Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Team: The World’s Largest Steam Engine Roars Back to Life!

A picture book about the restoration of Big Boy 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive.

In the 1940s, the ground rumbled as they thundered across the United States, 25 600-ton steam locomotives called Big Boys. These mammoth engines were built to pull trains transporting soldiers and freight, supporting the war effort.

When less-expensive diesel-electric engines became popular, Big Boy engines were pulled from service, either to be scrapped or sent to museums and other venues as exhibits. Big Boy 4014 pulled her last train in 1959. She spent most of her retirement in California at an outdoor train museum. People came from around the world to visit, marveling at her size.

But one day in 2013, a different group of visitors came to see Big Boy 4014. This group wondered what it would take to get her back on the tracks. May 9, 2019, would be the Golden Spike Celebration, the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Could Big Boy 4014 be restored in time for the celebration? Would she ever roll on the rails again?

Readers of all ages are taken on a journey with Big Boy 4014, from stranded icon to restoration to the 150th Golden Spike anniversary, and then onto excursion tours. Back matter includes photos and additional facts about the Big Boys steam engines.