‘Big Boy’ powers through St. John

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 25, 2021

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EDGARD — The Union Pacific Steam locomotive No. 4014 was seen at Columbia Crossing in Edgard on Friday, August 20. The massive 1941 steam locomotive, nicknamed “Big Boy,” made its way through St. John the Baptist Parish as part of a highly anticipated regional tour. Several St. John Parish residents dotted the West Bank tracks to see the special engine.

Big Boy weighs in at a whopping 1.2 million pounds. The 80-year-old locomotive is equipped with positive train control, a new technology that is designed to stop a train before incidents occur.

More information on the 2021 Steam Tour can be found online at up.com.