ROCK SPRINGS  – Do you hear the whistle blowing? U.P. locomotive Big Boy 4014 is coming to Downtown Rock Springs on Tuesday, May 6. It’s anticipated to arrive at 7:30 p.m. and will overnight here, leaving at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7.

The Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency is planning a reception Downtown from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the historic train depot (501 S Main Street) to welcome Big Boy as it continues its journey to Cheyenne. The reception will include punch and cookies, face painting and other kids’ activities, while supplies last.

Big Boy 4014 is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, measuring an impressive 132’ long and 16’ 4” tall. Big Boy No. 4014 was delivered to Union Pacific in December 1941. The locomotive was retired in December 1961, having traveled 1,031,205 miles in its 20 years in service. Now, Union Pacific is undertaking the movement and restoration of one of the world’s largest steam locomotives. It’s on the move from its display location in Pomona, CA, to Cheyenne, WY, where it will undergo restoration that is anticipated to take three to five years.