4014

4014, or Union Pacific No. 4014, is a Big Boy steam locomotive built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company for the Union Pacific Railroad. It is one of 25 locomotives in the Big Boy class and gained attention as the first of the class to be restored to operating condition after retirement.

The Big Boy class features a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement and was designed for heavy freight over long distances and steep grades in the western United States. 4014 is coal-fired, with two sets of eight driving wheels, flanked by a leading four-wheel truck and a trailing four-wheel truck, and equipped with a large boiler and firebox to provide substantial tractive effort for demanding routes.

During its working life, 4014 hauled freight across the Union Pacific network, including routes through the western mountains. It was retired in 1959 as diesel locomotives replaced steam on mainline service. After several decades in storage and display, the locomotive was identified as a candidate for preservation due to its size, power, and iconic status.

Restoration and public life: In the 2010s, Union Pacific undertook a project to restore 4014 to operating condition, completing work in 2019. Since then, 4014 has toured widely for public excursions and heritage events, serving as a prominent symbol of American steam and a focal point for rail preservation efforts.

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