ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Jarrett Bower and Amara Hefferon, of Mill Hall, made the trip to Scranton to experience the event firsthand.

SCRANTON — Steamtown National Historic Site recently welcomed thousands of visitors for a once-in-a-lifetime railroad event as Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 arrived for a historic reunion with Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4012.

As part of Union Pacific’s cross-country journey honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday, Big Boy No. 4014 — the largest operating steam locomotive in the United States–made a highly anticipated stop in Scranton. The visit marked the only location where the public could witness two Big Boy locomotives displayed side by side.

Among those attending were Jarrett Bower and Amara Hefferon, of Mill Hall, who made the trip to experience the event firsthand.

“We made the trip to Steamtown in Scranton to witness a truly once-in-a-lifetime event–the reunion of the legendary Big Boys, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4012 and Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014,” they shared.

The pair described the experience as unforgettable, not only because of the rare opportunity to see the locomotives together, but also due to the welcoming atmosphere created by staff and volunteers.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Hundreds of train enthusiasts attended the Big Boy train reunion.

“The Steamtown crew, park staff, security and volunteers were genuinely welcoming, friendly and excited to share the moment with everyone there. It was great to see so many people coming together to celebrate railroad history and have a good time,” they said.

The event brought together rail enthusiasts, families and history lovers from across the region, serving as a powerful reminder of the innovation and determination that helped build America’s transportation system.

For many attendees, the sight of the massive locomotives standing side by side symbolized more than railroad history–it represented American ingenuity, strength and pride.

As many visitors proudly echoed during the event, there was only one way to explain the golden eagle displayed on the nose of Big Boy No. 4014: “Because this is America.”

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS The scale of the size of the trains is impressive.