Union Pacific’s popular Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam engine — is powering through our neighborhoods this weekend.

Here’s what you need to know to get that photo and stay safe.

Side-by-side runnings highlight weekend visit to Luzerne County

The Big Boy departs Binghamton, New York at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and passes over the landmark Nicholson Viaduct at 10 a.m., presenting a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity for railfans.

Reading & Northern will operate a round-trip passenger excursion with steam locomotive #2102 from Nesquehoning to Pittston and its scheduled to meet up with the Big Boy around 11:45 a.m. in Dupont. The two trains will follow each other to the Pittston Yard. The Big Boy departs there around 1:30 p.m.

A side-by-side running with both trains is planned through the double-track Oak Street highway crossing in Pittston Twp. around 2:30 p.m. More side-by-side running is planned between Mountain Top and Crestwood between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. The Big Boy arrives in Nesquehoning around 6:10 p.m. where it remains overnight.

On Sunday, the Big Boy leads a private, sold-out Union Pacific Museum passenger special to Pittston.It’ll travel through Lehigh Gorge State Park and over Penobscot Mountain into the Wyoming Valley. It’ll pass through the areas of White Haven, Glen Summit, Mountain Top, Avoca, Dupont and Duryea to name a few.

A side-by-side running with steam locomotive #2102 is planned northbound at Mountain Top around 11:45 a.m.  A second side-by-side running is planned through the double-track Oak Street highway crossing in Pittston Twp. around 12:40 p.m.

The Big Boy train will leave Pittston at 3:30 p.m. to head to the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, where it will be on display through June 30. Tickets are required.

Access to public stations will be restricted.

In Dupont, Choo Choo’s Ice Cream said it will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday so people can gather to see the Big Boy pass by around 11:15 a.m.

Craft Beans Co. on Main Street in Dupont is getting into the spirit with several train themed goodies such as LocoMocha Latte.

The City of Pittston Police Department advises motorists to be aware of increased motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic and said there will be an increased police presence in the area to assist.

What’s after Scranton?

The Big Boy departs Scranton at  9 a.m. July 1 and makes its way to Jim Thorpe. It departs there at 9 a.m. on July 2 en route to the Reading & Northern Outer Station and then to Pottstown. It will spend the Fourth of July in Philadelphia as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Safety measures

Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks. This includes drones.
Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property – don’t trespass.
Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive. Always expect a train.
Be a safe and considerate driver – don’t pace the train.
Be aware of the environment. The Big Boy “is positioned in a working rail environment with uneven walking surfaces that may create difficulty for accessibility.”

Big Boy roars into NEPA

We invite readers to share their photos of Big Boy — the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — as it powers through the region this weekend. Email your photos to citydesk@citizensvoice.com. Please include your name, hometown and location of the photo. We’ll publish a collection of photos on our website.