By Joe Herrick
01 April 2025
In 2024, the Union Pacific Railroad announced “Big Boy” No. 4014’s summer and fall “Heartland of America” tours. No. 4014 returned to the rails with public display days at communities along the route from Roseville, California, to Big Sandy, Texas.
The Union Pacific’s legendary locomotive “Big Boy” No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, built to conquer mountains, made 19 whistle-stops in five states during the summer of its “Westward Bound” tour from Wyoming to California. It visited more than three dozen other communities on the fall leg of the tour across ten additional states.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer you an up-close look at the 1.2-million-pound marvel No. 4014, as there are no plans to bring it to Ohio. However, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum does house an original “Big Boy.”
Sadly, we cannot offer you access to our original “Big Boy.” Standing guard in the Roundhouse crew lunchroom, which is not accessible to the public, he is always “on duty.”
Ohio Central Railroad owner Jerry Joe Jacobson had many dealings with a railroad demolition and salvage operator and collector by the name of Brian Maiher. Of course, Maiher salvaged many properties other than railroads, such as hospitals and restaurants.
At one point in time, Frisch’s restaurants were among Jerry’s favorites. One day, Jerry and Chief Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato were picking up items from Maiher. Jerry noticed two statues of the iconic Frisch’s mascot which is…” Big Boy.” Large Big Boy was eight feet tall. Small Big Boy, only four feet tall.
After some discussion with Tim concerning where to place a “Big Boy” in the roundhouse, a deal was reached with Mr. Maiher, and now, a small “Big Boy” resides in the lunchroom of the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum. Part of his duties includes building morale and heralding the seasons in the roundhouse, getting decorated for Christmas, Halloween, etc.
I hope you are all enjoying the April Fools tomfoolery!
Tickets may be refunded for cancellations up to 24 hours before a scheduled tour or event begins. The processing fee, or any other incurred charges, will not be refunded. No refunds will be given within 24 hours of, or after, the ticketed tour or event start time.