Steaming Out Of 2021. Any list of the top stories of 2021 has to include the second year of touring of Union Pacific Railroad's 4014 (Alco, 4-8-8-4) across the system since its 2019 restoration. On August 12, 2021, it was making time through Welch, Oklahoma near U.S. Route 59. The engine was stretching its legs after the first stop of the day in Parsons, Kansas on the way to Vinita, Oklahoma. While there were very few opportunities for the public to ride behind "Big Boy" this year, UP provided an extensive tour with a number of display locations. Of the 25 "Big Boys" that were made by Alco, 8 remain, but this is the only one that is operable.
