Union Pacific’s Engineering Team Captures 3D Image of Big Boy No. 4014

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 may have just kicked off its historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary, but it’s already posed for one very important photo: a 3D scan.

A team of Union Pacific engineers utilized specialized photographic equipment last year to capture millions of precise data points from every angle of the locomotive to create a highly accurate, high‑resolution 3D digital model.

The model has been used to evaluate routes on the eastern rail network, where infrastructure can vary and where Big Boy is traveling for the very first time in honor of America’s 250^th birthday.

“This is a great example of how we utilize modern tech tools to enhance safety around a 1940s-era steam locomotive,” said Timothy Boland, senior manager – Engineering Infrastructure. “The level of detail we’re getting allows us to validate measurements, understand how the locomotive behaves on curves, and make informed decisions before the engine ever touches the track.”

Big Boy embarked on the first leg of its coast-to-coast tour on March 29, traveling across four western states, with public display days planned in Roseville, California, and Ogden, Utah. The second leg of the tour will see the Big Boy head to the East Coast.

The 3D modeling allowed Union Pacific to identify and resolve potential issues along the East Coast route in advance, making sure the infrastructure was compatible with the steam locomotive.

“It’s another great step toward efficient planning that provides valuable data faster and helps us share the Big Boy with the public, safely and seamlessly,” said Ed Dickens Jr., senior manager – Heritage Operations.