Fostoria, Ohio, a city with a rich railroad heritage, is eagerly preparing for a significant event this weekend as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, makes a stop in the city. Known as ‘Train City USA,’ Fostoria is expecting an influx of train enthusiasts from across the region.
Community Efforts and Preparations
Ellen Gatrell, a dedicated volunteer with the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, has been instrumental in preparing for the locomotive’s arrival. She likens the event to a high school football team playing in the Super Bowl, highlighting the importance of this visit to the community. Gatrell and other volunteers have spent weeks cleaning and painting Iron Triangle Park, the designated viewing area, in anticipation of the large crowds.
Gatrell estimates that as many as 10,000 visitors could descend upon Fostoria, nearly doubling the city’s population of approximately 13,000 residents. The Big Boy locomotives, built in the 1940s to haul heavy freight across the American West, are a significant part of railroad history, with No. 4014 being the only one still in operation today.
City’s Response and Logistics
Fostoria Mayor Don Mennell expressed excitement about the event, noting that the city is the smallest town on Big Boy’s tour agenda. The visit underscores Fostoria’s identity as a key railroad destination. City officials have been working diligently since learning about the stop in late April, organizing additional parking, shuttle services from local schools, and traffic control measures to manage the expected crowds.
Mayor Mennell is confident in the city’s preparations, stating, “I think we’re prepared for it. I hope so. We’ll find out.” The event not only celebrates Fostoria’s railroad legacy but also showcases the city’s potential as a tourism hub.
Looking Ahead
For Gatrell, the arrival of Big Boy No. 4014 is the culmination of decades of effort to promote rail tourism in Fostoria. The event is a testament to the city’s enduring connection to the railroad industry and its ability to draw visitors from far and wide. The locomotive is scheduled to return to Fostoria in July for a more extended public display, offering another opportunity for the community to shine.
Original reporting: WTOL Toledo — read the source article.
