A cheer went up from the more than 5,000 people who gathered where Route 76 crosses the railroad tracks when Union Pacific’s “Big Boy”, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, came to a halt. Ripley was one of the scheduled stops as the locomotive participated in the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

“I think it’s amazing, absolutely amazing,” said Tom Zanghi of Cassadaga. “It’s pretty cool they have a stop in little Ripley and so many came out to see it.”

The moment was particularly special for Zanghi, who said he had always known about the Big Boy engine and hoped to see it. “I pestered my wife for years that some day we could take a vacation to go see it, and here it is, 20 miles from my house!”

Mike Sokolowski of Erie said the experience was awesome. “It’s a great opportunity to see something you will never see again,” he said. “It’s quite a spectacle — an amazing piece of machinery.”

More than 5000 people converged on Ripley to watch the Big Boy Steam locomotive pull in.

Fifteen-year-old Wayne Barlow had a more practical approach to the event. “It’s pretty cool,” he said. “It’s a good thing to take the day off school to see it.”

His grandmother, Regina Pierce of Warren, was much more enthusiastic. “It’s incredibly exciting,” she said. “My grandfather was a brake man in the old days, so it’s in my blood.”

According to Union Pacific, “Twenty-five Big Boys were commissioned exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. These massive locomotives were built to haul heavy equipment in support of the war effort, normally operating between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Big Boys are 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds.”

No. 4014 was retired in Dec. 1961 after traveling 1,031,205 miles. It was located at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California, until Union Pacific required it in 2013. After a period of restoration it returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s Completion

One senior citizen from Erie said seeing the locomotive was unlike anything she has experienced. “In all my life’s days, I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said. “I think about what was happening in the world in 1941 when it was built. FDR was president, WW II was raging, and this engine was built to haul equipment over mountains.”

Roy Lindsley of Gerry said he looked forward to this moment with anticipation. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I’ve seen pictures over the years and always wanted to see it in person,” he said. He added with a laugh ,”I’m one year older than this train.”

Jeffrey Huntt of Waterford, Pa., said he thought the engine’s tour is a great way to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. “It’s not what I expected. It’s always better in person,” he said. “It’s good to share with so many people the spirit of America.”

Even though Big Boy stopped for half an hour in Ripley and briefly in North East people gathered at several vantage points to watch the train pass by. Junctures such as Walbridge Road in Harborcreek, Remington Road in North East and Gulf Road near the state line were thronged with automobiles and crowds.

While many businesses put up “No Parking” signs, some were very gracious in allowing people to use their lots. One business owner on Route 20 said people were very appreciative. “We didn’t charge them to park and they had a nice, close, accessible place to view the train with their friends and family,” she said. “There were quite a few handicapped people who came, as well as a lot of dogs and a lot of children.”

Despite being busy directing the 50-plus cars who used her parking lot, the business woman said watching the Big Boy pass was a moment she would never forget. “It’s a very beautiful engine. I wish it had lasted longer,” she said. “I did my best to make it safe and accessible for everyone who wanted to see the steam locomotive.”

Town of Ripley Supervisor Laura K. Pless said the engine was making a maintenance stop for one half hour and visitors were permitted to take pictures of the train, but not enter it. It was a monumental task to ensure everyone’s safety, she said. “Safety and security of our residents and visitors was a priority,” Pless said.

Pless expressed gratitude for the many agencies which came to help the town. “A huge thank you goes out to Noel Guttman and Chautauqua County Emergency Services, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, all of the town employees and Ripley Hose Co. for their assistance in making sure everything went off without a hitch,” she said. “We also want to thank the Chautauqua County trolleys for helping transport people from various parking locations while the County Fire Police did a fantastic job assisting with traffic and event coordination.”

Pless said the event was truly wonderful. “The legendary Big Boy train visit was a huge success, drawing an incredible crowd of more than 5,000 enthusiastic guests and residents! What a wonderful opportunity for everyone to witness this historic event and showcase the Town of Ripley,” she said. “Thank you to all our wonderful community members who were so incredibly welcoming to all of our visitors. What an awesome day!”