SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, is making a stop in Scranton as it travels east for America’s 250th birthday.

It’s a more than 2,000-mile journey from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the train’s arrival in Northeastern Pennsylvania is a spectacle many, especially railroad buffs, wouldn’t miss.

“I’m going to be going crazy about it. I don’t know, I get chills thinking about it, hearing it chuffing down the tracks,” James Braskey, a resident of Bloomsburg, said.

Braskey has been a fan of trains since he was a kid, but this is not just any train. The 85-year-old, 133-foot steam locomotive is one of eight in existence and the only one still in operation.

He’ll be seeing it travel across the Tunkhannock Viaduct on Saturday, but also next week in Scranton. One of its brothers, Big Boy 4012, is parked at Steamtown National Historic Site.

On Monday, the pair will be reunited until June 30.

“I’m really excited, because they’re going to be pulling 4014 right next to 4012. It’s going to be great for pictures and stuff; I get chills thinking about it,” Braskey added.

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Thousands are expected to attend, and with the influx of people comes concerns over parking and traffic, but the city of Scranton has that covered.

Paid garage and street parking will be available throughout the city, including The Marketplace at Steamtown. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, but for train enthusiasts like Braskey, seeing those two trains parked next to each other is worth the headache.

“It’s going to be nuts. The town of Scranton is going to be a little inundated with traffic and people, but it’s all for a good cause, you know? We love 4014, we love these trains. I love to see that they kept this one going,” Braskey said.

The train will be parked next to its counterpart Monday and Tuesday, giving visitors a chance to take pictures and see the pair up close.

The steel used to make Big Boy was made in Pennsylvania, so while the journey east ends in Philadelphia, returning to PA brings things full circle. It’s a true celebration of local history, but also one that literally travels nationwide.

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