Local teen documents Ohio sightings of steam locomotive Big Boy
PHOTOS by Clint and Jenna Wilkins
By Liz Gordon-Hancock and Paula Scott
Clint Wilkins, age 14, is something of a train aficionado. He and his family tracked the Union Pacific’s No. 4014, a.k.a. Big Boy, from Continental to Bellevue, Ohio, when the steam locomotive made its way through Ohio on Saturday, June 6, as part of a coast-to-coast tour.
The No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. It is making over four dozen whistle-stops of 13 to 30 minutes long.
Clint’s photos show the train in operation amidst Ohio farmland and Jenna’s show the train stopped in the moments before crowds descended. It is estimated that 10K people were at the Continental stop.
Jenna notes, “The guy on the top of the train is Ed Dickens, the Engineer. He's standing on the tender and waving and recording all of us. It was crazy.”
For more information, visit https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule
◾️ MEET ADAICON.COM SPONSORS Free news, updated daily
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026
- Bluffton Icon headlines, Sept. 25
- Clay, community, and the classroom
- Freshman Rister just misses qualification for girls golf districts
- Ada boys golf 4th at sectionals; Rister, Shook make districts
- Send October 2026 calendar events to the Icon
- Bulldogs and Black Knights team up to Volley for a Cure
- Cursive Ohio charity ride donates $3,150 to Ohio ArgAbility
- ONU Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2026
- Ohio Northern recognizes rising stars, proven leaders
Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Bluffton Icon headlines, Sept. 24
- Roundabouts celebrated for crash reduction
- Letter: Ada Lions Club thanks volunteers and sponsors for food booth support
- ODNR urges caution during fall wildfire season
- Hello, Goodbye: Diphenhydramine for allergies
- Village of Ada shares follow-up survey for strategic planning