HOUSTON — Train enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend. The ‘Big Boy’ steam locomotive is in town. The 83-year-old locomotive is a historic beast. It weighs in at 1.2 million pounds. It’s 132 feet long and has traveled more than a million miles.
Train lovers started showing up in Houston, hoping to get a glimpse at the biggest operational steam locomotive in the world. They’ll be able to see it on display for free at the Amtrack location at 902 Washington Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Big Boy's trip through Texas is part of the Heartland of America tour. It kicked off in August in Wyoming, moved through the Midwest and will finish its trip in Texas.
Train enthusiast Ezekiel Bowden says it's fascinating to see something so mechanical and old still operating.
The ‘Big Boy’ that arrived in Houston Friday is one of eight remaining, and the only one still in operation from 1941, when it was used during World War II. Bowden said he and his father used this as bonding time.
On Friday, they watched Big Boy leave College Station and hope to see it in Houston. But the energy in Navasota Friday morning was unmatched.
“It was phenomenal, full of families and kids, young and old adults,” said Bowden. “And everyone was just super excited to see it and have that opportunity to just be there and witness it, feel the heat, smell the steam. It was a really fun, energetic atmosphere.”
Here's where you can see "Big Boy" steam locomotive on Sunday.