The appearance of the world's largest operating steam locomotive is expected to draw thousands of rail enthusiasts and spectators to communities across northeastern and eastern Pennsylvania.
RBMN officials noted that while the railroad prides itself on operating on schedule, the unique nature of the special event means that all times are approximate and may change.
Thursday: Big Boy Travels Through Schuylkill County
Thursday's operations will feature one of the event's biggest attractions as Big Boy travels across Schuylkill County en route to Reading.
A diesel-powered Reading & Northern passenger excursion, led by locomotives Nos. 1776 and 2026, will depart Nesquehoning at 9:00 a.m., while Big Boy will leave Jim Thorpe at the same time.
The two trains will travel the Reading & Northern Main Line through Schuylkill County, passing communities including Barnesville, Tamaqua, New Ringgold, Port Clinton, Hamburg and Leesport before arriving in Reading.
Approximate Thursday Times
- Nesquehoning: Big Boy photo stop from 9:20-9:35 a.m. (Open to the public; no public parking, foot traffic only.)
- Tamaqua: RBMN train at 10:05 a.m.; Big Boy 10:20-10:35 a.m. (15-minute photo stop.)
- New Ringgold: RBMN 11:00 a.m.; Big Boy 11:05 a.m.
- Port Clinton: RBMN 11:12 a.m.; Big Boy 11:31-11:46 a.m. (15-minute photo stop; open to the public with no public parking.)
- Hamburg: RBMN 11:55 a.m.; Big Boy Noon-12:15 p.m. (15-minute photo stop.)
- Mohrsville: RBMN 12:10 p.m.; Big Boy 12:30 p.m.
- Leesport: Big Boy 12:40-12:45 p.m. (5-minute photo stop.)
- Reading Outer Station: RBMN 12:30-3:00 p.m.; Big Boy 1:05-2:20 p.m.
Reading Outer Station will be open to the public for viewing the locomotive, although parking will not be permitted in the station parking lot.
Big Boy is scheduled to depart Reading at 2:20 p.m. to return to Norfolk Southern tracks, while the Reading & Northern passenger excursion will leave Reading at 3:00 p.m., returning to Nesquehoning around 5:00 p.m.
Railroad officials remind visitors that all times are approximate and subject to change due to operating conditions. Spectators are encouraged to obey all railroad safety rules, remain off railroad property, and view the locomotive only from designated public areas.