Thousands flock to Dwight for train stop

A crowd greets the Big Boy 4014 steam train Friday afternoon in Dwight, Todd Lowery photo.

The world’s largest operating steam locomotive drew some stares up and down the historic Chicago and Alton Railroad corridor Friday with a stop in Dwight.

Dwight Village Administrator Crissy Livingston reported 10,000 people came to the area to catch a glimpse of history. Union Pacific’s famous Big Boy No. 4014 is on a historic tour to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary. This includes whistle stops in certain locations.

“The train lived up to expectations,” said Route 24 Radio’s Todd Lowery who was at the scene Friday afternoon. “It was a very neat event.”

There was plenty of excitement surrounding the train’s arrival in Dwight as many visitors came from the suburbs and beyond.

After the brief Dwight stop, the train proceeded south through Odell, Cayuga, Pontiac, Ocoya, Chenoa, Lexington and Towanda before heading to Bloomington and points south.

A crowd visible across the railroad tracks waiting to catch a glimpse of the Big Boy train Friday, Todd Lowery photo.