Historic steam giant Big Boy No. 4014 draws crowds along Lakewood Rail Corridor

On Monday, June 8, Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014 steam engine rolled through Lakewood during its historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary.

Robert LaGruth, an auto mechanic, traveled with his wife from Kilbuck, Ohio, near Sugar Creek, to capture the excitement. After the train rolled past Cove at Detroit Avenue, LaGruth said, “This was on my bucket list.”

The History of Big Boy No. 4014

The American Locomotive Company built Big Boy No. 4014 and delivered it to Union Pacific Railroad in December 1941 when the United States entered World War II. It was one of 25 “Big Boy” locomotives designed to haul enormous freight trains over the steep grades between Ogden, Utah and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Its wheel arrangement and articulated design provided  high-speed pulling power and flexibility needed to navigate mountain curves. Big Boy No. 4014 is 133 feet in length, weighs approximately 1.2 million pounds and is the world’s largest operating steam engine.

Post World War II, diesel locomotives transformed railroading. They were cheaper to maintain, required smaller crews and could operate longer distances without servicing. Big Boy steam locomotives became obsolete. In 1961, Union Pacific retired the train and donated it to the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, California.

In 2013, Union Pacific announced plans to revive Big Boy No. 4014 and negotiated the return from the museum to its steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Big Boy No. 4014’s restoration became a multi-year challenge after decades of dormancy. To make it functional in a modern, 21^st century railroad system, it included a complete disassembly, fabrication of commercially non-existent parts, extensive boiler work and wheel repairs. 

In 2019, the steam locomotive made its public debut, which coincided with the 150^th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad completion. It’s become a hallmark of Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet and will continue to travel regionally after it returns to its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming in late July.

Coast-To-Coast America 250 Tour

During the summer of 2026, Big Boy No. 4014 is embarking on its most ambitious trip yet. To celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, it will complete a coast-to-coast tour (it’s already finished a western leg through Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California). The steam locomotive will traverse 14 states and include significant display events in eight major cities. More than 50 whistle stops (a short, 15–30-minute layover for extended viewing) will occur in 10 states. Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania are first-time destinations for the train. A Philadelphia Fourth of July celebration is also planned.

Big Boy’s trip will include historical passenger cars, including the No. 1616 Abraham Lincoln locomotive, which commemorates the country’s 16^th president and Union Pacific founder. Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act on July 1, 1822, officially chartering the Union Pacific Railroad. 

The No. 1776 – America250 features the emblem of the America250 Semiquincentennial Commission, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250^th anniversary.

The trip’s eastern leg will include Norfolk Southern commemorative locomotives and historical passenger cars from its Norfolk Southern Heritage Fleet. The collaboration highlights the histories of Union Pacific in the west and Norfolk Southern in the east and their shared legacy of American railroads who help drive the country’s economic growth.

Big Boy No. 4014 Arrives

Big Boy’s arrival in Northeast Ohio provided a nonpartisan, enjoyable experience for attendees. Kids, couples and families alike, anticipated the sound of No. 4014’s distant thunderous whistle and beacon-like headlight. Onlookers communicated with friends and kin east and west, for sighting updates along the steam engine’s route.

Children on parents’ shoulders, folding chairs and coolers added ambiance to the excitement. Spectators secured their phones to take pictures and videos. Railroad enthusiasts arrived hours earlier to capture a rare glimpse of railroad history.

Bob Sossa of Westlake, Ohio ventured to Lakewood to observe Big Boy’s memorable  run. A train enthusiast for 55 years (he still has his American Flyer trains from childhood), this was his first time experiencing the No. 4014. “It’s just a part of traveling history,” said Sossa.

“I’m a big steam locomotive enthusiast,” LaGruth said. “I grew up in that era.” 

America250 Connection

The first American railroads emerged in the 1820s, less than 50 years after its independence. Until then, early America relied on rivers, canals, horseback travel and coastal shipping for transportation. Railroads helped unite a growing nation by dramatically reducing travel times; and steam locomotives became the transportation of choice.

Railroads played a key role in westward expansion during the 19^th century. They helped farmers reach national markets, quickly carried mail across long distances and became one of the largest national employers.

Americans rethought time and distance because of railroads. In 1883, railroads adopted standardized time zones, which were later widely accepted throughout the United States.

While car and airline travel overtook trains by the mid-20^th century, railroads embody Americana. Many historic depots and stations are cultural landmarks. Nationwide, museums preserve railroad artifacts, equipment and stories. Historic steam locomotives still operate for excursions and educational programs.

As America celebrates 250 years in 2026, railroads remain one of the most important technologies in the nation’s development. Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 steam engine is a  transportation icon and Northeast Ohioans can experience its majestic presence one last time on July 13, during its whistle-stop in Rocky River, Ohio at the 1882 Nickel Plate Railroad depot. The train is expected to arrive at 1 p.m. and will depart a half hour later, according to the Union Pacific website.