CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific has announced plans for its second tour this year with Big Boy No. 4014, which will cover 10 states in eight weeks beginning Aug. 29.
The “Heartland of America Tour” will launch from Cheyenne on that date and also include Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, concluding in late October.
The initial announcement includes just three sets of display days: Sept. 8 in Rochelle, Ill., about 80 miles west of Chicago; Oct. 6 in Houston, and Oct. 10-11 in Fort Worth, Texas. The railroad says additional route details and times will be shared at a later date.
UP also says additional whistle stops are being planned for the upcoming Westward Bound tour, which will see the Big Boy travel to Roseville, Calif., and return. An updated schedule for the trip slated to begin June 30 will be available later this week at the schedule page of the UP Steam website.
I used to study 4014 as it sat rusting in the Pomona Fairgrounds every year during the LA County Fair.
Maybe this year I will see the dang thing run if it comes anywhere near Tulsa.