Chasing Steam: Big Boy 4014's Epic Run from Cheyenne to Colorado!
Hello, fellow train geeks! If you're anything like me, the mere mention of a Big Boy excursion gets your heart racing. Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy No. 4014 is gearing up for another thrilling jaunt, departing from its Cheyenne, Wyoming home base on September 30, 2025, for a quick trip to Denver and back. This isn't just any run—it's a chance to witness living history chug through Northern Colorado with two public whistle-stops. Grab your spotting gear and let's dive into the story of this behemoth, its storied past, and some mind-blowing trivia that makes it the king of steam locomotives.
The Epic History of Big Boy 4014
Born in the heat of World War II, the Big Boy locomotives were Union Pacific's answer to hauling massive freight trains over the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and Wyoming. Between 1941 and 1944, the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York, built 25 of these monsters—the largest and most powerful successful steam locomotives ever constructed. Each one weighed over 1.2 million pounds, stretched 132 feet long (longer than three school buses), and packed a whopping 135,000 pounds of tractive effort to pull up to 3,800 tons of cargo.
No. 4014 rolled out of the factory in December 1941, just as America entered the war. It spent its prime years thundering across the UP network, hauling everything from munitions to everyday freight. By the time it was retired in December 1961, 4014 had racked up an astonishing 1,031,205 miles—equivalent to 41 trips around the Earth! After retirement, it was displayed at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California, until Union Pacific reacquired it in 2013 from private owner Pam Tedford.
The real magic happened between 2013 and 2019, when UP's Cheyenne shop crew poured over 1 million volunteer hours into a meticulous restoration. Converted from its original coal-fired setup to an oil burner for modern efficiency, 4014 roared back to life on May 4, 2019, in Ogden, Utah, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad. Since then, it's embarked on epic tours across the U.S., drawing millions of admirers and reminding us why steam never truly dies.
Mind-Blowing Trivia About the Big Boy
Here are five facts that'll make you appreciate this iron giant even more:
- The Name Game: A worker scrawled "Big Job" on a blueprint during design. When the prototype arrived, a shop worker quipped, "Big Job? Hell, that's a Big Boy!"—and the name stuck for the entire class.
- Firebox Fury: The firebox door alone was 5 feet tall, big enough for a person to walk through. Stokers shoveled up to 140 pounds of coal per minute to keep the beast fed.
- Wheel Wizardry: Its 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement means four leading wheels, eight drivers on each articulated set, and four trailing wheels—perfect for navigating tight curves while hauling heavy loads.
- Speed Demon: Despite its size, Big Boys could hit 80 mph on level track. 4014's top recorded speed during excursions? A blistering 70 mph!
- Survivor Status: Of the 25 Big Boys built, eight survive today—all static displays except for 4014, the sole operating example, keeping the spirit of steam alive.
Catch the Action: 4014's Cheyenne-to-Colorado Schedule
Mark your calendars, spotters! Big Boy 4014's limited 2025 excursion to Denver includes two prime viewing opportunities in Northern Colorado. Here's the rundown:
| Date | Location | Time (MDT) | Viewing Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Sept. 30 | Cheyenne, WY (Departure) | 11:00 a.m. | Union Pacific Railyard |
| Tuesday, Sept. 30 | Greeley, CO | 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | 10th Street Crossing |
| Wednesday, Oct. 1 | Eaton, CO | 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Collins Ave. Crossing (park west of Highway 85) |
| Wednesday, Oct. 1 | Cheyenne, WY (Return) | Afternoon (TBD) | Union Pacific Railyard |
These brief whistle-stops are your shot to hear that iconic chuff and see the plume of steam against the Colorado sky. Arrive early—crowds will be massive! For the full UP schedule and updates, check Union Pacific's Steam page.
