📌 THE GIST:

WELLS, NV — Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s only operating steam locomotive of its kind — is crossing Nevada this month as part of a coast-to-coast tour honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The 4:15 p.m. stop in Wells today is the first of nine scheduled Nevada appearances. Elko County residents have multiple chances to see it close-up, no ticket required.

Big Boy No. 4014 Western Leg Route Map

🔍 THE DETAILS:

  • The Route: Big Boy departs Cheyenne, Wyoming, runs west to Roseville, California, then returns east along a slightly different path — passing through Elko on both legs. See the western leg map above.
  • Today — Wells: Big Boy stops at the Pacific St. Crossing from 4:15–4:45 p.m. PDT. Show up early.
  • April 6 — Carlin: First pass at the B St. Crossing, 10–10:30 a.m. PDT.
  • April 6 — Battle Mountain: N. Reese St. Crossing, 12:30–1 p.m. PDT.
  • April 15 — Carlin (again): B St. Crossing, 1:15–1:45 p.m. PDT, on the return leg.
  • April 15 — Elko: The longest stop on the Nevada schedule — Manzanita Dr. and Zagaway, 3–5 p.m. PDT.
  • April 16 — Wells (again): 7th St. between Wells and Humboldt, 9:45–10:15 a.m. PDT.
  • April 16 — Montello: 12–12:30 p.m. PDT.
  • The Locomotive: No. 4014 is one of 25 Big Boys built during World War II to haul freight over Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. Eight were preserved after retirement. It is the only one still running.
  • The Tour: The western leg runs March 29–April 24 through Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California. The eastern leg departs Cheyenne on May 25 and arrives in Philadelphia for the Fourth of July.
  • The Consist: Big Boy is accompanied by Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet passenger cars and two commemorative locomotives: No. 1616 Abraham Lincoln and No. 1776 America350.
  • Safety Rule: Union Pacific requires spectators to stay at least 25 feet from the tracks at all times. Do not stand on rails, ballast, or climb on equipment.
  • Follow Along: Track the tour live at @UP_Steam on X. Share photos using #BigBoyHeadsWest and #UP4014.

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⚡ THE SPARK: Big Boy was built to move freight through mountain country — the same terrain your grandparents or great-grandparents may have watched it cross. Will you head out to one of the local stops?

Join the conversation in The Elko Brief community.

🔗 SOURCE: Union Pacific — Big Boy No. 4014 Tour

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