BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Thousands of Western New Yorkers swarmed the Walden Galleria parking lots Wednesday morning to catch a shuttle and get a look at Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, which stopped in the Buffalo area as part of its 2026 tour commemorating 250 years of American independence.
The locomotive is one of 25 “Big Boys” commissioned by Union Pacific Railroad, eight of which still remain in existence. It was retired in 1961, becoming active once again in 2019.
This coast-to-coast tour marks the first time the locomotive is traveling the East Coast, though it was initially built in Schenectady, N.Y. Norfolk Southern Railway collaborated with Union Pacific to make the East Coast journey happen…