Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Team
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Published by Sleeping Bear Press
Dedicated to Ed Dickens, the Steam Team, and locomotive lovers around the world.
“If steam locomotives could dream, Big Boy would be chugging up the Wasatch Mountains at 70 miles per hour, feeling the warmth of the coal in her firebox, as powerful as 7,000 horses.”
That’s how Big Boy’s story begins, but her story is more than a dream. Built in 1941, Big Boy 4014 was one of 25 massive steam engines designed to haul heavy freight across the United States. After years of service, she was retired and left on display in an outdoor California museum…for 52 years! Then in 2013, a dedicated team of train specialists decided to attempt what most considered impossible. She was moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming and with meticulous care and hard work restored to her former glory. Today, she roars across tracks once more, a testament to determination and teamwork.
The Story Behind The Story
I’ve always loved trains! Growing up in the Kansas countryside, I lived just a couple of miles from the train tracks. I could hear the train’s whistle from my home whenever it passed by.
So, when I heard about Big Boy 4014’s rescue from a scrapyard to half a century in an outdoor train museum to restoration by a dedicated group of steam locomotive specialists, I was drawn to writing her story for young readers.
In 2023, I traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to see Big Boy 4014 on tour. I was honored to meet Ed Dickens, senior engineer and manager of the locomotive, and delighted to ride in the cab with him, pulling Big Boy’s whistle. I even gave Big Boy a hug!
I’m so looking forward to sharing the book with all you locomotive lovers! WHOOOOOO-WHOO-WHOOOOOO
Awards & Honors
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection 2025
Kirkus
Arnold and Gustavson pay tribute to the world’s biggest steam locomotive…Arnold describes the work that goes into restoring her: “Test those bolts. Check those rivets. Grab the torches. Grab the welders.” Dramatic perspectives – close-ups, long shots, aerial views – subtly suggest the train’s momentum…these bold illustrations convey a sense of affection for a bygone era. A mighty steam train is resurrected at last.
Booklist
“Lovers of big trains and big dreams will be over the moon for this full-throttle account of how a nine-man “Steam Team” took a Big Boy—one of the largest steam locomotives ever built—and restored it to full working order.”
Robynn Tysver, Union Pacific Communication Manager
“Your book arrived last night. I eagerly read and loved it. But the true test came this morning, when I took it into the office and showed it to all my Union Pacific colleagues, including my supervisor who is both a stickler and a Big Boy fan. THEY LOVED IT. No one had a quibble.”
Sandy Brehl from Unpacking the Power of Picture Books
“Arnold’s text masterfully blends the power and heart of BIG BOY 4014’s past with recent transformations that restored her status as a living legend. How does an author capture such an enormous subject within the pages of a picture book, especially a subject with more than a century of history?”
Jena Benton from Simply 7
Marsha’s words bring the rhythm of the train to life and will enchant readers of all ages. The paintings by Adam Gustavson are every bit as epic in their delivery as they should be for such an epic train and a glorious story. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss this one!