ROCKHILL FURNACE — The historic East Broad Top Railroad will celebrate Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 as the world’s largest operating steam locomotive passes through Huntingdon County on July 8 as part of its America250 tour.

As Big Boy travels across Pennsylvania, thousands of railroad enthusiasts are expected to gather along the Norfolk Southern main line to witness this rare event. East Broad Top staff and volunteers will be near historic Hunt Tower in Huntingdon to welcome visitors, share in the excitement and offer hot dogs, light refreshments and railroad conversation throughout the day.

Following Big Boy’s visit, the East Broad Top Railroad will host a special Mountain Twilight Excursion departing Rockhill Furnace at 5 p.m. The excursion will be powered by the railroad’s own historic steam locomotive, No. 16.

The contrast between the two locomotives highlights the remarkable diversity of America’s railroad heritage. Big Boy No. 4014 stretches 132 feet in length and weighs more than 1.2 million pounds. East Broad Top No. 16 measures just 48 feet long and weighs about 364,000 pounds, yet both represent important chapters in the story of American railroading.

This one-time, two-hour excursion will travel the entire length of the East Broad Top’s operating railroad and will be the only train operating at the EBT on July 8. Complimentary ice cream will be served during the trip.

Whether visitors are traveling to Huntingdon County specifically to see Big Boy or simply looking for a memorable summer evening experience, July 8 offers a unique opportunity to enjoy two historic steam railroad experiences in a single day.

Reservations are encouraged.

For information and tickets, visit:https://eastbroadtop.com/ride/mountain-twilight-excursion/

East Broad Top Railroad

The East Broad Top Railroad is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest original narrow gauge railroad east of the Rocky Mountains. Located in Rockhill Furnace, the railroad preserves and operates one of the most complete surviving examples of a nineteenth-century American industrial railroad.