Big Boy rerouted due to weather

Union Pacific Railroad confirmed Saturday morning Locomotive 4014 will be rerouted starting Sunday, April 12, due to forecasted weather conditions. "Instead of going over Donner Pass, Big Boy will leave California on the same route it entered the state over the Feather River Canyon," Union Pacific said Saturday. "This will result in changes to the schedule on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday." Whistle-stops affected by the reroute are Sunday's stops in Colfax and Truckee, and Tuesday's stop in Lovelock, Nevada, according to the Big Boy's schedule. Caroline McCully, president of Colfax Railroad Days, confirmed Saturday morning the Big Boy Celebration slated for Sunday is canceled as a result of the reroute. "We've been praying hard all night long that this wasn't going to come to fruition but alas Mother Nature is not in our favor and the powers that be have made other decisions for the Big Boy ..." McCully said. Despite the cancellation, McCully is encouraging the community to attend Colfax Railroad Days, which is scheduled for Sept. 12-13 in downtown Colfax. The Colfax American Legion Post 192 was also scheduled to host a special salute and award ceremony for Big Boy during the celebration. Post 192 confirmed the salute and ceremony will now be held during Railroad Days. After hearing the news that the 4014 would not make it to Colfax, Post 192 placed balloons at the train station in honor of Big Boy. This is the second time unforeseen events have resulted in change to the 4014's scheduled Colfax stop. In 2024, Big Boy was slated to stop in Colfax but coasted through the city without its planned stop because of delays caused by a tree falling across the tracks in front of the locomotive. Big Boy's next stop with public access is on Wednesday, April 15 in Carlin, Nevada. "We understand some fans may be disappointed, but safety is our top priority," Union Pacific said. More information on Big Boy's schedule can be found at up.com.