The Big Boy, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, and its water tanker were at the front of the train, followed by the Lincoln Locomotive, the railroad’s newest commemorative unit, unveiled in April to honor America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862, creating UP and authorizing construction of the transcontinental railroad. About 15 cars from the UP’s heritage fleet, including dining cars and 1950s-era passenger cars, were also part of the special train, whose tour was announced in May.
Thousands of people gathered when the units made two whistle-stops in Greeley, Colo., and appeared at the historic Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., UP reported on July 21. Along the way, the Class I railroad’s representatives met with key community members, customers, and elected officials, including Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins.
UP said it has been involved in Frontier Days since its start in 1897 when the railroad offered special rates for passengers to travel to the famed rodeo and western celebration in Cheyenne, while helping to advertise and promote the festivities.
Although this year’s excursion was limited, UP said, the Big Boy and the Lincoln Locomotive will return to the rails “in a big way” in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Stay tuned for details.
Background
ALCO manufactured 25 Big Boys for UP, 20 in 1941 and five in 1944, to haul heavy freight during World War II. They saw service until their fires were dropped for the last time in 1961. Eight survived; UP re-acquired No. 4014 in 2013 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, Calif., and meticulously restored her to operating condition. No. 4014 returned to service in 2019 and is the only functioning Big Boy.
Railway Age reported on the 1941 debut with an extensive technical article (download below).
2025 marks Lincoln’s 216th birthday, and UP’s newest heritage unit, No. 1616, is slated to serve as a “traveling ambassador” and to participate in community events and educational programs that highlight the historic role of railroads in America’s growth and their continued contribution to the country, communities and economy.
No. 1616 is the second presidential locomotive in UP’s Heritage Fleet, joining No. 4141, which was created in 2005 to honor President George H.W. Bush and was only the sixth locomotive at the time to be painted in colors other than the traditional UP “Armour Yellow.” On Dec. 6, 2018, UP participated in President Bush’s funeral train, led by No. 4141, from Spring to College Station, Tex., where the locomotive is on permanent display at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum’s Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion.
Further Reading:
- UP Celebrates 163rd Birthday in Springfield
- UP 1616 to Honor President Lincoln
- Once in a Lifetime: UP Honors Four Employees With Big Boy Ride-Along
- Big Boy Upgraded With Self-Contained PTC
- Big Boy Fits in ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’!
- Note to Lego: Issue This Kit!
- How UP Added PTC to the ‘Big Boy’
- Railway Age, October 4, 1941: UP’s “Big Boy” debuts
- Big Boy 4014 is back: UP restores, runs iconic train
- UP: A return to steam for Big Boy 4014
- UP Trimming Heritage Fleet
- UP CEO Honors Lincoln’s Vision
