The Heartland of America Tour is set to begin on Wednesday, August 28, departing from Cheyenne, Wyoming and journeying through nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
During this eight-week tour, the world’s largest operational historic steam locomotive will make scheduled stops across Nebraska, including Kimball, Sidney, Ogallala, North Platte, Grand Island, Overton, Columbus, and Omaha.
Nebraska whistle-stops and viewing opportunities are as follows:
Aug. 28 – Kimball
Aug. 29 – Ogallala
Sept. 1 – Overton
Sept. 2 – Columbus and Omaha
More details, including specific location times and live tracking of the tour, are available at https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/track/index.htm
Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson Robynn Tysver emphasized that the tour route was carefully planned, with thoughtful consideration given to each stop along the way.
In the 1940s, Union Pacific commissioned 25 Big Boy locomotives. These powerful engines were designed to haul massive freight loads over steep grades and mountainous terrain. Today, only eight of these steam engines remain, including the world’s largest operational Big Boy steam locomotive.
“It is huge, weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, 133 feet long, and carrying 35,000 gallons of water – the equivalent of 50 fire trucks,” Tysver said.
Tysver noted that Cheyenne, Wyoming, serves as the official headquarters for the world’s largest operational 4014 Big Boy steam engine, which is only available for public viewing during these special tours.
Four spots on the train were auctioned on August 12 at 10:00am CT, with the auction concluding on August 19. All proceeds benefit the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend-to-Friend Network.
Admission to display days is free (no tickets required); however, parking at nearby facilities may involve a charge.
Union Pacific reminds everyone to stay at least 25 feet away from all railroad tracks, always assume tracks are active, and never trespass on railroad property, including tracks, trestles, and yards.
