Union Pacific’s restored Big Boy No. 4014 is set to thunder through Pacific, Missouri, on Monday, July 20, with a quick whistle stop that will last barely long enough to grab a photo. The 133-foot, 1.2-million-pound steam giant is scheduled to pause at the First Street crossing around 11:30 a.m. for roughly 15 minutes as part of its coast-to-coast 2026 tour.
Pacific is turning the fleeting visit into a small downtown celebration. From 10 a.m. to noon, the city plans activities and booths at Pacific Station Plaza on South First Street, featuring model-train displays, historical artifacts and local food vendors, according to Leader Publications. Flippin Delicious of St. Charles and Fusion Fix of St. Louis are expected to serve mini pancakes and snow cones during the morning festivities.
A portion of First Street will stay closed to vehicle traffic during the whistle stop so crowds can pack in along the tracks. Anyone interested in reserving a free booth is asked to email [email protected] by Friday, July 17. Tourism Director Kelly O'Malley summed up the mood in town: "You're not ever going to get to do this again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime situation."
What to Expect
The Big Boy is slated to arrive at the First Street crossing about 11:30 a.m. and roll out around 11:45 a.m., making this a true whistle stop rather than a full public display. It is intended strictly for trackside viewing, with no walk-up access to the cab or locomotive. Timing can shift with daily railroad operations, according to the 4014 Coast‑to‑Coast timetable.
A Short History
No. 4014 is the only Big Boy still in operation. Union Pacific reacquired the locomotive in 2013 and returned it to active service in May 2019 after a multi-year restoration, according to Union Pacific. The engine is touring this summer to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.
As part of that tour, Big Boy 4014 is scheduled to be on public display at St. Louis Union Station on Sunday, July 19, with free admission, per the railroad's published schedule.
Plan Your Visit
Spectators are urged to treat the passing train with the same respect they would give a moving freight. Safety guidance recommends staying at least 25 feet from the tracks and not trespassing on railroad property, according to USATrainRides.com.
Because the whistle stop is short and un-ticketed, arriving early will be key for a good trackside view. Visitors should follow local road-closure signs and be ready for crowds and brief traffic delays in the blocks surrounding the First Street crossing.
