World's LARGEST Steam Train Locomotive - "BIG BOY" Union Pacific

[@thomasmackowiak]

Rowan and Jackson, thank you both to making the trip from Front Royal, Virginia to St. Louis, Missouri with stops starting at Scott City, Missouri to capture Union Pacific 4014. You had some great footage here Rowan. I had the privilege of taking my daughter's two youngest children to see the Big Boy at West Chicago, Illinois on 27 July 2019 when it was on its way back from a trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota. After getting back to the Twin Cities, the Big Boy took former Chicago & North Western trackage from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then from Milwaukee to the Chicago area. We did not get to see the Big Boy in action. The Big Boy arrived in the Chicago area on 26 July 2019 and was on static display at West Chicago, Illinois from late that evening until the morining of 29 July 2019 when it left westbound on the Union Pacific, former Chicago & North Western, Geneva Subdivision toward Clinton, Iowa and return trip via the "Overland Route" to Omaha, Newbraska and an eventual return to Cheyenne, Wyoming. We got to get up close and personal with the Big Boy and walk through the "Experience the Union Pacific" exhibition car. I have been looking at quite a number of videos on the Big Boy's 2021 trip from the beginnoing until the present. You video was the first that I have seen that covered the trip through the southern part of Illinois to St. Louis. Thank you for posting this video!!

[@alanburke1932]

This steam engine is the most interesting of all steam engines. Thanks SOOOOOOOOO much for chasing this "beast" of an engine. GREAT video!!!

[@RailfanRowan]

NO, thanks YOOUUUU SOOOOO much for watching the video. users like you make all of this possible!!

[@gwins12345]

Great camera work! Lots of cool shots. Thanks for taking us along!

[@RailfanRowan]

You're welcome George!!

[@rusty383]

Thank You Union Pacific for your Help from my Family to See this Beautiful Working Engineering work of Art Again. Born in 1966 they were all gone. I got to see the F model Diesel Engines growing up.

[@TheOldMainGuy]

Amazing chase of the Big Boy 4014! I would absolutely love to see this beautiful, beastly engine in person some day

[@RailfanRowan]

She was incredible!

[@KDubielak]

The union pacific big boy 4014 was on display at national railroad museum in greenbay Wisconsin

[@RailfanRowan]

Wow

[@jacobdubielak]

​@@RailfanRowanI meant to say union Pacific railroad Big boy 4015

[@tonytrotta9322]

#4017 is at Green Bay

[@Ickabogg]

That was railFANTASTIC Rowan!! What an exciting video to watch. When it premiered Sunday I couldn't get it full screen on my large TV and spent most of the time trying to sort that out. That's now fixed and to see the whole thing on the large screen is just totally awesome. You and Jackson made a good team to get everything you did in one trip. I loved the details on the "Big Boy" and the great videos with the chase and the crowds. Made my day.

[@mikepringle5523]

Hi Rowan-You & Jackson captured the true essence of what makes American Railroading great! Many Thanks.

[@RailfanRowan]

You're welcome Mike!!

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

Sing, Big Boy!! Sing loud, long and proud!! Absolutely majestic. I want to see 4014 for real one of these days. I'm so glad you were able to experience this! 😊 ❤ ❤ ❤

[@RailfanRowan]

It was awesome Jennifer! I loved every bit of it I hope you get to see this big boy

[@robertwaite837]

Dude! That things a beast! Wish I was their to see it! Glad you both had a blast see it! Have a great Summer! Bobby!

[@TrainLover3268]

As someone who lives in St. Louis and almost got to see the big boy, I am so glad that you guys made the trip down here to make a video that makes me feel like I really was there. Great video and have a great day!

[@johnmorris3744]

Fantastic shot ~15:00. Being up on the bridge really puts into perspective how massive this thing is. Had to rewatch the segment a few times. Appreciate your dedication.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks John! I appreciate the support and kind words

[@johndanaher6371]

What a fantastic video Rowan!! Treated myself to the Big TV and sound system for this one. Left me with chills! I can only imagine what it was like for you guys. Glad you made it back from your journey safe and sound! Keep up the great work.

