07/13/2026
Unique Automotive is so much more than just Unique cars. For me, Unique Automotive covers pretty much all Unique vehicles and all types of Unique transportation.
Along those lines, I had the chance yesterday to witness up close the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 as she traveled through the Western Pennsylvania area headed toward Ohio. Unique for sure! This 1,200,000 pound, 133 foot long (tender included), 4-8-8-4 locomotive is currently the World’s largest operating steam engine. Out of a total of 25 Big Boys built (4000 through 4024), there are only 8 total remaining Big Boys, and 4014 is the only one still operating.
Retired in the early 1960s, it sat at a museum in California until Union Pacific purchase it back and did a full restoration on it between 2013 and 2019 when Big Boy 4014 then helped to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Big Boy 4014 is now on its first ever trip “East of the Mississippi” to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary and Big Boy 4014 had a layover to “celebrate” the 4th of July with a stop in Philadelphia.
There is so much more to learn about this historic locomotive than my short little blurb here.
I encourage you search for more info.
Enjoy!
