The world’s largest operating steam locomotive — Union Pacific’s No. 4014, nicknamed “Big Boy” — is making its way to the Navy Yard of Friday and the train is visiting Philadelphia as part of the nation’s 250th celebration.
Early Friday, the massive locomotive — measuring 133 feet long and weighing 1.2 million pounds — will will depart King of Prussia and travel along the Schuylkill to the Navy Yard, where it will then be on display to the public for free on July 4 and 5.
Though there are no public stops planned on Friday, the locomotive departed King of Prussia at 9 a.m. and was making its way along the Schuylkill River to the Navy Yard.
On Friday, NBC10’s Andrew Rowan rode inside Big Boy, sitting with the engineer as the train barreled along the tracks on it’s way to Philly.
On Independence Day, at the Navy Yard at Intrepid Ave. and League Island Blvd, Big Boy will be on display to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The display will be free and there will be no tickets required.
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the locomotive will be on display, also for free, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more details and a tracker for Big Boy trip to the city, click here.
However, be sure to be weather aware if you plan to visit Big Boy.
On Thursday, over 100 people suffered heat-related emergencies when Big Boy stopped in Muhlenberg Township, officials said.