Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Of the eight remaining Big Boys in existence today, No. 4014 is the only one still in operation. This marvel of mechanical engineering journeys this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (source: website of Union Pacific railroad) Yesterday it traveled from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to West Chicago, Illinois and people here had a chance to see this beautiful locomotive crossing the state of Iowa.
I grew up with steam engines pulling trains in Germany and had even an apartment across from a rail yard that maintained steam locomotives still during the Eighties. I have always been a big fan of railroads and with other words, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this and wanted to see Big Boy No. 4014.
The train stopped in the small town of Grand Mound, Iowa and my first shooting location was about two miles west of town at a railroad crossing to catch it before No. 4014 rolled into town. After that I relocated to a railroad crossing near De Witt, Iowa, hoping for another chance to create some video footage and of course shoot a few pictures.
Before you click the videos below I recommend to turn the level of your speakers all the way up to get an even better sense about the marvelous Big Boy No. 4014. You won’t regret it…! 😉