Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” steam locomotive #4014 will travel through Schuylkill and northern Berks counties this Thursday, July 2, bringing one of the world’s largest operating steam locomotives to local rail lines.
The locomotive will travel south along the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN) Main Line after departing Jim Thorpe at 9 a.m. It will be preceded by an RBMN passenger excursion train powered by diesel locomotives #1776 and #2026, which departs at 9 a.m. from Nesquehoning.
According to the schedule provided by RBMN, the trains will pass through Barnesville before making a series of passes and brief stops in Tamaqua, New Ringgold, Port Clinton, and Hamburg. While the Port Clinton stop is open to the public, railroad officials say that no public parking is available at the site and access is restricted to foot traffic only.
Railroad officials caution that all listed times are approximate and subject to change based on logistics.
The locomotive, originally built for Union Pacific, measures more than 132 feet long and weighs more 1.2 million pounds. This is the first time the Big Boy locomotive is traveling to the East Coast. It’s part of an historic coast-to-coast tour to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Tamaqua Parking and Towing Enforcement
In anticipation of large crowds, Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce has designated two paid parking locations for visitors.
Parking will be available at Tamaqua Area High School (500 Penn St.) and Tamaqua Elementary School (490 Boyle Ave.) for $20 per vehicle. The lots open at 6 a.m. and all vehicles must be removed by 2 p.m.
The Chamber says that private business parking lots are strictly for customers. Vehicles parked illegally or in unauthorized private lots throughout the borough will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Thursday Train Schedule Estimates
The trains will pass through Barnesville prior to arriving in Tamaqua. Exact passing times for Barnesville are not included in the provided itinerary.
📍 Tamaqua: The RBMN excursion train will pass through at 10:05 a.m. The “Big Boy” is scheduled to arrive at 10:20 a.m. for a 15-minute photo stop, departing at 10:35 a.m.
📍 New Ringgold: The RBMN train will pass through at 11 a.m., followed by the “Big Boy” at 11:05 a.m.
📍 Port Clinton: The RBMN train will pass at 11:12 a.m. The “Big Boy” will make a 15-minute stop from 11:31 a.m. to 11:46 a.m. This stop is open to the public for foot traffic only; no public parking is permitted.
📍 Hamburg: The RBMN train will pass at 11:55 a.m. The “Big Boy” will arrive at 12 p.m. for a 15-minute photo stop, departing at 12:15 p.m.
Spectator Safety Guidelines
Union Pacific has issued strict safety warnings for those planning to view the locomotive. Officials emphasize that an average train overhangs the rails by at least three feet, and wider loads can extend further.
To ensure public safety, the railroad provided the following directives for attendees:
- Maintain distance: Pedestrians must stand at least 25 feet from the tracks to avoid steam, debris, or being struck.
- Do not trespass: Railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and right-of-ways are private property.
- Expect a train: Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive. A train’s speed and distance can be deceiving, and locomotives cannot stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles.
- Keep drones clear: Drones must remain at least 25 feet away from all tracks and comply with all Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
- Protect your hearing: Hearing protection is recommended due to the extreme noise levels of the equipment.
Photos: Used with Union Pacific permission
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