Final Chance to See the Legendary Big Boy Train in Illinois: A Journey through Stormlight Archive’s Wind and Truth
Big boy steam locomotive : Big boy steam locomotive There’s a unique opportunity to see the famous Union Pacific No. 4014 Big Boy steam engine one last time in Illinois before it heads out of state. This remarkable locomotive has been on a grand tour, delighting train enthusiasts across the Midwest as part of its “Heartland of America” tour. If you missed it in Sterling, Rochelle, or Watseka, don’t worry—there’s still one final chance to catch this piece of history.
The Big Boy’s Tour
The Big Boy engine, one of the largest and most impressive steam locomotives ever built, has been traveling through Illinois recently. Its journey began in Cheyenne, Wyoming, last month. Since then, it has made stops in several communities, including Sterling, Rochelle, and Watseka. Each stop drew large crowds eager to witness this engineering marvel up close.
In Rochelle, there were extensive traffic delays as people flocked to see the train. Many fans ended up walking to the viewing spot to avoid the heavy traffic. The scene was similar in Watseka, where the train’s appearance was the main event, drawing large numbers of spectators who waited for hours to get a glimpse of the Big Boy.
Final Stop in Illinois
The Big Boy’s final stop in Illinois is scheduled for Tuesday in Nokomis. This charming town, located about 50 miles southeast of Springfield, will host the locomotive from 3 to 3:30 p.m. at the Maple Street Crossing. Initially, Union Pacific had planned for the display to occur earlier in the day, from 12:15 to 12:30 p.m., but the schedule has been updated.
After leaving Nokomis, the Big Boy will continue its tour, heading to Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. Each stop is a chance for more fans to experience the grandeur of this historic engine.
A Glimpse into History
Big Boy No. 4014 was built during World War II to tackle the challenging grades in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range. Out of the 25 Big Boys originally constructed, only eight remain, and No. 4014 is the only one still in operation today. Its journey through the Midwest is a tribute to its storied past and a testament to its enduring appeal.
Connecting to Stormlight Archive
Fans of Brandon Sanderson’s “Stormlight Archive” might find an intriguing parallel between the Big Boy and the epic stories within the series. Just as Sanderson’s novels weave grand narratives across expansive worlds, the Big Boy represents a monumental chapter in the history of steam locomotion. The engine’s journey through Illinois echoes the sweeping adventures and epic scale found in Sanderson’s work, such as the power and majesty depicted on the cover of “Stormlight Archive: Wind and Truth.”
Conclusion
As the Big Boy steam engine makes its final appearance in Illinois, train enthusiasts have a last chance to witness this piece of living history. The locomotive’s journey through the state has been a highlight for many, offering a glimpse into an era of remarkable engineering. For those who love both trains and epic tales, the Big Boy’s story is as captivating as any fantasy adventure, making this final stop in Nokomis a must-see event.
