BOONE, Iowa—It’s been at least five years since the Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 paid a visit to Boone. The locomotive began the “Heartland of America Tour”, Wednesday August 28th for Cheyenne, Wyoming headed to Rochelle, Illinois. One of the overnight stops will be in Boone. The locomotive departs Council Bluffs Wednesday morning with a noon hour stop in Carroll before heading to Boone. The train will overnight in the Boone Railyard and will depart Thursday morning about 9:00 a.m., heading to Cedar Rapids and Belle Plaine.

Big Boy No. 4014 arriving in Boone in 2019.

Because many railroad enthusiasts are interested in seeing the train in operation, the Union Pacific does provide a tracking link here.

The Union Pacific is also very aware that people may try to get closer than they should and encourage people to stay safe.

• Stand back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks.
• Railroad tracks, ballast trestles, yards and right-of-way are private property – please do not trespass.
• Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – ALWAYS expect a train.

(some information contributed by Union Pacific Railroad)