KINGSLAND, Ark. – The sun was almost at high noon as anticipation crackled in the air like the hiss of steam as Kingsland prepared for an unforgettable moment in railroad history. Hundreds of spectators lined the tracks, some dressed in train conductor outfits, others armed with cameras, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Union Pacific’s majestic steam engine, “Big Boy” 4014. By mid-morning, the small town buzzed with excitement as over 1,000 people, both locals and visitors, gathered along First Street, the crowd brimming with children, train enthusiasts, and photographers all vying for the best vantage point.
At precisely 11:45 a.m., as if following the ticking of a pocket watch, the moment arrived. First, the distant blast of the train’s horn pierced the air, quickly followed by the unmistakable plume of black smoke rising above the trees. Then, in all its steel glory, Big Boy appeared, rounding the bend to thunderous applause and cheers. The massive black engine, with billows of white steam erupting from above and below, was a sight to behold, pulling behind it a caravan of Union Pacific’s iconic yellow cars.
SEE BELOW FOR A GALLERY FROM THE EVENT
This wasn’t just any train—it was a living, breathing piece of history. Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014, a member of an elite group of only 25 locomotives built in the early 1940s, is one of the largest steam engines ever constructed. Designed to tackle the mountainous terrain between Utah and Wyoming, the Big Boy locomotives became the muscle behind American railroads. This massive 132-foot, 1.2 million-pound machine was retired in 1961 but has since been restored, looking as polished as the day it first took to the tracks. Its journey through south Arkansas was part of a broader tour, bringing the marvel of steam power back to life.
When the train finally hissed to a stop in downtown Kingsland, it was as though time itself had slowed. Spectators swarmed toward the engine, snapping photos and marveling at the size and pristine condition of the machine. For about 30 minutes, families, locals, and railroad aficionados soaked in the moment, with some lucky enough to witness the crew conduct minor maintenance, a glimpse of what it takes to keep this behemoth in tip-top shape.
As the engineers completed their tasks and climbed aboard, the familiar blare of the horn rang out once again. Big Boy roared to life, pulling away with a steady rhythm, its next destination Texarkana. For those who stood along the tracks, the experience was more than just a train passing through—it was a journey back in time, an ode to the golden age of railroads, and an exhilarating reminder of the enduring power of steam.
Fun was certainly had by all, and for anyone who missed the historic visit, the train continues its tour across America’s heartland. To learn more, visit Union Pacific’s website and follow the continuing adventure of Big Boy 4014 as it steams its way into the annals of history.
