Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 35 - August 12, 2024
"Heartland of America" Big Boy No. 4014 Tour Schedule Released
We know you're excited and so are we to announce more details for the upcoming "Heartland of America" Tour. Big Boy No. 4014's tour will start Wednesday, Aug. 28 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and pass through nine states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October.
Scheduled Display Days:
Sunday, Sept. 8: Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area)
Sunday, Oct. 6: Houston, Texas
Thursday/Friday, Oct. 10-11: Fort Worth, Texas
More than three dozen additional whistle-stops in communities across our network are also scheduled. Due to the length of this tour, there is an extended servicing stop in late September lasting two weeks. You can view the entire steam schedule online at UPsteam.com.
Big Boy Cab Ride Auction!
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is thrilled to offer rail fans a rare opportunity to ride in the cab of the world's largest operating steam locomotive - Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014.
Four spots inside the locomotive will be placed up for auction Aug. 12, with all proceeds benefiting two worthy causes: the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific's Friend-to-Friend Network, a nonprofit operated by current and retired employees that assists railroad families in times of need, such as medical or natural disaster hardships.
The lucky winners will ride in early September during Big Boy's planned Heartland of America tour: two riders in the cab on Sept. 2 inbound into Omaha, Nebraska, and two riders in the cab Sept. 4 in Iowa.
The rides will be approximately 1.5 hours in duration and riders will have to be 18 years of age or older, among other requirements.
Each spot will be auctioned separately. The auction will run for approximately 7 days, starting Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. CT and ending Aug. 19 in a live auction event at 7 p.m. CT.
Details can be found at https://rarauctions.com/upm !
Order Your Big Boy Merchandise!
Remember, order your t-shirts, hats and hoodies online so you are properly outfitted when the Big Boy comes to your town!
You can check out the new 2024 merchandise exclusively at the Official UnionPacificStore.com website! If you are able to join us at our Rochelle, Houston or Fort Worth display days, you'll be able to purchase calendars with a special limited-edition poster on-site and pre-order your 2025 calendar. Can you guess which month will feature a Big Boy photo?
A Safety Reminder!
Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25 feet back from all railroad tracks when taking a picture or viewing this mammoth machine. That means never take a picture or video with the camera on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment. Remember, railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property - do not trespass. If you are following the Big Boy, be a safe and courteous driver - do not pace the train.
Drone Safety
Drones have the capability to take some amazing photos and videos of the Big Boy, capturing both the locomotive and the surrounding terrain. But if the drone is flying too close, the terrain doesn't get captured. Even more importantly, it's a safety issue. During the "Westward Bound" tour, a drone crash-landed on top of the train. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it's an important reminder that the 25-foot rule applies to ALL cameras, whether they are a drone or placed on the railroad right-of-way by an over-enthusiastic fan.
If you are flying a drone, keep the drone at least 25 feet back from the railroad tracks at all times. Drone operators should also familiarize themselves with the FAA's rules on operating unmanned aircraft systems over people.
That's all for now. Until next time, stay safe!
Union Pacific Steam Club
