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Historic Union Pacific train 'Big Boy' rolls into West Chicago

The restored locomotive is on a coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and drawing more than 1 million spectators, Union Pacific said.

  • On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, arrived at the Union Pacific Training Center in West Chicago for public display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission.
  • The stop marks the first time the locomotive has visited several eastern states since the 1940s as part of a coast-to-coast tour celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary.
  • Weighing 1.2 million pounds and stretching 132 feet, the machine generates 7,000 horsepower. Union Pacific officials urge spectators to remain 25 feet back from the tracks for safety.
  • The tour draws massive crowds that stimulate local economies; Rochelle Director of Community Engagement Jenny Thompson noted recent whistle stops have been among the busiest days for local businesses.
  • Following Illinois, the locomotive continues east to Pennsylvania for a July 4 celebration in Philadelphia, then heads back west through Ohio and Missouri for additional public appearances in July.
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KCRG broke the news in Cedar Rapids, United States on Monday, June 1, 2026.
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