The Big Boy Train: A Giant Steam Engine Visits Philadelphia

What Is the Big Boy?

Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive (that means it’s a giant train engine that still runs using steam, like a huge kettle on wheels).

Here are some easy-to-understand facts about it:

• It is 133 feet long (about as long as four school buses lined up).
• It weighs 1.2 million pounds (that’s like 400 small cars!).
• It is celebrating America’s 250th birthday (the country is turning 250 years old) by traveling from one side of the country to the other.
• Its home is in Wyoming, but it took a trip east to Philadelphia for the July 4th weekend.

Important Point: Only one Big Boy (No. 4014) still works today—all the others are either retired or just for show.

A Hot Day to Watch the Train Zoom By

On the hottest day of the year (102 degrees outside, but feeling like 112 with the sticky air), many people went to Valley Forge National Historical Park to see the train pass.

• They brought camp chairs, coolers of water, and friends.
• John Seibert, who came with a model train club, said: "It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re never gonna see it again."
• Many folks used a phone app to track where the train was on the tracks.

Here is what happened when the train arrived, step by step:

1. From miles away, people heard the loud whistle.
2. They saw the headlights shining in the distance.
3. The gigantic Big Boy rushed past with bells ringing and its steam whistle blaring.

It was so amazing that John said the whistle "went right through you" when it passed!

(Photo: Attendees take photographs and admire Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 during a stop in Philadelphia on July 5, 2026. Credit: Michelle Gustafson for NPR)

Getting Up Close at the Navy Yard

A few days later, the engine and its 18-car long train parked at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard. This let people walk right up to the giant machine.

• Brandon Westerfield, a 15-year-old train fan from New Jersey, came with his mom Alethea. He said: "It’s so cool to see something that big right in front of you."
• His mom, who has seen many trains, said she thought it was "just another train" but once there, she said: "this is absolutely incredible. I’ve never seen such a sight."

Other visitors included:

• Adam Lapham (25) from Ohio, photographed by his grandfather James Wallace (74) in front of a train car attached to the Big Boy.
• Joe Stefankiewicz (37) from Pennsylvania, holding a signed model train car for his son Joey (5).
• One attendee wore a T-shirt made just for the Big Boy visit!

(Photos: Michelle Gustafson for NPR captured these moments, including Brandon with his mom and Joe with his son.)

The Story of the Big Boy (History for Beginners)

A long time ago, Union Pacific ordered 25 of these Big Boy trains between 1941 and 1944.

• They were built to pull heavy loads (called freight) through the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and Wyoming.
• They had a special bendy design (called articulated) so they could turn around curves.
• They used two sets of pistons (pushy parts that move the wheels) to drive eight wheels each.
• The last Big Boy stopped working in 1962, because newer diesel trains (ones that run on oil) took over.
• Eight of the big trains were saved in museums or parks, but only No. 4014 was fixed up to run again.
• A special attached car, Locomotive No. 1616, honors President Abraham Lincoln and rode along with the Big Boy.

Meet the Engineer: Ed Dickens

The person in charge of driving and fixing the Big Boy is Ed Dickens.

• He is the senior manager of Union Pacific’s Heritage Operations (the team that cares for old trains).
• He led the group that restored (rebuilt) No. 4014 so it could roll again.
• He is also the train’s engineer—the one at the controls!
• He wears overalls and a cap with "4014" on it, looking just like a movie train driver.
• He explained: "It’s all manually operated, there’s nothing automatic." That means he does everything by hand! The train has 7000 horsepower (that’s a way to say it’s super strong).
• Fans love him. Matt Zollers from Pennsylvania said Ed is a "super ambassador" because he takes time to talk and smile with everyone.

(Photos: Ed Dickens looks out from the train and speaks with fans; credited to Michelle Gustafson for NPR.)

Safety Warning and Saying Goodbye

Important Safety Callout: Ed Dickens has a clear message for anyone watching the train from their town: "Always stand 25 feet back" from the tracks (that’s about eight big steps). The Big Boy’s loud whistle will warn you if you get too close!

• Over two days, almost 100,000 people visited the Big Boy in Philadelphia.
• Then it was time to go home to Wyoming.
• On the way back, it will stop in these places:
  • Pennsylvania
  • Ohio
  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Colorado

And if you forget the safety rule, the train’s whistle will surely remind you!

Summary

The Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest working steam train. It visited Philadelphia to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday and amazed everyone with its size, noise, and history. Built in the 1940s, only this one still runs thanks to Ed Dickens and his team. Families, kids, and train fans got to see it up close, and always learned to stay 25 feet back for safety. It was a once-in-a-lifetime sight that left close to 100,000 people smiling.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the Big Boy No. 4014?
A: It is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive (a train engine that uses steam). It is 133 feet long and weighs 1.2 million pounds.

Q2: Why did it travel to Philadelphia?
A: It was part of a coast-to-coast tour for America’s 250th anniversary, and it stopped in Philly for the July 4th weekend.

Q3: Who is Ed Dickens?
A: He is the engineer and restoration leader for the Big Boy. He works for Union Pacific and is known for being very friendly to fans.

Q4: How many Big Boy trains were built, and how many still work?
A: 25 were built from 1941–1944. Eight were preserved, but only No. 4014 is still operating today.

Q5: How far should I stand from the tracks when watching it?
A: Ed Dickens says to always stay at least 25 feet (about 8 big steps) back from the tracks for safety.