As Scranton prepares for the Big Boy No. 4014 to roll into Steamtown this weekend. Along the tracks in Luzerne County, businesses are ready to welcome the crowds.

LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — The big boy is already on the move, as it makes its journey towards Scranton. 

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is making a journey to the East Coast for a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and will soon roll into the Steamtown National Historic Site.

Jeremy Komas, Steamtown National Historic Site Superintendent, says, “Built to move immense freight trains across the American West- they have become enduring symbols of American innovation, industry, and determination. Today, only eight survive, and only one, Union Pacific 4014, remains operational.”

But this stop is extra special, as the world’s largest operating steam locomotive will be reunited with its sibling, 4012, which calls Steamtown home.

Komas adds, “This will be the first time since the 1950’s that two big boys will be displayed together, and Steamtown is the only place where that’s possible.”

The rare reunion is expected to draw people from across the globe, with more than 26,000 tickets sold for Monday alone. 

Mayor Paige Cognetti (D) Scranton says, “I always get to say ‘Well, you know it’s coming to Scranton, but we have one all of the time’. So it’s really going to be a tremendous couple of weeks we have this here in scranton. It is always wonderful to celebrate our past while also celebrating our future.”

But the excitement doesn’t stop at Steamtown. Just down the tracks in Dupont, businesses are already full steam ahead.

For the past decade, Choo Choo Ice Cream has embraced its spot along the railroad crossing. Choo Choo Ice Cream Owner Angela Banellis says, “We made the building look like a train station on the outside.”

This weekend, the shop is expecting one of its busiest days yet, as the Big Boy rolls on by. 

Choo Choo Ice Cream Owner Angela Banellis says, “We’re opening at 10 o’clock. We’re opening our parking lot to people. We’re having hot dogs, chili dogs, and unlimited ice cream. We’re just hoping for a good time.”

As 4014 will turn heads along tracks across the country, it’s ready to make history.