UP 4014 To Run Excursion on Reading & Northern June 14th

Crescent-Zephyr · **Joined:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:15 pm **Posts:** 1799

I made it to Durango to see the #340 but I'm kinda regretting missing this now! I'm not familiar enough with the Reading & Northern to know that the side-by-side running was even possible.

When the trip was announced it sounded fun - I've seen the Big Boy and even ridden behind her on one of the first museum specials they ran. I love seeing the Big Boy but the crowds are a bit much and I thought "well passing the Big Boy while riding behind the 2102 would be cool but..."

Little did I know what a cool opportunity it was. But my stay at the Strater and riding behind the 340 the weekend before was also great so I can't cry too much for missing out on a great and historic steam experience. :)

jrevans · **Posted:** Mon Jun 22, 2026 11:19 pm

BWills wrote:

was it ever confirmed that tickets were sold/passenger were on the 4014 consist?

I rode on the 15th and while in Pittston, I watched passengers de-train from the 4014 train, and board two white motorcoaches, which left the premises with a police escort.

So, I don't know about the tickets, but there were definitely passengers on there!

By the way, this was probably the greatest excursion train that I ever rode. I was in the third open window coach, and could see and hear the 2102 working hard. Then to meet up with the 4014 while underway was an unforgettable experience! I barely thought that I'd ever see a Big Boy in steam, but to have it under power, about six feet away from me while in motion, feeling the heat from the firebox as it passed the coach window, was incredible! It's hard to believe they we able to plan something like this, but I'm very thankful that it happened.

Chris Webster · **Joined:** Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:45 am **Posts:** 1087

A July 3, 2026 article on ABC27.com by George Stockburger

Quote:

READING, Pa. (WHTM) – A “mass casualty incident” was declared at the Berks County stop for the Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive‘s nationwide tour.

The Muhlenberg Township Police Department says thousands of spectators waited in 106-degree weather for the train at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station in Reading on Thursday.

Beginning shortly before the train’s arrival and throughout the event, more than 100 individuals received medical treatment on scene, and 35 people were taken to the hospital for evaluation and care for heat-related illnesses.

One person suffered cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated prior to being transported.

Link to full story: “Mass casualty incident” declared at Pennsylvania Big Boy train stop after dozens treated for heat illnesses