What it's like to take a trip on a vintage steam train

January 9, 2023 // By Joanne and Tony DiBona

By Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel Photography Experts January 9, 2023

Big Boy, Evening view in San Antonio Sunset Station Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014 makes its way across a 23-state railway network to bring the railroad's rich heritage to vintage train fans, young and old. This gallery will take you on an intimate tour of the Big Boy #4014 as it departs the San Antonio Sunset Station on its historic ride to Houston, Texas.

Twenty-five “Big Boys” were built during 1941 with eight still existing. No. 4014 is the only operational Big Boy out of that group, thanks to an extensive, complicated multi-year renovation that brought this venerable mechanical marvel back to ride the rails.

Big Boy engine view Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Ready to roll

Crowds gather early in the morning to admire the formidable presence of the Big Boy No. 4014 and watch it pull out of the San Antonio station. Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds with a length of 132 feet, it’s no wonder it commands attention. It also carries the distinction of being the world’s largest operational steam locomotive.

Young man with train model Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Love of trains spans generations

The fascination with vintage trains transcends all age groups. This young man holds a scale model of the Big Boy as he stands in awe in front of the real thing. He was proud to bring his model Big Boy No. 4014 to the San Antonio Sunset Station to celebrate its tour through the Texan heartland to Houston.

Big Boy, maintenance crew Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Maintenance check

Excitement mounts as engineers complete their maintenance checks and prepare the Big Boy for its tour through the heartland of Texas.

Big Boy conductor Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

All aboard

The conductor looks at his watch and determines that it's time to depart. A blast of the train whistle and great fanfare accompanies Big Boy's departure.

Big Boy Engine Cab Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Managing the "hot spot"

The cab area that drives the engine is, indeed, a “hot spot” with its intricate array of valves, gauges, control handles and a hot box maintaining fire to the boiler. Even on a cool November day, the temperature in the cab was toasty, to say the least.

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Big Boy, 50s dining car Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Lounging, '50s style

Each of the cars pulled by the Big Boy on this journey provided a step back in time to the peak of train travel in the ‘50s and ‘60s. This lounge car, built in 1955, was named for Walter Dean, who began his long service with Union Pacific in 1942 as a dining car waiter and worked his way up to ambassador status. He personally attended to Hollywood stars, such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, during his career. Meticulously restored, it reflects the elegance of another era.

Big Boy, vintage bar Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Vintage bar

What would a vintage train be without a vintage bar? It looks like a scene right out of “Mad Men." The train’s affable and knowledgeable bartender is ready to concoct any drink of choice, no matter which decade it was popular. Whiskey sour, anyone?

Big Boy, dome car Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Dome with a view

Special guests enjoy a reception in the Challenger dome coach car, with a view over the city of San Antonio. The Challenger was built by Pullman Standard in 1958, the last dome car built by the company. It was acquired by the Union Pacific in 1989.

Vintage dining onboard the Big Boy Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Dining in style

In yesteryear, dining in style was an important part of any train journey. One would arrive – meticulously dressed – and sit down to a luxurious dining experience as the train made its way across the nation's landscapes. This view of the City of Denver dining car, decked out in preparation for lunch, evokes memories of those earlier times.

Culinary delights Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Culinary perfection

It’s always quite amazing to see how two chefs – in a galley kitchen that's 12 feet by 6 feet – can produce such a wide variety of exceptional gourmet dishes. This delicious squash soup was just one of many outstanding culinary creations served during the journey.

Big Boy welcome as the train passed through Luling, Texas Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

A warm welcome

Some of the most touching moments of this trip came as we traveled through one Texas town after another, surprised at how many children, adults and seniors lined the tracks to welcome the vintage train as we passed by. Here in Luling, Texas, schoolchildren and their teachers took time out of their class schedules to wait by the tracks to enthusiastically salute the Big Boy as it made its way through this quaint Texan town.

Big Boy dome view Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Scenery rolls by

Before the days of 3D, this is how train travelers got their kicks. From every window in this vintage dome coach, you can enjoy a wide view of the scenic Texan countryside surrounding you.

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Coach views Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Comfort of coach

Imagine the time when legroom was no issue in travel! Even if you were traveling coach in those days, there was ample room for passengers to recline in comfort, stretch out their legs and enjoy the ride.

Eagle Lake, Texas welcome Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Celebrating the railroad

It seemed like most of the small town of Eagle Lake, Texas turned out to view the Big Boy during a short stop there. Generations gathered (on a school day, no less) to welcome the vintage train to their community, in a heartfelt salute to the history of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Vintage sleeper car Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Sweet dreams

Passengers traveling to destinations that required one or more overnights on the train had the option of purchasing a sleeper car. Imagine falling asleep in this cozy bed to the rhythmic click-clack of the tracks.

Vintage narrow train aisle Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Thin as a rail

Back in the day, porters were on hand to cart passenger luggage to the cars – and you can imagine why. Check out how narrow the aisle was in this Green River sleeper car. Even with today's rollers, it would make lugging your bags on board quite a challenge.

Houston arrival Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Capturing an historic moment

Upon arrival in Houston, the crowd was just as enthusiastic to see the Big Boy No. 4014 as they were in San Antonio. Again, train aficionados of all ages converged at Houston's station to capture this historic moment.

Sunset over Houston and the Big Boy Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

The sun sets over an epic voyage

The sun sets over Houston and casts a warm glow over the rail cars of the Big Boy No. 4014, an appropriate end to a magical voyage through the heart of Texas.

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