DENVER (KDVR) — The world’s largest operating 1.2 million-pound steam locomotive is coming back to Colorado.
The locomotive, known as Big Boy No. 4014, is 1.2 million pounds and 132 feet long, about half the length of a Boeing 747 airplane. It was built during World War II as one of 25 locomotives, but they’ve all gone out of commission, which once included Big Boy No. 4014, which retired after travelling over a million miles within its 20 years of service.
After a multi-year restoration project, it became the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, and stopped in Colorado in 2024 on its debut back on the tracks and revisiting the state this summer.
Now, it’s heading through Colorado again.
World’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014 (Courtesy of Burson Global) 
Union Pacific Railroad 
World’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014 (Courtesy of Burson Global) 
CHICAGO, July 31, 2019 — Enthusiasts gather near the historic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive in West Chicago, Illinois, the United States, on July 29, 2019. The Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive spent three days in West Chicago during a tour to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/ via Getty Images)
The Union Pacific Steam Club announced a “Bonus Big Boy Excursion,” with the locomotive making its second trip to Colorado this summer. While Big Boy has already travelled through Colorado in July, it will be coming back by the end of September.
Big Boy No. 4014 stops in Colorado
There will be two public stops in Colorado during locomotive maintenance. Here’s where you can see the locomotive:
- Tuesday, Sept. 30
Time: 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Area: Greeley
Location: 10th Street Crossing - Wednesday, Oct. 1
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Area: Eaton
Location: Collins Ave. Crossing
There won’t be any public access in Denver, but the steam team is still working on plans for a journey in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
