities.