Watseka officials are planning for possibly thousands of people to be in Watseka Sept. 9 to see the largest operating steam train in the world.
At the Watseka City Council meeting Aug. 27 it was noted that Big Boy No. 4014 will be in Watseka about 5 p.m. for a 30 minute stop.
The train will be at the North Street crossing at that time. There will not be any public access to the train.
Alderman Scott Anderson said, “Expect people from all over the world to come in to see this largest steam train in the world. It’s a heck of a sight to see, I saw it when it as in Chicago a few years ago.
“I’ve spoken with Chief (Jeremy) Douglas and Chief (Ken) Baier and with Public Works for making arrangements for what could be a viewing area.
“About 5 p.m. it will be making a stop at the North Street crossing as it heads south from coming through Chicago, from Momence down the UP tracks as it heads its way south on its tour. This is a big opportunity for the city. I would expect our restaurants to be full. I would expect even motels to be full with people who are coming in.”
He said the stop will be just 30 minutes. “People will not be able to get close to this train. You don’t want to get close to this train. A steam train and what it does it will spit out a lot of steam and a lot of hot water. It will burn you if you are too close. You are supposed to stay 25 feet away from it. Parking will be at a premium,” Anderson said.
“There are talking in excess of between 5,000 and 10,000 people,” Mayor John Allhands said of what Union Pacific officials have indicated.
“It’s a big deal,” Anderson said, noting that he expects people to be arriving to see the train as early as noon that day.
Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor said he is working on getting some of the open lots designated as parking areas.
As of press time Grosvenor said that parking will be set up next to Public Works on the grass lot, Second Street just north of North Street, Third Street just south of North Street and Kay Street in grass lots. He said that people should look for signs that designate the parking areas.
Police Chief Jeremy Douglas said he has been in contact with Union Pacific officials several times and they will have railroad agents in town that day, but asked that Watseka Police assist in crowd control for parking and other logistics.
“Folks will have to be patient and understanding with the limited parking available,” he said.
Information provided by Union Pacific noted that Big Boy No. 4014 will be on its fall 2024 Heartland of America Tour that will encompass 10 states and three dozen communities.
