Largest-ever steam engine to roll through Eastern Iowa

Rail fans will be able to see the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 — the largest steam engine ever built — as it chugs Sept. 5 and 6 through Eastern Iowa.

The engine’s eight-week Heartland of America Tour leaves Cheyenne, Wyo., on Aug. 28 and will travel through nine other states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.

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Union Pacific said the dates and times for the engine’s tour are subject to change.

But, for now, the engine is scheduled to leave Boone at 9 a.m. Sept. 5 and arrive at Belle Plaine about 12:15 p.m. that day, departing the Benton County city at 12:30 p.m. at the Ninth Avenue crossing.

It presumably will spend the night in Cedar Rapids, though access is closed. It’s scheduled to depart Cedar Rapids en route to Rochelle, Ill., at 9 a.m. Sept. 6.

The engine last went through Eastern Iowa in July 2019 as part of the commemoration of the Transcontinental Railroad’s 150th anniversary.

The engine’s itinerary will be updated on up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm.