The biggest steam locomotive is whistle-stopping across the U.S.
The Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, is touring the U.S. to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. Crowds have gathered across the country to witness the historic 1.2-million-pound engine in action.
Why it matters
It highlights the preservation of industrial history and the enduring public fascination with mechanical engineering milestones.
Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014 – the world's largest operating steam locomotive – has been barnstorming from coast-to-coast in a celebration of America's 250 th birthday. Based in Wyoming, the train came east to Philadelphia for the July 4 th weekend.
On the hottest day of the year – 102 degrees with a heat index that made it feel like 112 – dozens of people camped out by the side of the tracks at Valley Forge National Historical Park to see the train steam by. Many people brought camp chairs and coolers with water, like John Seibert, who came with a couple of friends from a model railroad club.
"It's a once-in-a lifetime experience," he said, "I mean you're never gonna see it again."
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