World's Largest Steam Locomotive to Visit Ohio for First Time Since 1941

Published: May 6, 2026 - 10:03 a.m.

By Joan Elloway-Nash

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CLEVELAND, OHIO — Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will travel through Ohio this summer as part of a national tour, with multiple stops scheduled for public viewing. The tour, celebrating America's 250th anniversary, marks the first time the historic locomotive has operated east of Chicago. The Ohio leg of the journey is possible through a collaboration with Norfolk Southern, which will host the engine on its rails. The 1.2 million-pound locomotive was built in 1941 to haul heavy freight trains over the Rocky Mountains. At 132 feet long, it is one of only a handful of its kind still in existence. The Ohio schedule includes several opportunities for residents to see the train. On June 6, whistle stops are planned in Continental from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and in Fostoria from 2 to 2:15 p.m., before an overnight stop in Bellevue. The locomotive will return to the state in July, with stops in Struthers on July 12 and Rocky River on July 13. A free public display is scheduled for July 14 at the Fostoria Automotive Terminal from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The train will make a final stop in Continental on July 15. Local rail preservation groups anticipate large crowds for the events, particularly in Fostoria, and are preparing for significant parking and logistical needs. Similar events for the Big Boy locomotive in other parts of the country have drawn thousands of spectators. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.