Union Pacific Railroad has launched new rolling stock to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, alongside plans for a landmark East Coast tour.
The railway operator, originally established in 1862 under President Abraham Lincoln, revealed two new commemorative locomotives. It has also announced plans for an East Coast tour with its famed steam engine, Big Boy No. 4014, which is widely regarded as the largest operating steam locomotive in the world.
Big Boy 4014 Woodbine
© Union Pacific
At the centre of the announcement are locomotives No. 4547 and No. 1776, both designed to reflect key themes in American history. No. 1776, branded as the “America250” locomotive, features a prominent American flag set against Union Pacific’s traditional armour-yellow livery, accompanied by anniversary branding. It is intended as a visual tribute to the nation’s founding.
Meanwhile, No. 4547 has been produced in collaboration with Wabtec and honours current U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The locomotive carries large, flowing flag motifs on either side, including one version with 13 stars representing the original colonies and another depicting the modern national flag.
Union Pacific celebrates America’s 250th with New Locomotives No. 4547 and No. 1776
© Union Pacific
These additions form part of a broader series of presidential locomotives. Earlier entries include No. 4141, dedicated to President George H.W. Bush, which notably hauled the late president’s funeral train in Texas and is now displayed at his presidential library.
Union Pacific’s Chief Executive, Jim Vena, said:
Union Pacific is honoured to take part in the 250th anniversary of this great nation. Each of these commemorative locomotives symbolises important moments in the history of Union Pacific and the U.S. Our shared history shows the vital role railroads have played and will continue to play for generations to come.
Alongside the new diesel locomotives, the railway confirmed that Big Boy No. 4014 will undertake a rare tour of the eastern United States. The locomotive will travel to Philadelphia for Independence Day celebrations, marking the first time it has visited the region in modern preservation.
The journey will include stops across several states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Prior to this, the locomotive will depart Cheyenne, Wyoming, on 29 March for a western leg of the tour, returning on 24 April after passing through California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
The eastern portion of the tour is scheduled to begin on 25 May, with planned display stops in Omaha, Chicago, Buffalo and Scranton. Additional appearances are expected in Altoona, St. Louis and Kansas City before the tour concludes on 29 July.
Union Pacific has indicated that further details, including specific stopping points and timings, will be released at a later date.