Union Pacific Railroad’s legendary steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, is set to make a rare appearance in Berks County this summer, with a scheduled whistle-stop at the Reading Outer Station as part of a nationwide tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The massive locomotive—considered the largest operating steam engine in the world—will travel across the country in collaboration with Norfolk Southern, marking the first time it has journeyed to the East Coast. Built in 1941, the engine has not crossed the Mississippi River and entered the Ohio Valley in decades.
The cross-country tour commemorates the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial and highlights the role railroads played in shaping the United States’ economy and infrastructure.
Big Boy is scheduled to arrive at the Reading & Northern Outer Station, located at 3501 Pottsville Pike, at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. The train is expected to remain for a brief whistle-stop before departing at 3:00 p.m. en route to Pottstown.
These whistle-stops are typically short, lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, giving rail enthusiasts and the public an opportunity to see the locomotive up close as it continues its journey.
The Reading appearance is one of more than 50 whistle-stops planned across 10 states during the eastern leg of the tour, which begins in late May in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Pennsylvania plays a key role in the itinerary, with additional stops including Scranton, Lebanon, Altoona, and Philadelphia, where the locomotive will be featured during Fourth of July celebrations.
The train will travel with several historic passenger cars from Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet, along with commemorative locomotives honoring Abraham Lincoln and the America250 initiative.
Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said the tour is an opportunity to share a “powerful piece of history” while celebrating both the company’s legacy and the nation’s story. Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George added that the collaboration reflects the long-standing role railroads have played in connecting communities and driving economic growth.
The full tour runs through July 29, concluding in Cheyenne after traveling through 14 states.
More details on the schedule and viewing guidelines are available through Union Pacific’s official tour website.
