Big Boy returns to Fostoria

FOSTORIA — This Tuesday marked the return of the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 to Fostoria's Norfolk Southern Automotive Distribution Center, where a public viewing event was held. Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 made a whistle stop at Fostoria's Iron Triangle on June 6, 2026, as a part of its coast-to-coast tour honoring America's 250th anniversary. This time the locomotive stayed in Fostoria for a full-day viewing event. Tuesday's clear skies and blistering heat were no match for the tens of thousands of train enthusiasts, community members and tourists who came to see the historic return of the world's largest operating steam locomotive to Northwest Ohio. Public viewing opened at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, visitors from all across Ohio and the country lined their cars for miles to see Big Boy. Vehicles with license plates from all across the United States, including Oregon, Washington and Florida spent hours patiently waiting in line to get a close-up look at the only Big Boy locomotive still in operation. The Advertiser-Tribune spoke with visitors from towns in Ohio including Cincinnati, Dayton, and Troy, who all expressed their excitement for the opportunity to see Big Boy in such a detailed way. The public viewing event featured free handouts such as postcards, stickers, custom Big Boy tote bags, and railroad-themed bandanas. Visitors were also able to go inside and walk through some of the passenger train cars. One visitor, who traveled from Bristol, Tennessee said, "We drove over 8 hours to get here to come and see the train. We've been railroading all summer and in years past. It's really cool to be able to see this train so close and have the opportunity to see inside." Destination Seneca County hosted activities and vendors at different locations across downtown Fostoria, providing a shuttle service for visitors who wanted to experience everything the city had to offer. Family activities could be found on East Tiffin Street in front of the UrbanWoody Brewery. This site featured a trackless train, bounce house, obstacle course, basketball challenge, baseball game, football game, rainbow slide and snow cone machine. At the Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park, Destination Seneca County hosted the Iron Triangle Mini Rail Fest. Visitors who traveled from the viewing site were able to enjoy food and beverages from local vendors like Taste of Tiffin, The Bagel Buggy and Big V's Pretzel Bites. Also at the Mini Rail Fest were railroad and retail vendors who offered train-themed items, Big Boy merchandise and railroad books and apparel. Following the Mini Rail Fest, the Rail Park hosted an unofficial world record attempt to create the largest human image of a train, an attempt in which over 1,000 people registered to participate.