Excitement building for Big Boy's trip through Schuylkill County

When John Ross hears the whistle of a steam engine approaching his Tamaqua Station Restaurant, he rushes out to the platform to see that train chug by, he said.

"I love trains, and when I see one it's like I'm five years old again," said Ross, whose restaurant is located in the restored Tamaqua Train Station.

So Ross, like many in Schuylkill County, is growing increasing excited for July 2, when Big Boy, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will roll through Schuylkill County as part of its first ever East Coast tour.

The Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014, as it is fully named, is making the trip as part of its coast-to-coast expedition to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

"It'll be a once in a lifetime experience," Ross said. "I can't wait."

Big Boy will come through Tamaqua after spending the evening of July 1 in Jim Thorpe, then heading south from there the morning of July 2 as it travels to the Reading Outer Station to switch tracks, and then on to Philadelphia, where it will be showcased on July 4.

Tamaqua is one of the communities where a 15-minute photo stop is planned for Big Boy before the train continues on through New Ringgold, Port Clinton, Hamburg and Leesport.

Online reports have varied on what time that Tamaqua stop will take place, but Union Pacific currently estimates it will happen about 10:55 a.m., though company spokeswoman Robynn Tyvser stressed that was an estimate, and that it could arrive somewhat earlier or later.

Also, before Big Boy arrives, a Reading and Northern passenger train is scheduled to reach Tamaqua shortly after 10 being pulled south by two diesel engines newly painted for the 250th.

For the big event, the Tamaqua Station Restaurant will open at 9 a.m. on July 2, two hours earlier than it normally does, and has 100 seats already reserved for diners on the platform near the tracks that morning, Ross said.

He said he may also have limited indoor dining, but has run into a logistical problem.

"I don't have any more chairs," he said.

Tamaqua officials expect that a lot of rail enthusiasts will be in town to see and photograph Big Boy, which is 133-feet long and weighs 1.2 tons. That's what has happened in other communities, including during a June 14 pass through Nesquehoning where people young and old flooded into the borough and lined the tracks.

Union Pacific knew that the turnouts along the tour would be big, but the size and enthusiasm of those crowds has still exceeded expectations, Tyvser said.

"The turnouts have just been incredible," she said. "They've been larger than we've anticipated."

Information on parking and travel changes along Big Boy's route through Schuylkill County were not immediately available, though Tamaqua Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt said that the borough police department would have extra officers on duty for July 2.

To keep everyone safe, Union Pacific officials urge visitors, along with drones, to stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks and to remember that tracks, trestles, yards and rights of way are private property, so they should not trespass.

For more information about Big Boy, go to Union Pacific's website at up.com.

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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 6:51 PM.