The largest, biggest, and most powerful steam locomotives operating in the USA!
Here is a list of the 5 largest steam trains currently in operation as of 2025.
"Largest" for this list is determined on locomotive weight.
Be sure to check out Mainline Steam for more information on these and other large steam locomotives operating in the United States.
Here we go! -
Here is a list of the 5 largest steam trains currently in operation as of 2025.
"Largest" for this list is determined on locomotive weight.
Be sure to check out Mainline Steam for more information on these and other large steam locomotives operating in the United States.
Here we go! -
5. Spokane Portland & Seattle #700
Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1938.
#700 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive.
Owned by the City of Portland, Oregon; maintained and operated by the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association and on public display at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, Oregon.
Steam Locomotive #700 weighs in at 485,820lbs.
Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1938.
#700 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive.
Owned by the City of Portland, Oregon; maintained and operated by the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association and on public display at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, Oregon.
Steam Locomotive #700 weighs in at 485,820lbs.
4. Union Pacific #844
Built by ALCO - Schenectady in 1944 as the last steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific. #844 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive with 80" driving wheels.
Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad and based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Steam Locomotive #844 weighs in at 486,340 lbs. (3)
Built by ALCO - Schenectady in 1944 as the last steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific. #844 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive with 80" driving wheels.
Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad and based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Steam Locomotive #844 weighs in at 486,340 lbs. (3)
3. Norfolk and Western "J" #611
Built by the Norfolk & Western Roanoke Shops in 1950.
#611 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive with 70" driving wheels.
Now owned by the Roanoke Transportation Museum in Roanoke, Virginia.
Steam Locomotive #611 weighs in at 494,000 lbs. (4)
Built by the Norfolk & Western Roanoke Shops in 1950.
#611 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive with 70" driving wheels.
Now owned by the Roanoke Transportation Museum in Roanoke, Virginia.
Steam Locomotive #611 weighs in at 494,000 lbs. (4)
2. Santa Fe #2926
Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1944 for the Santa Fe Railroad.
#2926 is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive.
Now owned by New Mexico Heritage Rail based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Steam Locomotive #2926 weighs in at 510,150 lbs.
1. Union Pacific "Big Boy" #4014
Built by ALCO - Schenectady in 1941 for the Union Pacific Railroad.
#4014 is a 4-8-8-4 articulated steam locomotive with 68" driving wheels.
Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad and based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Steam Locomotive #4014 weighs in at 762,000 lbs. (5)
Built by ALCO - Schenectady in 1941 for the Union Pacific Railroad.
#4014 is a 4-8-8-4 articulated steam locomotive with 68" driving wheels.
Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad and based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Steam Locomotive #4014 weighs in at 762,000 lbs. (5)
