SCRANTON, Pa. - Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) has removed the Union Pacific “Big Boy" No. 4012 steam locomotive from public display for cosmetic restoration work and painting. During the work, visitors shall not have access to view the locomotive.
The Steamtown NHS “Big Boy" steam locomotive is the only one of its type located east of the Mississippi River and is a popular attraction. This has been especially true in 2019 because of the Union Pacific Railroad’s restoration of sibling “Big Boy" No. 4014 to full operational capacity earlier this year. The engine was an important component in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, which the Union Pacific helped construct between 1863 and 1869. Notably, the “Big Boy" locomotives were critical contributors on the Home Front during WWII moving heavy freight and war materiel.
Steamtown NHS will provide occasional updates on the park’s website and social media on the status of “Big Boy" No. 4012’s cosmetic restoration and painting, so there is no need to call the site to ask about its current status. While we realize that many visitors come specifically to Steamtown NHS to view this leviathan of the rails, and will be disappointed that it is not on display, the end result shall ensure that future visitors will be even more impressed with their views of what is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this multi-month process.
Located in downtown Scranton, Pa., Steamtown NHS is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. From I-81 follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by phoning (570) 340-5206 during regular business hours, or by visiting the park website anytime.
www.nps.gov/stea
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Tags: big boy big boy no. 4012
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
