Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive built to conquer mountains, will visit the Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola.
The WPRM is pleased to announce that our caboose train operations during our Big Boy Celebration will be operated by Western Pacific 0-6-0 steam locomotive 165, the only operating WP steam engine.
The FRRS is pleased to announce that on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, we will be hosting a visit by Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive!
The "Big Boy Westward Bound" tour will make a stop on July 10, in Portola, California providing a unique opportunity with the locomotive for viewing from the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.
This will be a rare chance for you to see this awesome locomotive in person. In addition, the WPRM will be providing several special activities on that day, including:
- Caboose train rides
- Motorcar rides
- Tours of historic equipment
- Model train exhibits
- Food trucks
- and more!
The museum will open at 9 AM and close at 6 PM the day of the event. Parking is limited at the museum.
FRRS Sustaining and Life members will get advance access to the museum on event day, July 10. Any Sustaining or Life / Family Life member can get in between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM pre-event and get an early chance to see the Big Boy.
Access to view the “Big Boy” requires admission to the museum. Admission includes caboose train and motorcar rides. Pre-event, tickets can be purchased online at WPLives.org/BigBoyTickets or in the WP Museum Store at the museum. The day of the event, you will present your online receipt or ticket voucher at the entry gate to receive a wristband(s) and car pass, or purchase at the entry gate. Admission will require wristband.
Tickets can be purchased online pre-event. They are $20 general admission and $10 for those 5-18, 65 and over, and active military. Children 4 and under are free. At the entry gate on event day, prices will be $25 and $15 respectively. Feather River Rail Society members are free with their membership cards *. Members must bring their membership cards to get entry wristbands.
More information for FRRS Members HERE!
Don’t miss this rare chance to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive!
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is located at 700 Western Pacific Way, west of Old Town Portola, across the Feather River from California Highway 70. Our website is www.WPLives.org.
Don’t miss this rare chance to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive!
Keep Safety Top of Mind
- Stand back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks.
- No coolers or oversize bags, and no chairs, step ladders or any other standing platforms will be allowed in the Big Boy viewing area.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property - do not trespass.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a train.
* - FRRS members with individual memberships (Associate, Active, Life) get 1 free admission, Sustaining members receive 2 free admissions and family levels (Family, Family Life) get 2 adult and 3 youth admissions.
NOTE: Schedules and events subject to change. The FRRS is not responsible for any changes to the event caused by outside factors such as mechanical breakdowns or schedule changes.
UP’s Big Boy 4014 schedule:
- Arriving late afternoon/early evening July 9th, 2024
- On Display with paid admission July 10th
- Leaving Portola for Oroville/Roseville July 11th at 8:00 am
More information to follow as we get it. If you would like to get an email with the details, please subscribe to our WPRM News Email list HERE!.
UP News Release Heritage & Steam HERE!
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