A Visit from Big Boy No. 4014: A Celebration of Roseville’s Rail Heritage

Big Boy, the world’s largest locomotive, makes a stop at the West’s largest rail yard in Roseville.

Roseville, California, is gearing up for a historic event in the summer of 2024 as it welcomes Big Boy No. 4014 as part of its Summer tour. This massive steam locomotive, which stands at 100 feet long and weighs over 1.5 million pounds, is the largest operating locomotive in the world and will be making a day-long stop in Roseville on July 12th.

Roseville has always been proud of its rail heritage and this event is an opportunity to showcase it to visitors from all over. The city’s downtown area will be transformed into a festive atmosphere with live music, food trucks, a splash pad, farmers market and kid’s zone at Vernon Street Town Square.

To celebrate the occasion, special old west performances will be put on by the Black Flag Gang, who are known for their performances during events such as “Gold Rush Days” in Old Sacramento and Colfax Railroad Days. In addition to that, the Carnegie Museum in Roseville’s historic old town district will be hosting a special exhibit on Big Boy during his visit.

The Roseville Historical Society located within the Carnegie Museum also has various items related to Roseville’s rich rail history including artifacts from the devastating 1973 railyard explosion. Visitors from near and far are invited to come witness this amazing event and learn more about Roseville’s rich history with trains. The city is excited to welcome railroad royalty and share its heritage with everyone who comes to see it.

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