[@PatriseHenkel]

Amazing job you guys!! I’m tearing up watching SO MANY PEOPLE turning out for this loco. 💕🥲 my dad was a huge steam fanatic and I’m blessed to have ridden quite a few in my day. He’s gone since 2001, but I chase trains for him. Thank you for your dedication to rail fanning

[@eugenekleis3836]

I Iove all of your videos and stories on KZbin on trains everyday they are good train videos and stories on KZbin .

[@tomfabling]

Well done Rowan and Jackson.Many thanks for all your hard work and excellent shots of Big Boy. Tom Fabling Glasgow Scotland

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Tom for viewing from Scotland we appreciate your support!

[@kens.3729]

My brother-in-law has a Clubhouse in Ellis Grove, IL, to the North of Chester, IL. Very familiar with Prairie Du Rocher, IL, and have been through there. I saw Big Boy in Valley Park, MO, near the National Museum of Transportation by Kirkwood, MO, where one (1) of Big Boy’s (# 4006) seven (7) remaining Brothers resides in the Museum. Crowds were Huge ALL across State of Missouri. 👍

[@RailfanRowan]

Oh yes I can imagine!!

[@RailfanRowan]

That's cool about the clubhouse!

[@eugenekleis3836]

I love the old steam locomotives

[@wendyroman4944]

I had forgotten how magnificent the old steam trains were. Thank you for reminding me! Wow! 🌹💕

[@RailfanRowan]

You're welcome Wendy!

[@philohsann5701]

You guys were having way too much fun !!! enjoyed it, keep up the great video's

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Phil!!

[@kens.3729]

Hello Rowan! I got to see Big Boy # 4014 last Monday outside STL. BB # 4006 is in STL Museum.

[@RailfanRowan]

That's awesome, yeah we were hoping to swing by but couldn't

[@supera13]

Saw this "Big Boy" One evening as i was heading home after work on its way Through Independence on its way to Union Station in KCMO

[@robertjosephmurphyii4947]

Another awesome Rowan Show!! Seeing this Loco in person is awesome and amazing. I hope to see him again sometime in the future. Keep up the great work Rowan.

[@toddlarmon3708]

Thank you thank you rowan and jackson! 4014 is an awesome piece of machinery. I love the steam locomotives. I like the diesel locomotives, but the steam loco's touch my heart in a totally different way. Rowan im glad you are back home and posting again. Good to see you and jackson team up again. Stay safe and God bless!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much for the kind words as always Todd I hope you are well! I will let Jackson know!

[@valeriebassett3107]

Awesome video. What an experience to see the train up close and personal. LOL What a day! Thank you for your videos!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much Valerie!

[@VirtualRailfanProductions]

I actually Live in the St. Louis area and caight 4014 when she stopped in Washington, Missouri. Things got so crazy with how many people were there that before she left there was a car accident because someone was racing to get ahead of the train before she left town. As a side note I've also see both 3985, and 844 when they both came intotown both in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Sp I have now seen all three members of the UP's Big Three while they were in operation.

[@louisb229]

Thank you guys, from a brother who could not physically make the trip. You made my day. God bless!

[@RailfanRowan]

So glad Louis, I hope one day you can make it!

[@louisb229]

@@RailfanRowan Sorry, but I am confined to my bed and power chair. I can hardly make the trip to my doctor. I became disabled 30 years a ago. I had just finished my ThM. My professor in Systematic Theology offered me a position to work on my Ph.D. when I injured my back. I serve Him now by remaining faithful through the severe pain. Through your videos, I make the trips.

[@victorburk2932]

That would have been radical to see that in person! Well, I guess this is the next best thing. Thanks for a great video and post guys!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much Victor Burk

[@John-wd5om]

Your pacing shot was absolutely amazing, thanks a lot rowan!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks John, I loved that we were able to get one!!

[@rogerracer1]

Thanks for the effort. Ya'll did good. We chased it in middle Texas. It is bigger in person.

[@donhunking2286]

JUST BLOODY MAGNIFICENT !!!

[@philknerr4587]

Just watched this again. First time was on my phone, this time was on the 60 inch screen with surround sound on. WOW..... you and Jackson really nailed it brother!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Hahaa awesome thanks for watching twice!!

[@jasonmacklin8264]

Thanks for video off 4014 big boy awesome like it great video

[@Ozarkrailfanprod8098]

I saw that in parsons, KS, and Jeff City, MO

[@subnlimeve]

nothing but fabulous! your enthusiasm matches ours.

[@RailfanRowan]

Yay!!

[@kevinmiller83]

That was really awesome and I was glad to catch premiere. You do an awesome job at putting these together and I greatly appreciate your time and efforts. Especially for those of us that don’t have the time to make a chase like this. Still can’t believe you all drove all the way from VA!

[@RailfanRowan]

Lol thanks so much Kevin!! Supporters like you make it possible!

[@charleskesner1302]

Awesome event thanks for sharing.

[@RailfanRowan]

You're welcome Charles thanks for watching to God be the glory

[@4portadec]

Great driving! Great filming! You did such a good job showing the excitement of seeing this amazing engine! I am in awe of how you found your camera locations having never been there or having much time to scout it out. Amazing!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks man, To God be the Glory first and foremost but yes this was definitely a challenge, much goes into finding the shots and deciding based off of traffic, time, weather, train speed, etc. where to go, comes with this.... experience breeds instinct

[@rfranzosa]

Great job, Rowan! The shots at speed around Prairie Du Rocher, IL (12:00) and the entrance to St Louis are amazing! Can't imagine how you found locations with minimal crowds

[@RailfanRowan]

It was difficult relying on gut, instinct and prayer by two experienced train chasers!

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

Should have seen Fremont Nebraska when this beast came through. Almost Every single person that lives in the town was there to see it

[@2bigrailfans724]

1.1 Million pounds of power and grace...Love it! Hella chase and great teamwork, fellas. Foam on, gentlemen!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks railfans!

[@garymoore7201]

Absolutely Awesome video Rowan, thanks!! Yall’s boys were bout as hot as that monster steam locomotive! Special thanks for all the wonderful smiles😉 Ya captured the true essence of that amazing historic behemoth!!! I was able to chase it through Illinois on the 2019 trip.. it was great!!!😁 You and Jackson take care and God Bless!!!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you so much Gary, i will pass along the love!!

[@sirfultonbishop]

Just incredible! And what a great road trip! Thanks so much for this video!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much!!

[@jmeyer3rn]

Oh my gosh. Big Boy hunters who talk. And we went to Chester. It was so hot there!!! Yep! That’s the shot!!! And what a great job. Drive through Indiana? You guys really are fun and God bless!!! Thanks to Infinity! Really!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Yep, we drove through Indiana, and let me tell you, Mississippi river humidity is NO JOKE, i thought VA was bad.... No

[@jeromekay2106]

Rowan, this is some of the best video of 4014 that I have seen. Great pace shot!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you Jerome, be sure to share this video on your pages!

[@dwkcamman611]

Glad you guys got to chase her, nice video!!

[@nathansmith5304]

I live in the great state of Missouri about 40 minutes west in the countryside. It’s beautiful out here.

[@jayjay0142]

G'day again from Down Under Rowan, thanks so much for this video, it's great mate, I take my UP 4014 cap off to you and Jackson for driving 1000 miles to see Big Boy, absolutely fantastic, another excellent production. God bless and take care. If 611 is the Queen of steam, then 4014 is the King in the US.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Jay Jay! Thanks for your continued viewership!!

[@frankjankovich3512]

Thanks gents for your efforts! It’s one of those trips driving down the road with Arlow Guthrie singing in the background “the City of New Orleans “

[@RailfanRowan]

Lol that's right!

[@kwtkins2]

I was FEET outside of your parting shot @ 1:25 in Scott City! Which happened to be where I ended my chase of 4014.

[@RailfanRowan]

Aaawwww man!! Too bad we didn't meet!

[@richardpeters7136]

Best video footage of the 4014 I have ever seen!! Best wishes Rowan for your continued success of this channel.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much Richard! You can help that success by SHARING and EMBEDDING this video on all of your social media platforms!!

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

Pretty cool railfanning trip. I got to see Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 in St Paul Minnesota in July of 2019.

[@RailfanRowan]

That's awesome!!!

[@PlanesTrainsBoatsOnline]

Great Catch, good Job, Keep them coming

[@owenturner8489]

Great shots, not being in the crowd. Very memorable trip for you both from New Zealand Really enjoyed

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Owen, yeah crowdless ness was hard to come by lol!!

[@LetsGoRailfanning]

Awesome Rowan! The pan shot across the soybean field was great... nice to see the train without the hoards of folks. Epic!

[@RailfanRowan]

Lol yep, I had to settle for only one of those precious shots. We had to pick between the following two, do we stay and watch the grand exit from chester, or do we bail before it leaves so we can get to our next location, I say it paid off!!

[@richardwhite176]

Great job….been watching your channel for awhile, love your enthusiasm, keep on chugging!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks, will do! I appreciate your support!!

[@bryanlloyd1099]

This was great and Have a nice labor day!!

[@artillerest43rdva7]

I have seen the C&O mallet in the ford museum , with the huge drivers that is one large engine. now the big boy is even larger amazing engine! some day I want to see it running or just sitting it would be a great day. as always you both did a wonderful job creating this great rail chase video ! I hope you recovered from the lack of sleep. happy hunting and be safe out there!

[@photolew]

Love this. I had plane reservations, hotel, car rented to go chasing from KC west thru Kansas for 2 days last week. But some last minute things came up here in PA that prevented it...glad you got to see the old beauty

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank Llew! That's how most do it unfortunately, we're a little crazier!

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

Great footage , Fabulous show, thanks for doing a great job... From Oklahoma!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Mowerman

[@ericwilliams2619]

Extraordinary fantastic video awesome 👌 job to you guy's God bless 🙏 you and your families

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks ! TO GOD BE THE GLORY TGBTG

[@louGriggs1944]

Great video. Crowds were big just about everywhere along the line. They were huge west of St. Louis where we chased her out as far as Gasconade and family in Jefferson City said they were amazed at the crowds she drew out there. Loved the shots in Chester IL. Great shot of the problematic injector. Thanks for making this.

[@RailfanRowan]

Absolutely no problem it was our pleasure!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Some really great shots there mate! Must be an awesome experience to be able to see the big boy running!

[@RailfanRowan]

It was pretty cool!

[@northamericanrailfan2017]

Awesome video I hope to get out west a film the Big Boy in a couple of years

[@ricknixdorf7316]

Must have been a very cool trip for you all! Great entertaining vid. Good chasin y'all!!

[@RailfanRowan]

We appreciate Rick, thank you!

[@MittenBuckeyeStateRails]

Incredible & Awesome Shots Stay Safe God Bless Happy Foaming

[@chesterraybon3442]

I think your shots were great. The one coming out of the trestle was the bomb. Usually you're not competing with thousands of people so, great job. 😎👍👌

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you so much! To God be the glory! Thanks for you support

[@jacobdubielak]

We actually saw the union Pacific railroad Big boy 4014 in person in Brinkley Arkansas a few weeks ago

[@scottharmon2718]

Wasn't able to get to St.Louis from Michigan's U.P. last weekend (real bummer), but thanks guys for the videos. Your coverage was awesome!

[@philknerr4587]

You guys really did an awesome job given the huge crowds. Thought the pace shot went very well given the traffic issues and the grade crossing shot was perfect. You were able to catch a fair amount of the engines movement from that one spot. Was he highballing or what right then.!?! That was great!!! Don't know whether you planned it or not, but the engine on the bridge with the Arch as a backdrop was a perfect way to end the chase. Loved riding along with you guys!!! Thanks Rowan and GOD Bless!!

[@RailfanRowan]

What's up Phil? Thanks for watching! Now you know me, that arch was most certainly built in! I'd say you're right, for what we had to work with, which wasn't much, we did aight

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Fantastic Rowan. You killed it again. Keep up the great work.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Robert! Keep supporting and I'll keep killin

[@jtq69]

I was in Ogden, UT for the golden spike event and saw her run through WY. It was unbelievable. Got to meet Ed Dickens who is a first class gentleman. Anyway excellent video Rowan and thank you for making the effort to drive out there to entertain us rail fans

[@RailfanRowan]

That's awesome, I've heard that he's a cool dude!

