The Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN) will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by hosting Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” 4014 while the steam locomotive is touring the eastern U.S. on proposed merger partner Norfolk Southern. A single one-way trip powered by 4014 from Nesquehoning to Pittston will take place on Sunday, June 14 by Union Pacific.
“We are most flattered that Union Pacific has chosen to make Reading & Northern a part of the Big Boy’s eastern semiquincentennial tour,” said RBMN Senior Vice President and General Passenger Matt Fisher. “This locomotive has never been on the Reading & Northern, let alone east of the Mississippi River, since its construction in Schenectady, N.Y. in the 1940s.”
According to RBMN Owner and CEO Andy Muller, Jr., “The most fantastic railfan event of the 21st century will occur on the Reading & Northern. All are invited to join us for this event to either ride or safely follow the train. People will be required to stay a minimum of 25 feet away from all railroad tracks, which will be strictly enforced. One hundred percent safety is a must; ninety-nine percent is not enough.”
Excursions powered by Reading & Northern’s own Pennsylvania-built 4-8-4 T-1 steam locomotive, 2102, will take place on Saturday June 13, Sunday June 14, and Wednesday July 1, 2026. All three of these steam excursions will depart Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station and operate round-trip through the Lehigh Gorge to Pittston, Pa. Each trip will feature photo opportunities from onboard the RBMNexcursion as it passes Union Pacific 4014 along the way. Ticket pricing will start at $125.00 for Standard Coach seating.
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, a special diesel-powered round-trip excursion will depart Nesquehoning southbound to Reading Outer Station. This trip will also offer onboard opportunities for passengers to take photos of 4014. Tickets for this trip start at $49.00 per person for Standard Coach seating. Reading & Northern’s specially painted semiquincentennial diesel locomotives, SD40-2 1776 and GP38-2 2026 will power this train.
Tickets for all Reading & Northern 2102-powered and diesel-powered trips will go on sale Friday, April 10, 2026 at 9:00 am. Tickets may be purchased online at www.rbmnrr-passenger.com; or by calling 610-562-2102 9:00 am-5:00pm daily.
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