SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) \u2014 There are trains, and there is Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014. <\/p>\n
Big Boy 4014 is the world’s largest steam locomotive still in operation, and it’s making its way through Utah, giving people a rare chance to see, hear and feel a piece of American history.<\/p>\n
Originally built in 1941, Big Boy 4014 was designed to move massive loads across steep mountain terrain between Utah and Wyoming during a time of war, helping power a country on the move. <\/p>\n
Today, it’s no longer hauling freight. Instead, it’s carrying something else: History.<\/p>\n
MORE | Amazing America<\/p>\n
After sitting in a museum for decades, Union Pacific Railroad restored the locomotive and brought it back to life – not to work, but to connect. <\/p>\n
Union Pacific is bringing Big Boy back on the rails as part of its heritage program, this time on a cross-country tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Along the way, it will be joined by historic rail cars and commemorative locomotives, turning each stop into something more than just a sighting. <\/p>\n
Behind all that steel and steam is lead engineer Ed Dickens. <\/p>\n
“It’s never really lost on you what it is,” said Dickens. “We care for it.”<\/p>\n
Dickens said the job is something he has been dreaming about since he was a kid. He explained that he was that little kid dressed like a train engineer at just five years old. <\/p>\n
Now, decades later, he helps Big Boy roll through towns, seeing families, kids, and entire communities line the tracks just to watch it pass. <\/p>\n
“It’s almost an emotional experience,” Dickens said. “You can feel the energy. When it rolls in, it’s beautiful.” <\/p>\n
Dickens added that railroads helped America and, “When you see this, it brings you back to what it was built for.” <\/p>\n
Big Boy 4014 is scheduled to stop at Salt Lake City’s Central Station at 3 p.m. before departing just a few hours later. It’s due back for another stop at the Ogden Union Station on April 18. <\/p>\n
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