Large crowds and traffic were expected in the western suburbs Wednesday as Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — rolls into town for a stop in Illinois on its northeast tour.
The historic train, weighing one million pounds, will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday in West Chicago at the Union Pacific Training Center. The gigantic train is one of only eight remaining Big Boys still in operation.
“This is a rare opportunity to see railroading history up close,” Union Pacific said.
Tuesday evening, some caught a glimpse of the “legend on rails” as it chugged into town, with Sky 5 capturing the sight from above.
The ginormous steam train will be on display at the Union Pacific Training Center in West Chicago Wednesday.
While the event is free, it is expected to draw large crowds, traffic impacts and even some street closures, the city of West Chicago said.
Ahead of the highly anticipated stop, here’s what to know.
Big Boy No. 4014 West Chicago stop
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, the train will be on public display at the Union Pacific Training Center at 335 Spencer Street for free, with no tickets required. There is no parking on -site, and guests are encouraged to take the Metra UP West Line to the West Chicago station, which is less than a mile away.
“Metra provides five inbound and five outbound trains servicing West Chicago during the event, allowing rail fans and the simply curious ample opportunity to see this historic remnant of the steam era up close,” a release from Metra said. A full Metra train schedule can be found here.
The city will also have public parking off-site, with shuttles available.
The train’s West Chicago stop is expected to draw big crowds, and many may have to stand and wait in line to see it. Visitors will not be able to go inside on the train, and viewing will only take place from the platform.
“Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly,” Union Pacific said. “Stay hydrated—water bottles are allowed at the event site. Please note: there is no designated seating available.”
While Big Boy No. 4014 is the main attraction, other activities will take place in West Chicago celebrating the train’s arrival, including a kids and game zone, live entertainment, commemorative train whistles and more.
The city of West Chicago also warned of traffic impacts due to crowd sizes.
“Due to the anticipated number of visitors, traffic congestion, parking availability, shuttle timing, and travel times may also be impacted throughout the event area and surrounding community,” the city said.
While guests can take photos, caution is advised.
“Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25 feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing this mammoth machine,” the train said in a release. “That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.”
According to the city, the train will depart west Chicago between 8 and 4 p.m. Thursday, with no public viewing available.
“Locations where the Big Boy stops overnight are closed to the public due to safety and security reasons,” Union Pacific said.
Is the train making any other stops Illinois?
Yes, but the other Illinois stops are whistle stops. Whistle stops are shorter in duration, lasting between 15 and 30 minutes.
Illinois Whistle-stops
- June 2 – Sterling, 1:30-2 p.m. CDT, 111 W. 2nd St.
- June 2 – Rochelle, 3-3:15 p.m. CDT, Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. 9th St.
- July 18 – Springfield, 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. CDT, Amtrak Depot at Washington Street Crossing
- July 18 – Girard, 1-1:30 p.m. CDT, Center Street Crossing
Other public viewing spots on the tour can be found below:
- June 10 – Buffalo, New York
- June 15-16 – Scranton, Pennsylvania
- July 4-5 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- July 9-10 – Altoona, Pennsylvania
- July 14 – Fostoria, Ohio
- July 19 – St. Louis, Missouri
What to know about Big Boy No. 4014
The fully-restored train was originally built in the 1940s. Weighing in at one million pounds, the train is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific said. It is one of only of eight remaining Big Boys still in operation.
“Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific to haul freight over the steep grade of the
Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah during World War II, Union Pacific said. “Eight were preserved after the locomotives were retired six decades ago, but only Big Boy No. 4014 is still in operation.”
Big Boy last visited the Chicago area in 2023, but this excursion will be the first time that it has steamed across the Mississippi River and into the Ohio Valley since it was built in Schenectady, New York, According to Metra.
In 2024, the classic train stopped in three Illinois communities in 2024 as part of a 10-state “Heartland of America” tour, drawing massive crowds.
