Railroads & Locomotives Heritage Rail Excursions Jay Leno puts Union Pacific Big Boy and steam program in the spotlight

Jay Leno puts Union Pacific Big Boy and steam program in the spotlight

By Trains Staff | September 24, 2024

| Last updated on August 2, 2025


The comedian featured the locomotive in the latest episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” on YouTube

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Jay Leno, right, and Ed Dickens, Union Pacific’s manager of heritage operations, sit in the cab of Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014. UP

Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014, the railroad’s heritage fleet, and steam program boss Ed Dickens are featured in the latest episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” the former “Tonight Show” host’s YouTube program.

UP and the National Park Foundation welcomed Leno and his film crew on the Missouri Valley to Dennison, Iowa, portion of the locomotive’s current Heartland of America tour. The episode – which includes Leno’s cab ride, a tour of the Heritage Fleet shop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and an interview with Dickens – premiered yesterday.

A self-described gearhead, Leno has more than 181 cars and 160 motorcycles in his collection, including a couple of steam-powered cars. He drew on his experience with his steam vehicles during his discussion with Dickens beside the 4014.