Over the years, the question, "will a Union Pacific "Big Boy" ever return to the rails?" has been asked a handful of times. The answer was always no because of some factors. Well, let's jump ahead to 2013 when the Union Pacific announced they are acquiring a "Big Boy" steam locomotive and restore it to operating condition. It was decided that 4014 in Pomona, California will be the locomotive to be restored. In 2014, the locomotive made the trek back home from Pomona to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where for the next five years, the steam team will restore the locomotive.
On May 2, 2019, history was made as for the first time in 60-years, an operating "Big Boy" departed Cheyenne, Wyoming under its own power debunking that million dollar question. Special thanks go to Ed and his team for working countless hours on restoring this locomotive that no one would ever think see running again. Seen here, on its first break-in run, Union Pacific "Big Boy" No. 4014 departs Cheyenne westbound after ducking under the C&S bridge into the setting sun.
