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The National Museum of Transportation’s Big Boy’s UP #4006 relative, Big Boy UP #4014, was in St. Louis, Missouri, September, 2024, on its grand Heartland of America Tour. A special guest who has visited our Museum and occupied our Chrysler Turbine car, Jay Leno himself, rode along with Ed Dickens on part of this #4014 tour and was so gracious to film his excursion. Here is a link to Jay’s fun and informative YouTube video. (There are a few commercials, just FYI.)
Here is the YouTube description to whet your appetite to view the video just in case you did not go straight there. “In this special episode, Jay Leno explores the world’s largest steam engine—the iconic Union Pacific “Big Boy.” This 600-ton behemoth, originally built in 1941, is the most powerful steam locomotive ever created. Join Jay as he dives deep into the rich history, mind-blowing technology, and sheer power behind this engineering marvel. Thanks to Union Pacific and National Park Foundation for making this possible! From inside the cab, Jay takes viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime ride, showcasing:
🚂How this 7000-horsepower giant revolutionized American transportation. 🚂Its connection to Abraham Lincoln and the Golden Spike that united the country. 🚂Incredible behind-the-scenes stories of restoring this 80-year-old masterpiece to its former glory.
Witness the raw power of steam like never before, and learn how the Big Boy continues to inspire rail fans of all ages. This is more than just a train—it’s a living piece of history! 🚂 Get ready for some serious horsepower. Don’t miss this episode—it’s Big Boy time! 🚂”