Top 5 Most Beautiful Steam Locomotives Still Running in 2025
Nothing beats the sight, sound, and smell of a living, breathing steam locomotive thundering down the track. Here are the five most stunning, photogenic, and historically significant steam engines you can still ride behind or chase in 2025 — perfect for every train geek’s bucket list.
1. Union Pacific “Big Boy” No. 4014 – USA
The largest operating steam locomotive on Earth. This 1.2-million-pound 4-8-8-4 returned to the mainline in 2019 after a flawless restoration and is still touring in 2025 running occasional heritage excursions. When 4014 whistles off with 25+ cars, it’s pure railroad magic.
2. A1 Class 60163 Tornado – United Kingdom
The only brand-new mainline steam locomotive built in the 21st century (completed 2008). Painted in gorgeous LNER apple green, Tornado regularly hits 75–90 mph on the UK network and starred in the 2024 “The Flying Scotsman Centenary” tours.
3. Deutsche Reichsbahn 01 509 – Germany
One of the most elegant Pacifics ever designed. Fully rebuilt and mainline-certified, this 1930s icon hauls luxury steam specials across Germany and occasionally into Austria and the Czech Republic. That Wagner smoke-deflector profile is pure art.
4. JNR Class D51 498 – Japan
Still the queen of Japanese steam. Restored to perfection and based on the famous Umekoji Museum line in Kyoto, D51 498 also runs winter “SL Winter Wetland” trains in Hokkaido — nothing beats a Mikado blasting through snow with a plume a mile long.
5. Flying Scotsman (LNER A3 60103) – United Kingdom & occasional USA tours
Which one is on your must-see list? Drop a 🚂 below if you’ve photographed or ridden behind any of these legends!
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