Enjoying Big Boy’s Trek East

I don’t know what it is, but I am enthralled with seeing videos of Big Boy No. 4014’s travels into Philadelphia and now of it heading out of Philly, to its home on the west coast.

Facebook has been good at sending me many video clips of Big Boy’s passing. I have been looking at many of them to hear its deep whistle and to see the crowds of people along the tracks. I press Like on these post as a gesture of thanks to the people who posted their videos for others to see.

Unfortunately, I did not become aware of Big Boy’s cross country trek until it was too late for me to plan a visit to see it in person. By the time it reached the eastern part of Pennsylvania the weather was so darned hot that I was hesitant to stand outside in the blistering, humid heat that blanketed our area. The one place and time I could have possibly seen the train was at its rest stop at the Philadelphia Ship Yard on July 5^th. But that proved to be too busy a location and then I found out that they shut down showings early because of the high temps.

Like so many others, I am drawn to the uniqueness of Big Boy and its connection to a time that has long passed. My father worked for a steel processing company that made parts for trains and cars before, during and after WW ll, so on some level for me, this is a connection to my father and his generation.

The deep whistle sound of Big Boy also gets me. It is one of power and strength. Yet when the whistle is used during this cross country trek, it seems like the conductor is allowing Big Boy to say hello to everyone anxiously waiting, waving and recording their view of this big fella on their cells. Basically, it’s a loud shout out of hello to all who can hear.

Seeing everyone standing on the sidelines in rural areas and in towns and cities along its travel route, rain or shine, or sweltering heat, I can’t help but enjoy tapping into the shared thrill of this once in a lifetime experience to see and hear Big Boy pass by celebrating the 250^th birthday of our democracy. Back in 1976, it was the tall ships on the Delaware River heading in and out of Philadelphia, this year it was Big Boy heading into and out of Philly for July 4^th, 2026.

History of Big Boy

Photos - thanks to the many people who posted their photos and videos on FB.

Big Boy's schedule