‘Big Boy’: World’s largest steam locomotive makes a stop in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas -- Union Pacific's 'Big Boy' No. 4014 locomotive arrived in El Paso Monday as part of the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad Completion. The locomotive is one of eight that still exist today and is the only current running locomotive train in the U.S.
Last month, the train was released from the steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming and it's now making its way through Utah, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado and back to its original departure location in Wyoming. Dozens gathered Monday morning around the locomotive to experience the giant train for themselves.
"My dad is a big model railroader, and we're from Organ," Thomas Schwinger said. "Just seeing the history coming to town I just wanted my kids to be a part of it. We're excited to be here."
Organizers tell ABC-7 the engine was built in November 1941, it served throughout World War II and the Korean war. "Big Boy" retired in 1959, but came out of retirement nearly 60 years later.
"It was decided to restore one of the big boys," Jim Leonard, Passenger train conductor for Union Pacific said. "There were 8 remaining examples and this engine was by far the best candidate."
'Big Boy' stands at 133-feet long and weighs more than 1 million pounds.
"This is the largest train ever made," Ron Leiman, who works for the El Paso Railroad and transformation museum said. "So this is the big boy, it has got 4 wheels in the front, it's got 8 drive wheels another set of 8 drive wheels, and then 4 wheels back below the cab."
'Big Boy' will be on display on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stiles Drive and Woodridge Drive.
