CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Big Boy No. 4014 will depart on the "Heartland of America Tour" on Wednesday, August 28.

The tour will travel across nine states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour is planned to conclude in late October. No. 4014 The Big Boy will be on display in Rochelle, Ill. (Chicago metro area) Sunday, September 8, Houston, Texas Sunday, October 6 and Fort Worth, Texas Thursday and Friday, October 10-11.

No. 4014 The Big Boy's schedule is to department Cheyenne 9 a.m. August 28, stopping in Kimball at 12 p.m. and departing at 12:30 p.m. It will then depart Sidney eastbound at 9 a.m. Thursday, August 29. It will then stop 12 p.m. at the South Spruce Street Crossing in Ogallala, departing at 12:30 p.m. on its way to North Platte.  Friday, August 30, is scheduled locomotive maintenance; no public access. A private Union Pacific is scheduled for Saturday, August 31.

The Big Boy No. 4014 departs  9 a.m. Sunday for Overton, Neb., arriving at 12 p.m. CT and departing at 12:30 p.m. The locomotive will be in Grand Island on September 2, locomotive maintenance September 3 and due to arrive in Carroll, Iowa 12:30 p.m. Central Time September 4.

It will then stop in Belle Plaine, Iowa September 5, Cedar Rapids, Iowa September 6, Rochelle, Ill., September 7 for an employee event and September 8 at the Union Pacific Ike Evans Global III Terminal, Rochelle Railroad Park September 9, St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday, September 11.

All schedules are subject to change. Big Boy No. 4014 fans are encouraged to check the website periodically for updates: https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm

For everyone's safety:

  • Remember, trains can’t stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.
  • A train’s distance from you and its speed can be deceiving.
  • The average train overhangs the track by at least three feet – take extra precaution and stand back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks.
  • Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right-of-way are private property – please do not trespass.
  • Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – ALWAYS expect a train and assume tracks are active.
  • Keep drones at least 25 feet away from all railroad tracks and follow all FAA regulations on their use.
  • Hearing protection is recommended.