Binghamton Welcomes Big Boy No. 4014 at Lackawanna Train Station

Thousands of Broome and Tioga County residents turned out to see a visit by what's billed as the world's largest operating steam locomotive.

"Big Boy No. 4014" was met by large crowds as the special touring train rolled into the village of Owego Friday morning.

WATCH: Two WNBF News "Big Boy" videos at the end of this article.

The eastern leg of the cross-country excursion celebrating America's 250th anniversary began in late May.

The train arrived in western New York on Tuesday. After spending some time in Buffalo, it made brief stops in Silver Springs and Hornell.

The train spent the night in Sayre before heading east to Owego. After a short visit in the village, Big Boy No. 4014 resumed its trek into Broome County.

Big Boy No. 4014 in the downtown Binghamton railyard on June 12, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The special visitor arrived at the historic Lackawanna Train Station on Lewis Street around 12:15 p.m.

Although there were no provisions for members of the public to get close to the unique locomotive, streets near the downtown railroad yard were crowded with children and adults who wanted to catch a glimpse of the train.

Those who saw it seemed impressed with many concluding it was a "once-in-a-lifetime" event.

A private event for Norfolk Southern Railway employees was planned during the Binghamton stop.

The train is scheduled to leave Binghamton at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The next big "photo op" is expected to be at the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct in Nicholson, Pennsylvania around 10 a.m. Saturday.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Big Boy No. 4014 arrives at Lackawanna Train Station in downtown Binghamton on June 12, 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The special excursion train backing up on a siding in Binghamton on June 12, 2026. 

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.