‘Big Boy’ – marathon trip pulled in massive crowds
MORE than 1,100,000 people visited restored Union Pacific‘articulated 4-8-8-4 ‘Big Boy’no. 4014 during its 109-day tour to mark the 150th anniversary of the US transcontinental railroad last year.
Following the locomotive’s restoration, No. 4014 travelled 8645 miles though towns, cities and communities in 17 states served by Union Pacific (UP).
The celebrations began with the launch of No. 4014 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 4, followed by the excursion where No. 4014 was joined with the FEF-3 4-8-4 ‘Living Legend’ No. 844 as they travelled to Ogden to commemorate the anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike on May 9.
There followed by The Great Race Across the Midwest throughout the summer and The Great Race Across the Southwest in the autumn.
Fans posted more than 55,000 photos, videos and stories on the Union Pacific Steam Club’s Facebook group, and more than 115,000 people visited the Experience the Union Pacific railcar, according to UP.