Train aficionados are anxiously awaiting a passing glimpse of one of the most famous steam locomotives to rumble through Central Illinois. The Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive is on tour through the heartland this summer and will be on display up in Rachelle, Illinois and head to Watseka for a brief whistle stop before pulling into Villa Grove for a little overnight stay. It won’t be available for tourists to explore, but just seeing and hearing it pull into the station will be plenty of thrill for the train fans among us. Check here for the full schedule. If you can get up to Rachelle or down to St. Louis, you can experience this grand locomotive more fully. It should be pulling into Villa Grove around 7 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 9th. Keep an eye on Villa Grove Fire & Rescue Facebook page for updates or for more information.
