After snaking across the U.S. this summer, Union Pacific No. 4014, affectionately known as the Big Boy, will return to Central Kansas on Friday, Sept. 3, with an overnight stay again planned in Hays.
It was November 2019 the last time the train made its way to the area, drawing large crowds at each stop with a miles-long chain of cars following alongside.
During this year's tour, the locomotive, a favorite of the Union Pacific heritage fleet, is scheduled to leave Salina at 9 a.m. Friday, with stops planned through the day in Ellsworth, Wilson and Russell, before stopping for the night in Hays at 1:15 p.m.
On Saturday, the train is scheduled to depart Hays at 8 a.m., first stopping in Ellis, then Quinter before stopping in Sharon Springs for the night Saturday and completing the Kansas leg of the trip.
Friday stops for the Big Boy:
Ellsworth (Lincoln Ave. Crossing)
Arrival: 10:15 a.m.
Depart: 10:35 a.m.
Wilson (Avenue E Crossing)
Arrival: 11:20 a.m.
Depart: 12:05 p.m.
Russell (Lincoln St. Crossing)
Arrival: 1 p.m.
Depart: 1:15 p.m.
For a full schedule of stops during the tour visit up.com.