Big Boy, the famed Union Pacific steam locomotive built in the 1940s to conquer mountains while carrying equipment in support of World War II, is taking off on its Westward Bound Tour this summer with several stops planned in Utah.
The powerful steam locomotive will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, on June 30, and travel across Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California and a short stretch of southeast Idaho.
While in Utah, Big Boy will make several whistle-stops, with two public displays planned in Ogden:
- July 4 – Morgan, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. MT, Morgan Depot, 98 Commercial Street
- July 4 – Salt Lake City, 2:55-4:30 p.m. MT, Salt Lake City Central Station, 340 S. 600 W.
- July 20 – Ogden, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT, Ogden Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave. (Public display day: admission to see the Big Boy is free and open to the public)
- July 21 – Ogden, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT, Ogden Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave. (Public display day: admission to see the Big Boy is free and open to the public)
- July 22 – Brigham City, 9- 9:15 a.m. MT, Forest St. Crossing
During the public display, visitors will get the chance to Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car. This restored baggage car now serves as a traveling history museum, providing a glimpse of the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading through sounds, images and interactive technology.
The public can also follow along with Big Boy’s adventure on its X account, @UP_Steam. Fans can share their safely- taken photos on Facebook, Instagram or X, using the hashtags #BigBoyHeadsWest and #UP4014.
Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific to haul freight over the steep grade of the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah during World War II. Eight were preserved after the locomotives were retired six decades ago, but only Big Boy No. 4014 is still in operation.
Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25 feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing this mammoth machine. That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.
