4014 runs and 4012 doesn't, but the two Big Boys came off the same ALCO line in November 1941. Here is how they compare.
Of the eight surviving Big Boys, No. 4014 and No. 4012 often get compared. Both belong to the first batch (class 4884-1), built in November 1941. They share a design but have had very different afterlives.
| No. 4014 | No. 4012 | |
|---|---|---|
| Built | November 1941, ALCO (no. 69585) | November 1941, ALCO (no. 69583) |
| Where it is | Union Pacific Steam Shop, Cheyenne, Wyoming (or on tour) | Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, Pennsylvania |
| Status | Operational, restored in 2019 | Static display, cosmetic restoration completed 2021 |
| Owner | Union Pacific Railroad | National Park Service site |
| Display | Shop, tours and events | Outdoors, too large for Steamtown's turntable and roundhouse |
The table follows Wikipedia's survivor list and the National Park Service's Steamtown page.
Could 4012 Run Again?
Per Wikipedia, Steamtown staff believe No. 4012 could be restored to working order, but recommended first determining whether the surrounding rail infrastructure could handle the engine's weight. No restoration has been announced as far as we know.
When 4014 Visited 4012
During the 2026 Coast-to-Coast Tour, 4014 stopped in Scranton. Steamtown hosted public display days on June 15 and 16, and the locomotive stayed at Steamtown from June 17 through June 30 while Union Pacific completed servicing, according to the National Park Service. Fans could see an operating Big Boy beside a sister engine on static display.
Tenders
Wikipedia notes that 4014 is now paired with a tender taken from Union Pacific Challenger No. 3985. 4012's surviving tender comes from sister engine No. 4013.
More on the others: Where Big Boy Locomotives Are Today. Back to the The Complete Guide to Union Pacific Big Boy 4014. Shop the Big Boy 4014 Shirts & Merch or the America 250 Collection.
Shop Big Boy Gear
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Keep Reading in the Big Boy 4014 Knowledge Hub
- Where Big Boy Locomotives Are Today
- Big Boy 4014 Specifications Explained
- Big Boy Restoration History
- Big Boy 4014 Tour History
Start with the complete guide to Big Boy 4014 for the full overview.