Big Boy No. 4014 did not disappoint during its visit through the area Saturday morning.
Union Pacific’s one-million-pound steam locomotive met a resounding welcome as it made its way over the iconic Tunkhannock Viaduct.
Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ crosses the Nicholson Viaduct in Nicholson, Pa. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Fans of the historic train applauded, cheered and even did a little jumping up and down with the first sound of the train’s whistle signaling its approach. When it appeared above them, the cheering got louder, with some were even brought to tears.
The excitement building up to locomotive’s journey over the historic span began early. Many of an estimated 20,000 spectators arrived at daybreak for the 10 a.m event.
The cross over the span, commonly referred to as the Nicholson Viaduct, is part of a cross-country tour in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States.
Those attending the Big Boy’s crossing over the Tunkhannock Viaduct on Saturday, June 13, 2026, cheer and raise their cameras and cell phones to capture the historic moment. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Those attending the historic crossing of the Big Boy 4014 across the Tunkhannock Viaduct, hold up cameras and cell phones in anticipation of the crossing on June 13, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
The historic train departed from Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 25 and worked its way east after it completed the western leg of the 250th anniversary tour earlier this spring.
Sarkis Tookmanian, of Tobyhanna, inherited his love of trains from his father and uncle. He never believed that he would get to see the Big Boy run up close.
“Nobody thought they would get one to run and no one thought it would come east,” he said.
Brenna Martin, of Shamokin Dam travelled two hours to see the historic sight and said it was well worth it.
Martin looking around at a parking lot filled with history buffs and train aficionados, many with phone or camera in hand, as they looked intently at the viaduct in anticipation of the arrival of the historic locomotive, wasn’t surprised at the tremendous turnout for the crossing.
“I think people are really excited. They followed it online and now they get to see it in person,” she said.
Alan Andrew, of New Jersey, made a two hour trip to Scranton Friday and stayed at a local hotel, in anticipation of the train crossing.
“It’s the world’s biggest operating steam locomotive,” he said. “Its an amazing example of machinery and engineering.”
Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ crosses the Nicholson Viaduct in Nicholson, Pa. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Attendees gather in a field near Nicholson, Pa. to watch Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ cross the Nicholson Viaduct on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ crosses the Nicholson Viaduct in Nicholson, Pa. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Attendees gather in a field near Nicholson, Pa. to watch Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ cross the Nicholson Viaduct on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
An aircraft and five visible unmanned aircraft fly over Nicholson, Pa. to watch Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ cross the Nicholson Viaduct on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Union Pacific 4014 ‘Big Boy’ crosses the Nicholson Viaduct in Nicholson, Pa. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Family affair
Jeffrey and Dawn Lamb, of Florida, brought their three granddaughters out to see the historic locomotive cross the viaduct.
Dawn Lamb said she wanted the girls — 12, 10 and 8 — to be part of such an historic event.
The girls, who love to read and learn, had an opportunity to learn first-hand and to experience the excitement of the event, she said.
John Ackerman, of Hazle Township, arrived early with his drone to capture images of the locomotive as it passed.
“This is a little wild. It’s amazing,” he said. “I’ve always been a rail fan.”
As a resident of the coal region, he’s always been especially interested in how coal was transported by train from Pennsylvania to New York.
Kicking off Scranton’s railway activity
Many of those who attended Saturday’s event, also were looking forward to a trip to Steamtown where Big Bob No. 4014 will arrive on Sunday and be on display from Monday through June 30.
There Big Boy No. 4014, will reunite with the stationary Big Boy No. 4012, marking a rare chance to see the two massive locomotives side by side.
Both locomotives were among 25 Big Boys built in the 1940s, of which only eight remain. Seven of those are nonoperational. Restored in 2019 to run again and converted from coal-fired to oil, the 4014 that was built in 1941 now is the only remaining Big Boy that can roll on rails under its own power.
The event is on track to draw the largest crowds to Steamtown since the park opened in 1995.