Big Boy 4014: The Big Return

Join in for an exclusive look at the world's largest steam-powered locomotive running on it's own, the 4-8-8-4 Big Boy 4014 owned by the Union Pacific Railroad in "Big Boy 4014: The Big Return" As most already know, 4014 was restored to working condition earlier this year just in time for the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad. It has not made any runs since its retirement in 1959. Until now, it sat dormant at the Fairplex Grounds in California leaving with the thought that it would not turn a wheel again. However, in 2014 UP agreed to re-acquire 4014 and restore it to full service through a thorough 3 year restoration program by the steam engine crews based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Since its re-introduction in May, it has made three big trips alone in 2019, including a tour of the Midwest during the summer. Out of the eight Big Boys in the fleet, 4014 is the only one of its kind in active service. In late September 2019, Union Pacific sent the Big Boy on a 2 month tour of the Southwestern United States with stops in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. During its visit in Southern California in early October, the Big Boy ran a weekend long rail excursion between Colton and Barstow and back before proceeding east. This was done to benefit the RailGiants train museum. In "Big Boy 4014: The Big Return", we will follow this goliath piece of machinery over a 6 day span on its route between Barstow and the small desert town of Niland, CA. We will make numerous stops in between including Cajon Summit/Pass, Beaumont Hill, as well as driving and pacing directly next to the Big Boy! Now this is something you will see for the first time on this channel! Believe it or not, MANY MANY train enthusiasts filled the streets up as they got their own pictures and memories of this giant steam engine. NOTE: I know I had announced earlier in the trailer that I would have this up by Nov 1st @ 9 A.M.; technical difficulties and other unforseen circumstances prevented me from meeting that deadline. I do apologize for this. I hope you will enjoy and take the time to view this extensive video that involved a lot of time and effort on my end. Have a safe weekend!