CONNEAUT – The largest surviving operating steam locomotive built in history will return to Ashtabula County.
The Union Pacific No. 4014, also known as “Big Boy,” will arrive in southern Ashtabula County on July 12. It will stop for the night in Conneaut before departing at 9 a.m. on July 13 as it makes its return to the west coast.
The train is traversing the country in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
The Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club grounds will be open for parking on July 12 as “Big Boy” passes by its location between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Union Pacific Railroad is asking those observing to remain at least 25 feet away from railroad property as “Big Boy” passes for safety purposes.
“Safety protocols will be in effect by the Norfolk Southern, which I surmise will prohibit entry onto Norfolk Southern property within Conneaut Yards; however, being a city of many grade-level crossings and viewpoints, I fully expect many visitors to our community as when NKP 765 came to Conneaut in 2015 and in the days when steam made its return in the 1980s and early 1990s,” Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford had said prior to the engine’s June visit.
Track the train’s route at https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule
