In May of 2019, Union Pacific made history. Big Boy 4014, the largest steam locomotive on earth took to the main line under its own power for the first time in nearly 60 years!

The restoration was just in time for the 150th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory, Utah, commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Paired with UP 844, the only steam locomotive to never be taken out of active service on a major railroad, the 4014 made its first excursion run between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Ogden, Utah in what was billed as "The Great Race to Ogden."

7idea Productions takes you trackside for this historic event from Cheyenne to Ogden and return. Catch the 4014 climbing Sherman Hill, gliding across the Wyoming plains, and tackling the Wasatch grade.

In Ogden, Utah, Union Pacific's Spike 150 Celebration had the feeling of a rock concert as thousands of people came out to see the Big Boy for the first time.

We'll take you to Promontory for a reenactment of the driving of the golden spike that united a nation east to west. With the festivities over, Big Boy number 4014 and the 844 return home to Cheyenne.

This is your front row seat to the greatest railroading event in 60 years! This is Return of the Big Boy!

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Available mid-June on DVD or Blu-ray

Item code: 040050D (DVD) 040050B  (Blu-ray)

Frame grabs:



The largest operating steam locomotive on earth approaches Granger, WY at sunrise.



With "Big Boy" chalked on its smoke box, the 4014 departs Evanston, WY.



UP 4014 west rolls through Perkins on Track 3.



The eastbound special approaches Dale Junction on Sherman Hill.



A Classic scene at Castle Rock, UT.



The big 4-8-8-4 reclaims its old stomping ground near Green River.



The old water tank at Bitter Creek is gone, but the Big Boy remains!



4014 counts off forty telegraph poles to the mile near Point of Rocks.

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