Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 as it makes its way down from Oroville and into Marysville, where crowds gathered to glimpse the 1.1-million-pound locomotive on its western states tour. Reece Wilkins, age 12, of Gridley said that “It was amazing. A historic event I will always remember!”  Photo by Seti Long

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (MPG) – Hundreds braved scorching temperatures to line railroad tracks from Oroville to Roseville, awaiting a glimpse of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy engine 4014.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy strolled comfortably into Oroville around 2:15 Thursday, July 11, puffing steam and blasting it’s powerful whistle for onlookers.

The hulking engine took a break from its tour of the western states in Oroville for about 30 minutes before continuing to Roseville, where it would be on display for a 2-day stint.

Train-lovers and the curious of all ages could be seen alongside the tracks, gathering not only at scheduled stops but railroad crossings throughout the countryside.

The Herald caught up with hopeful viewers on Central House Rd, near Honcut, shortly after 3 p.m. July 11. Multiple cars had pulled off to the side of the dirt road, with a small crowd gathering for the event.

Drones, professional photography and videography equipment, and cell phones were at the ready as many hoped to document the historic event on cameras.

Area children excitedly buzzed around the tracks, looking up the line toward Oroville, waiting to catch the glimpse of a light or movement after its scheduled departure.

The crowd’s patience would be rewarded as a white light would eventually appear down the tracks in the distance. Cries “here it comes!” and “look!” rang through the small crowd as they cleared the crossing arms, tracks and watched as the Big Boy made its approach.

Pumping a cloud of steam into the air, flanked by a waving American flag and the California State Flag, the massive black engine did not slow as it blasted through the crossing, blaring it’s horn as engineers waved to onlookers. Cheers, smiles and “hurrahs” abounded as the Big Boy came and left bystanders in awe.

Ellie, 7, from Loma Rica had come out with her parents and little sister to see the locomotive. Ellie told the Herald with excited eyes and a large grin on her face, that “it was awesome” to see the large train go by.

“Worth the wait,” “that was so cool!” and “WOW!” could be heard as spectators quickly packed up their gear and headed to the safety of air-conditioned vehicles, ears ringing with the memory of the trains whistle.

Skye Wilkins, 16, of Gridley told the Herald that “it was super cool to see and such an amazing experience to see an old train running.” Her sister Brooklyn, 9, added, “I really liked it and I could see the people inside of it! It was so fast!”

The Big Boy left Roseville Sunday, June 13 on its return leg of the journey to its home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Union Pacific Museum hosted a special passenger trip from Roseville to Sparks, which sold out.

To learn more about Union Pacific’s Big Boy Engine and its western tour, visit https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm.