On July 12th… Union Pacific’s Big Boy #4014 departed Pennsylvania heading westward to its home in Cheyenne, Wyoming — after spending over a month in a state steeped in rich railroad history. Tens of thousands of railroad enthusiasts braved huge crowds and the Summer of 2026’s toughest heatwave thus far in Pennsylvania to see an American railroad legend up-close and personal. Truly a wonderful way to celebrate our country’s 250th Birthday… while also creating amazing memories that will last a lifetime!

As both a railroad and photography enthusiast, I was excited to hear that UP’s Big Boy #4014 would be traveling to parts of eastern USA for the first time since America’s largest steam locomotive was restored to “operating status” in 2019.  And while 4014 spent two days in Philadelphia for the Independence Day Holiday Weekend, the Big Boy graced many towns on its coast-to-coast tour this year.  So it was only natural that I’d scout some prime viewing locations in eastern PA before the Big Boy’s arrival to help ensure these once-in-a-lifetime memories would be extra special. 

My ever-loyal Black Labrador companion, Eddie, was more than happy to join me on several of these scouting activities.  And the hikes proved to be great exercise for both of us! Ultimately, I narrowed down my Big Boy venues to a short-list that included (1) Valley Forge Park, (2) Gladwyne PA along the Schuylkill River,  (3) the Belmont Hills suburb of Philadelphia, (4) Lehigh Gorge, as well as (5) an exclusive private railroad crossing inside The Village Of Houser’s Crossing near Tamaqua, PA.  And as an added bonus, I was able to reserve a seat in one of the open-air coaches on the Reading & Northern’s special Semiquincentennial excursion which road alongside the Big Boy train on July 1st between Nesquehoning and Pittston, PA.  How cool was THAT!!! 

Indeed… the Summer of 2026 highlighted by the Big Boy’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary is one that your’s truly will never forget.  Thanks to Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and the Reading & Northern railroads for providing such a grand opportunity to transport ourselves back to simpler times when steam locomotives ruled the rails and travel was an experience to be remembered forever.  Guest Post and Photos courtesy of David Nicholas Creatives, LLC.

Enjoy The Nora D’Ecclesis Podcast of this adventure by clicking below on the Spotify link!