Union Pacific’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, arrived in Buffalo on June 9 and is now making its way through New York.
The tour, celebrating America’s 250th birthday, includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
After leaving Binghamton on June 13, the train will pass through Nicholson, Pennsylvania, before heading to Scranton for the longest stop in the Eastern leg of the tour. The locomotive will be at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton from June 15-30.
If you’re planning to see Big Boy No. 4014 while it’s in New York, here’s what you need to know about each public viewing opportunity.
To celebrate the 250th birthday of America the Big Boy No. 4014 will be making six stops in New York for its first tour through the East Coast of the United States.
Where to view the Big Boy No. 4014 in NY?
Silver Springs on June 11: North Main Street Crossing
Letchworth State Park on June 11: Genesee River Arch Bridge, admission into the park is required.
Passing by at 12:20 p.m.
Hornell on June 11: Hornell Erie Depot Museum at 111 Loder St.
Owego on June 12: The Turn Golf Simulator & Restaurant at 53 Depot St.
Southern Tier celebrates Big Boy arrival
The locomotive’s arrival has prompted local events and celebrations across the Southern Tier.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 to Hornell,” City of Hornell Mayor John Buckley said. “Our city has a deep and proud railroad history, and having such an iconic locomotive stop here will truly be a special moment. It’s the kind of event that brings people together and reminds us of the role communities like ours have played in building and supporting the nation’s rail system.”
Co-owner of the Freight Yard Model Trains and More at 63 Barlow Road in Binghamton Joshua VanBarriger will be hosting a family celebration at the store featuring an outdoor picnic, deals on Union Pacific merch, classic rail film showings and kid-friendly activities to coincide with the Owego whistle-stop June 12.
A picnic cookout is $5 a plate and drinks will be $1 — food options will include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, picnic side dishes and sweet treats.
Tioga County Tourism Director Rebecca Maffei said there have been weeks of preparation for Big Boy’s arrival in Owego.
A Google map created by the organization will guide viewers to the best locations, things to do, places to stay, areas closed to the public and available parking from the Pennsylvania border to Newark Valley.
“Our communities and businesses are embracing this event, and we are happy to give them a way to connect with the public,” said Maffei.
Union Pacific is urging all observers to remain 25 feet away from the tracks when viewing, taking photos and drone operation — whistle stops are typically 15-20 minutes long.
More: Owego expects ‘pretty big crowd’ for Big Boy 4014 locomotive tour stop
After NY, Big Boy stops for extended stay in Scranton
If you can’t make it to one of the local stops, the Steamtown National Historic Site invites visitors to come see one of the eight preserved Big Boy steam trains on display on the East Coast, the Big Boy No. 4012, and No. 4014 when it comes to town June 15.
“Welcoming Big Boy No. 4014 to Steamtown offers a unique opportunity to connect visitors with the scale, power, and craftsmanship of American railroading,” Steamtown National Historic Site Superintendent Jeremy Komasz said in an email statement.
“It’s a rare chance to experience this history in motion and to see firsthand what it takes to preserve it for future generations,” he said.
Megan Stevens, who is gateway community coordinator for the site, said in an email statement the revival of locomotive machines like the Big Boy No. 4014 “highlights the importance of preserving and sharing living railroad history.”
Due to the “huge crowd” site leaders anticipate, the two stops at the Steamtown National Historic Site require a ticket purchase to reserve a time slot for viewing. Reservations can be made during the park hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the tickets allow visitors to stay until the 5 p.m. park closure.
Guests are encouraged to come 30 minutes early to their reservation.
As of June 10, there were still hundreds of tickets available at recreation.gov for multiple time slots on June 15-16.
Train enthusiasts anxiously awaiting the arrival of the steam machine will also get an opportunity to see several historical passenger cars from the UP Heritage Fleet and three historic business cars from Norfolk Southern.
What historical passenger cars will be traveling with the Big Boy No. 4014?
Norfolk Southern No. 1776
More: Free tickets expand access to Dick’s Open for families
Where to park if you are going to the Scranton whistle-stop
There will be three parking lots offering free parking and complementary shuttle service running 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to and from the Steamtown facility.
Shuttle pickups from visitors parking at Scranton High School and West Scranton High School will be across the street from PA CareerLink on Franklin Avenue.
Visitors parking at the PNC Field will be picked up in front of the Steamtown Marketplace on Lackawanna Avenue.
All visitors will be dropped off at Mifflin Avenue.
Scranton High School: 63 Mike Munchak Way
West Scranton High School: 1201 Luzerne St.
PNC Field: 235 Montage Mountain Road
Visitors will use the pedestrian gates behind the Lackawanna Transit Center to enter and exit, located at 20 Lackawanna Ave.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will have signage along Interstate 81 alerting drivers to traffic delays.
For more information about paid parking, accessibility and public transportation for the Scranton Steamtown stop visit scrantonpa.gov.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Tickets, times viewing spots for Big Boy No. 4014 in New York