A Closer Look at the Union Pacific “Big Boy” – the World’s Largest Operating Steam Locomotive

On July 16th, 2024, Smith Valley, Nevada Photographer Timothy Montgomery wrote:

“My son James and I took some photos of the Union Pacific “Big Boy”, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, as it went from Sparks, through Fernley to where I was at Hazen (Churchill County). Lots of train fans there!

The train stopped and the locomotive crew got out and ‘greased’ the joints while we all watched.”

“Enjoy the photos; some were mine and some my son James took (budding photographer taking after dad!).”

Timothy went on to say that there is a family ‘back story’ to the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014: “When I was little in the 1960s, my parents took me to the LA County Fair every year, and I insisted on seeing / climbing on the UP 4014; when my sons James and Edward were toddlers, I took them to climb on 4014 in the 90s.  Today, James, Gretchen (my wife & my sons’ mother) and I got to see it run!  Spectacular! (Edward is in Texas working on his masters – he was very jealous!).”

More information on the “Big Boy”: https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/4014/