[@robertwoody2043]

wonderful pictures

[@charlottecunningham2141]

Fantastic job, guys! Rowan, I think you may have outdone yourself with this one. Great pacing shots and definitely money shots with BB coming across the bridges. *chef’s kisses x 10* 👨🏻‍🍳😘

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you so much for the chef kisses Charlotte!! this was the shot of the year for sure!!

[@chucknehls277]

Rowan as far as railfans go you are the GOAT

[@RailfanRowan]

Lol thanks Chuck!!

[@Guard_Amos]

What an absolute behemoth that machine is. Its one steam loco I would love to see. Even if its just as a static exhibit. Yes, changing steam you do need steam to spot it. But, its different when it's oil fired. Great video as always

[@nsvirginiafankelly9526]

Looked like a fun trip!! The parallel rolling shot was really cool! Great job

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks man, to God be the glory!

[@keithcorbridge7552]

Great shots

[@ironhorsemedia2881]

Great video! Got to see it on my home rails back in august!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thats awesome, thanks for watching. I like your content as well keep up the good work!

[@ironhorsemedia2881]

@@RailfanRowan Thanks!

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video I enjoyed watching it Rowan.👍😁😁😁😁😁😁🚂🇬🇧

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Tony!!!

[@steventurner9744]

Fine work young Gentleman !

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Steven!

[@LewisMarien]

Cool. I saw you guys in Scott City. Can't believe those searchlights were still up down there! (And the signal bridges at Gorham. I used to visit the place often when I went to SIU Carbondale)

[@RailfanRowan]

That's awesome! Who knew there were so many people watching this channel from that area!!

[@rrelectric5159]

Nice video and you showed what it is like during a chase behind the sceenes. I chased Big Boy 2 year ago in Utah and Wyoming and I was on a chase of Cotton Belt 819 on the same route you guys did but gong from St.Louis to Scott City (Ilmo). Good job.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks man! And that's awesome!!

[@natedog2022]

It's here in Colorado today! Seen it In person and it's incredible!

[@RailfanRowan]

Wasn't that cool!?!

[@natedog2022]

@@RailfanRowan yeah it was awesome! It blew my mind how massive it was! It was stopped at a union pacific rail yard and made the other engines look tiny!

[@StanByrd1]

Fantastic!! Thanks for all your effort!! 👍

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks for your viewership man!

[@pugsey6593]

I was there when it crossed the MacArthur Bridge it was amazing to see the engine running so smooth

[@RailfanRowan]

Yes, no stutters, complete control!

[@nkpltrr]

Fantastic video footage. Great Job!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks man!!

[@davidphilpott6606]

Thank you for the effort!. It is a monster! I got to see it in Provo a couple yrs ago. Keep up the good videos!

[@OwensRailPro39]

Great video Rowan.

[@stylusfantasticus]

most wonderful - congratulations

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you so much 😀

[@southern_indiana_railfan7192]

This is amazing!! Was glad to catch you down at the arch later that evening and more so glad that you had such an amazing trip!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks some much for coming down man, hope all is well for you!

[@christianchaplain1305]

Awesome, really cool and great footage. Thanks Railfan Rowan and may God continue to bless you and keep you safe. ☝🏼🙏🏻😁

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you Mr chaplain!

[@edithdavis2848]

You guys got some awesome shots.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Edith!!

[@gregshipley9052]

Awesome, thanks for the video! Great 🚂

[@railhunterproductions]

Crazy cool!

[@ozarkmountainrailfan401]

Hey Rowan. Had a great time meeting you in Saint Louis.

[@RailfanRowan]

Yessir!!!

[@nspittsburghlinerailfan4356]

Awesome catch and Awesome video its not often that you get the chance to catch and chase one of the worlds largest continually operating steam locomotives in action keep up the good work my friend

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much man!

[@rusty383]

Hi ! From Rusty in Chester Va. Thank You for Making this Video But I want to do this myself.

[@RailfanRowan]

Go for it!

[@andrewparks5904]

What a beautiful site!

[@davevan8864]

Thanks guys......I've seen and ridden the greatest....765, 611, 1218 and many more. Yet to see a Big Boy run....so thanks. Hey NS get that 1218 back in service....see the GOOD PR you get???

[@RailfanRowan]

In one hindered percent agreement but doubt the existence of that thought in their minds

[@davevan8864]

@@RailfanRowan Gotta try!!!!