SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is making its way across Northeastern Pennsylvania this weekend, and communities from Duryea to White Haven to Nicholson are preparing for thousands of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014.

Here’s a roundup of important information, viewing tips, traffic impacts and special events surrounding Big Boy’s visit.

Forgotten Big Boy history

Scranton is lucky to have a Big Boy on display – but it almost lost it! Read the story about how the Big Boy 4012 was almost taken away.

Parking, shuttles, and buses

Here’s the comprehensive FOX56 guide to everything you need to know while visiting.

COLTS has shuttle buses running constantly throughout the day Monday and Tuesday.

Track the train

Union Pacific is providing a live tracking map so rail fans can follow Big Boy’s progress throughout its journey.

Steamtown closure Sunday

Steamtown National Historic Site will be completely closed Sunday, June 14, as crews prepare for Big Boy’s arrival.

The closure includes:

Park groundsRail yardMuseumsBookstoreParking lot

Officials remind visitors that entry into the park is prohibited on June 14.

Big Boy on display in Scranton

Massive crowds are expected at Steamtown.

Beginning June 17 and continuing through June 30, Big Boy No. 4014 will be on display alongside Steamtown’s Big Boy No. 4012.

Steamtown officials say operations will largely return to normal during that period, including:

On-site parkingLimited short train ridesViewing opportunities for both Big Boy locomotivesDuryea viewing schedule

Duryea police released the following anticipated schedule:

Saturday, June 13

Approximately 11:25 a.m. — Big Boy shoves through Duryea via Boylan Drive, Foote Avenue, Railroad Street and Phoenix Street toward Pittston Yard.Approximately 2 p.m. — Big Boy departs Pittston Yard and returns through Duryea.Reading & Northern 2102 is expected to follow shortly behind.

Sunday, June 14

Approximately 12:35 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. — Big Boy again moves through Duryea toward Pittston Yard.Approximately 3 p.m. — Big Boy departs Pittston Yard and returns through Duryea.Reading & Northern 2102 is expected to follow.Nicholson isn’t the only hotspot

While much of the attention has focused on the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct in Nicholson, officials in Nesquehoning are preparing for crowds that could exceed 10,000 people.

White Haven viewing information

White Haven police say public viewing will be permitted from the White Haven Area Community Library property.

However:

Parking is NOT permitted at the library.Visitors should park in designated public parking areas.Lehigh Gorge State Park parking lots north and south of town are recommended.Chromebook pickup postponed

The Scranton School District has postponed Chromebook pickup at West Scranton High School’s girls’ gym entrance because of Big Boy-related parking demands.

Pickup will now take place:

Wednesday, June 17Thursday, June 18Local businesses welcome rail fans

Cooper’s Seafood House is encouraging visitors to stop by its famous Train Room, featuring a model train winding its way around the room while you enjoy lunch, dinner, or a cold beverage.

The Alter House in Scranton is offering a special promotion for rail fans:

Show your train viewing ticketReceive 14% off select menu itemsPet safety reminders

Officials are also reminding visitors bringing pets to viewing locations to:

Keep pets on secure leashesStay at least 25 feet from active tracksAvoid retractable leashes in crowdsWatch for signs of stressBring fresh water and plan for warm temperaturesA historic passenger car at the end of the train

One of the lesser-known highlights of the train is the final passenger car.

The Marco Polo, a Pullman car built in Chicago in 1927, is riding behind Big Boy during the trip. The car was used by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his time as governor of New York and later as president. It is normally displayed at the Southeastern Railway Museum near Atlanta.

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