DENVER (KDVR) — The world’s largest operating 1.2 million-pound steam locomotive is coming back to Colorado.
The locomotive, known as Big Boy No. 4014, is 1.2 million pounds and 132 feet long, about half the length of a Boeing 747 airplane. It was built during World War II as one of 25 locomotives, but they’ve all gone out of commission, which once included Big Boy No. 4014, which retired after travelling over a million miles within its 20 years of service.
‘Big Boy,’ the 1.2M pound locomotive, still operates like it did in the mid-1900s
After a multi-year restoration project, it became the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, and stopped in Colorado in 2024 on its debut back on the tracks and revisiting the state this summer.
Now, it’s heading through Colorado again.
The Union Pacific Steam Club announced a “Bonus Big Boy Excursion,” with the locomotive making its second trip to Colorado this summer. While Big Boy has already travelled through Colorado in July, it will be coming back by the end of September.
Big Boy No. 4014 stops in Colorado
There will be two public stops in Colorado during locomotive maintenance. Here’s where you can see the locomotive:
- Tuesday, Sept. 30Time: 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Area: GreeleyLocation: 10th Street Crossing
- Wednesday, Oct. 1Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Area: EatonLocation: Collins Ave. Crossing
There won’t be any public access in Denver, but the steam team is still working on plans for a journey in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday…