SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Monday was the day thousands of rail fans had been waiting for: getting an up-close look at a moving piece of history. Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 has finally reunited with Big Boy 4012. 28/22 News Reporter Colby Hughes was there to see all the excitement unfold.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Steamtown National Historic Site for the first display day where visitors can both Big Boy locomotives. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event according to Brendan Munoz, to see the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 and Big Boy 4012 next to each other.

Brendan Munoz, a New Jersey native, said, “This is the only place where you can see two Big Boys, so when I discovered it was coming here, specifically where I’ve been before, I was like, ‘I’m just going to come, check out the Big Boy, and take some photos and stuff.’”

Munoz brought his own model of Big Boy 4014 to make the moment even more special.

“It was really exciting for me to have it, especially now that I’m seeing the real Big Boys,” Munoz explained.

28/22 News asked, “So, is this one of your most prized possessions?”

He responded, “Yes, 100%, it’s really nice.”

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Big Boy 4014’s visit is part of its coast-to-coast journey to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The journey started all the way in Wyoming, and until June 30, Big Boy 4014 will be in the Electric City. Thousands of people made the trek to northeastern Pennsylvania to see it, like Alexander Sala and Danny DeMaio, two friends from New Jersey.

Sala said, “I saw someone saying that it’s finally coming to the east coast, and I knew it was on a tour. I didn’t know it was going all the way across the country, but when I heard it was coming here, I really wanted to go.”

Big Boy 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. It’s one of eight steam locomotives in existence.

DeMaio added, “I think what I’ll take with me is the lifelong memory with my best friend.”

For many like DeMaio, this is an experience they will remember for life.

“I’ve never seen something as beautiful as this, probably. This is an awesome get-together with rail fans from all the states,” Munoz added.

Both locomotives will stay on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site until June 30.

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