Ed Dickens and Steam Team reflect on their Big Boy locomotive tours

CHEYENNE - Union Pacific Railroad ended its eight-week Big Boy No. 4014 "Heartland of America" tour a little more than a month ago, and Ed Dickens and the Steam Team are looking full speed ahead to their future tours, while reflecting on what makes the Big Boy and Union Pacific staples among train buffs.

The schedule was announced in early August, and the tour kicked off in Cheyenne on Aug. 28, passing through three dozen communities and 10 states.

As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum auctioned off four cab rides on the Big Boy, with proceeds going to the Union Pacific Museum...