LEWISTOWN — Railfans in Mifflin County will have a rare chance to see Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy steam locomotive when it passes through Lewistown Station on July 8 as part of its East Coast tour.

The historic locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, is scheduled to depart Enola at 9 a.m. and arrive at Lewistown Station around 12:45 p.m. before continuing west toward Altoona as part of nationwide America250 celebrations.

After departing Lewistown, the train will travel through Huntingdon and Tyrone, arriving in Altoona at about 5:15 p.m. for a multi-day stop at the Railroaders Memorial Museum.

Big Boy will be on public display in Altoona on July 9 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free admission. The locomotive will then travel to the Horseshoe Curve on July 11 before continuing its journey west.

The engine’s visit is expected to draw thousands of visitors to central Pennsylvania. Tickets for the Horseshoe Curve viewing area sold out within hours of the itinerary’s release, according to organizers.

Those unable to attend the Altoona events can still view the train along its route, including in Lewistown as it passes through the area.

Big Boy is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, measuring about 133 feet long and weighing approximately 1.2 million pounds.

Officials are reminding spectators to stay at least 25 feet back from the tracks when the train is in motion for safety.

The locomotive will begin its East Coast tour May 25 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and is scheduled to appear in Philadelphia for Independence Day celebrations before heading through central Pennsylvania.