Iconic ‘Big Boy’ steam engine rolls into Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A historic attraction on a nationwide tour to celebrate 250 years of the United States’ independence will be rolling into Salina Thursday evening following a brief stop in Topeka.

Plans call for the iconic Union Pacific steam engine, “Big Boy,” to spend the night in Salina, arriving about 6 p.m. Thursday before continuing on its cross-country journey on Friday. The next few days will be in Kansas with stops planned in Wilson, Hays, Grainfield and Sharon Springs

“Big Boy” stops in Kansas:

• Topeka (Great Overland Station), July 23 - Arrive 12:15 p.m., Depart 12:45 p.m.
• Salina (Old Depot), July 23-24 - Arrive 6 p.m., Depart 9 a.m.
• Wilson (Avenue E Crossing), July 24 - Arrive 11 a.m., Depart 11:30 a.m.
• Hays (E 9th and Milner Street), July 24-26 - Arrive 1:30 p.m., Viewing July 25, Depart 9 a.m.
• Grainfield (Main Street Crossing), July 26 - Arrive 12 p.m., Depart 12:30 p.m.
• Sharon Springs, July 27 - NO PUBLIC ACCESS - Depart 9 a.m

The steam engine entered Kansas after a stop in Kansas City, Mo.

The Union Pacific engine, fully identified as “Big Boy No. 4014, is the world’s largest operational steam locomotive.

You can learn more about the historic steam engine and follow its coast-to-coast journey here: www.up.com/news/heritage/big-boy-northeast-tour-dates-260428.