I hear a train a-comin’ – Union Pacific Big Boy to make ‘Whistle Stop’ in Owego on June 12

[By Wendy Post]

Reminiscent of the Johnny Cash hit, “Folsom Prison Blues,” one can only feel excitement upon hearing the news of the Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 steam engine that will be rolling into Owego and around the bend, as Cash lyricized. With its engine roaring and steam bellowing, the Big Boy will make a Whistle Stop at 10:45 a.m. at the historic Erie Railway Depot, now home to The Turn, a restaurant and golf simulator on Depot Street in Owego, New York.

Prior to the stop in Owego, Big Boy will pass through Waverly and other towns in the southern portion of the county.

According to Union Pacific, of the eight remaining Big Boys still in existence today, the No. 4014 is the only one still in operation. The massive locomotives were originally built to haul heavy equipment in support of the World War II effort, and they are 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds.

Union Pacific cites that no other railroad in the country has retained its historical equipment and honored its past as it has. The preservation of its steam fleet, they note, speaks to the high value Union Pacific places on its heritage and role in American history. 

The No. 4014 was retired in 1961 after traveling an astounding 1,031,205 miles. It was reacquired and relocated to its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for restoration. Big Boy returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion, following a multi-year restoration period. Since then, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive has made countless trips across Union Pacific’s network.

On March 29, the Big Boy No. 4014 began the first leg of the “250 Years of American Independence and Innovation” tour. May 25 was the start of the eastern leg of the coast-to-coast tour, with stops in Nebraska and Illinois, and then closer to home in Buffalo and Owego, New York. Afterwards, the Big Boy No. 4014 will make its way to Scranton, Pa., with a final eastern destination in Philadelphia for the July 4 holiday. After July 4, Big Boy continues on to Altoona, Pa., with two additional stops in Missouri, before returning to Cheyenne on July 29. 

In preparation for this patriotic and historic attraction, the Village of Owego has announced street closures to accommodate visitors and residents who want to see Big Boy’s arrival.

Preceding and during the event, beginning at 6 a.m. on June 12, South Depot Street, State Street, John R Street, Commerce Street, and parts of McMaster Street and Central Avenue (near the railroad tracks) will be closed to all vehicles.

All vehicles must be removed from those streets by 7 a.m. Vehicles remaining in the street after 7 a.m. will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

There will be no parking on Erie Street, Paige Street, East Temple Street, and Fox Street. Any vehicles parked on those streets will also be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. The streets are expected to reopen by 1 p.m. on Friday. 

Visitors to the event should keep a distance of at least 25-foot from the railroad tracks at all times. Barricades and safety cones will be in place, and residents are reminded not to cross the safety lines and to respect private property, including no trespassing signs and physical boundaries such as fences.

In a press release from the Owego Police Department, they wrote, “Residents should be aware that there is a large following for this train, and the Village of Owego will experience heavy vehicle traffic and increased pedestrian traffic.” 

“Be prepared for delays throughout the village and seek alternate routes when possible,” they added.

Rebecca Maffei, Director of Tioga County Tourism, stated that her office began getting calls from people coming to Tioga County to see Big Boy 4014 weeks ago. She immediately started putting information out to the media and on their website at www.experiencetioga.com. From there, spectators and visitors will find maps and other information regarding parking, street closures, and alternative locations to see the “Big Boy in motion.”

“We quickly realized we needed a way for people to access information. We started reaching out for information and created online events so people near and far have a one-stop shop to plan for the day,” said Rebecca Maffei, Director of Tioga County Tourism.

To see a map of street closures, parking, handicapped parking, viewing locations, and more, visit www.experiencetioga.com and click on the Big Boy Whistle Stop event, or follow Experience Tioga on Facebook.

Anyone interested in learning more about Big Boy 4014 is invited to join Union Pacific’s Steam Club at upsteam.com, or browse the Union Pacific website at up.com.

For photographers and videographers, we would love for you to share your photos with The Owego Pennysaver readership as we record this historic event.