NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTOS BY JONATHAN MEYER Big Boy, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is traveling across the country to Washington, D.C. as part of the America250 celebration, and the famous train made a stop in Tama at around 11:15 a.m. with a large crowd gathered and much fanfare. The train last passed through the area in the fall of 2024.

Families unfolded lawn chairs, rail enthusiasts set up cameras, and children eagerly watched down the tracks Monday morning as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, made its way through Tama as part of the railroad’s America 250 Tour.

For many, it was a rare opportunity to see one of the most famous locomotives in the world.

Built in the early 1940s, Big Boy was designed to haul heavy freight through the mountains of the western United States. Only 25 of the massive steam locomotives were ever constructed. After spending decades on display, No. 4014 was restored to operating condition by Union Pacific and returned to the rails in 2019. Today, it is the only operating Big Boy locomotive in existence.

The locomotive is currently traveling across portions of the country as part of Union Pacific’s America 250 Tour, celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

As the train approached Tama, hundreds of spectators lined the tracks, many raising cameras and cell phones to capture the moment. The locomotive’s whistle echoed through town before the giant steam engine rolled into view, drawing waves and cheers from the crowd.

Attendance throughout the community was estimated to approach 1,000 people as residents and visitors gathered at railroad crossings.

While the locomotive itself was the main attraction, the visit also provided a boost to local businesses.

Murph’s Creamery & Grill in Toledo reported one of its busiest days in recent memory, thanking customers for their patience after experiencing long lines and wait times throughout the day.

“We know the lines were long and wait times were a little longer than usual, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding,” Murph’s wrote in a social media post following the event.

For some spectators, the significance of the day extended beyond the locomotive itself.

Among those in attendance was Rebecca Reinier, a 1975 South Tama graduate who now lives in Ankeny. Rainier said her connection to railroads began with her father, who worked for the railroad throughout her childhood.

“My father worked for the railroad, just a few blocks from here. That’s all I ever knew,” she said.

Rainier had seen Big Boy before during previous visits to Iowa, but Monday’s experience carried a deeper meaning because of the memories it brought back.

Her stories were some of many shared along the tracks as generations gathered to witness a piece of living history.