By Payton Tholstrup

Union Pacific Railroad has announced its famed Big Boy No. 4014 Locomotive will be stopping in more than three dozen communities during its fall tour across 10 states. The 2024 Heartland of America Tour is set to kick off on August 28th from Cheyanne, Wyoming.

During the tour, Big Boy will pass through Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming.

Whistle-stops as well as other viewing opportunities in Kansas include the following:

October 15th – Osawatomie

October 17th – Topeka

October 18th – Salina

October 19th – Wilson

October 20th -Grainfield

During World War II, twenty-five Big Boys were built, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one out of eight others that are still in operation. It is still the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.

Union Pacific wants to remind all rail fans to keep safety in mind and stay 25 feet back from the tracks when taking pictures or viewing the locomotive.

A steam tracking map showing its location and route will be available at upsteam.com