OMAHA, Neb., June 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The
150th anniversary celebration of the transcontinental
railroad's completion isn't over yet. Union Pacific is just
gathering steam following its May 9
ceremony in Ogden, Utah,
commemorating the anniversary. The newly restored Big Boy No. 4014,
the world's largest steam locomotive, is returning to the rails for
its own "Great Race across the Midwest."
No. 4014 will leave the Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July
8, making brief whistle-stops in communities along its route
through Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Wyoming. It will be on display in the
following cities:
- July 13-14: Omaha, Neb. (paid admission required through
Railroad Days)
- July 18: St. Paul, Minn.
- July 20: Duluth, Minn.
- July 23: Altoona, Wis.
- July 27-29: Chicago, Ill.
- Aug. 1: Des Moines, Iowa
- Aug. 3: Omaha, Neb.
- Aug. 6: North Platte, Neb.
Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific,
the first of which was delivered in 1941 to handle the steep
terrain between Cheyenne and
Ogden. Of the eight still in
existence, No. 4014 is the world's only operating Big Boy. It
recently completed its inaugural tour to Ogden for Union Pacific's 150th
anniversary ceremony. The Big Boy and historic steam locomotive
Living Legend No. 844 met nose-to-nose, recreating the iconic image
taken May 10, 1869, when the last
spike was tapped into place at Promontory Summit, creating
America's first transcontinental railroad.
"The transcontinental railroad forever changed our country,
uniting the nation and igniting economic growth that is still
evident today," said Scott Moore,
senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief
administrative officer. "There's no bigger way to honor this
milestone than bringing the Big Boy back to life and giving people
an opportunity to share this historic moment."
Union Pacific strongly encourages fans to keep safety top of
mind while viewing and photographing No. 4014 on its journey. For
everyone's safety:
- Remember, trains can't stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles
on the tracks.
- A train's distance and speed can be deceiving.
- The average train overhangs the track by at least three feet –
take extra precaution and stand back at least 25 feet.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private
property.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – always
expect a train.
The Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car, a new,
multi-media walk-through exhibition providing a glimpse at the past
while telling the story of modern-day railroading, will accompany
the Big Boy on its tour. A comprehensive route map and schedule,
including No. 4014's GPS location tracking information is available
at upsteam.com. Due to the dynamic nature of these operations,
running times and scheduled stops are subject to change.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most
recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in
the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical
link in the global supply chain. The railroad's diversified
business mix is classified into its Agricultural Products, Energy,
Industrial and Premium business groups. Union Pacific serves many
of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all
major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects
with Canada's rail systems and is
the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
www.up.com
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
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SOURCE Union Pacific