The Big Boy Train Thunders Through Northeast Ohio With Its Epic Size and Sound

It’s called the “Big Boy” train, and boy is it ever. At 133-feet long, the Union Pacific Railroad train is among the biggest, most-powerful locomotives of its kind, and it’s the only one still in operation.  

The Big Boy No. 4014 is making a rare visit to Northeast Ohio as part of its East Coast journey to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. While there have been a few delays (check the most updated schedule here), the 85-year-old train is set to stop near West 11th Street and Reid Avenue in Lorain on June 8, at Chardon Road and Euclid Avenue in Euclid on June 8 and in Rocky River at Depot Street on July 13. Other stops include Fostoria, located 40 miles from Cedar Point on June 6. 

“This isn’t just any train,” says Euclid Mayor Kristen Holzheimer-Gail. “It’s a piece of living history and a symbol of American ingenuity. Euclid is excited to be part of this unique tour.”

Built in 1941, the train was designed to haul iron ore, steel and military supplies up the steep inclines of Wyoming and Utah during World War II. Only 25 Big Boy trains were ever commissioned by Union Pacific Railroad, which leaned on thousands of specialized workers to construct the 1.2 million-pound beast. No. 4014 took its final ride in December 1961 after traveling 1,031,205 miles, and it underwent a renovation in 2013. 

Those who have seen the behemoth describe it as an awe-inspiring experience that feels like traveling back in time. But as notable as its size is Big Boy’s train whistle — a sound train enthusiasts celebrate.

About as loud as a 747 jetliner during take-off, Big Boy’s blast can reach 125 decibels. The whistle can be heard up to 20 miles away over land on a calm day with ideal weather conditions. That’s about the same distance as Euclid to Bedford. Over water, the sound can travel up to 25 miles over Lake Erie from Euclid and Lorain to Canadian waters. Perfect conditions for the whistle to travel that far include light wind, high humidity in the upper atmosphere and a cool air temperature inversion near the surface. The Federal Railway Administration advises that the train whistle is so loud that children should wear foam earplugs as a precaution.

“(Witnessing the train will be) a phenomenal event, because you’ll see this history-making engine up close from a time when train conductors still shoveled coal into the firebox chamber to boil water, creating steam which propels the train,” says Lorain native and locomotive engineer Steve Reese. 

On its way back westbound to its home base in Wyoming, Big Boy is scheduled for a 30-minute stop in Rocky River on July 13, a shorter stop in Lorain that day, and a six-hour stop on July 14 in Fostoria, one of the longest stops on its tour. The city of Fosteria is hosting a celebration on July 14 at Iron Triangle Rail Park, where the train will be on display.

Due to several factors, including weather and train traffic, train officials advise checking for updated times on Union Pacific’s Big Boy Schedule website — and to arrive extra early for a good view when the Big Boy train finally thunders down local tracks. 

“You won’t want to miss this incredible moment,” says A.J. Torres, a Ohio State Highway Patrol Major and train enthusiast, “because the Big Boy engine will deliver a lifetime of memories.”