The photograph captures Union Pacific No. 4014, the historic 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" steam locomotive, as it moves across the high steel trestle spanning the Ashtabula River valley in Ashtabula, Ohio. Positioned at the head of a special excursion train, the locomotive releases a dense cloud of white steam from its side blowdown valve, contrasting sharply with the dark ironwork of the bridge and the lush green foliage filling the river gorge below. Behind the steam engine, the train consist includes dual tenders, a accompanying diesel unit clad in a custom commemorative livery, and a string of classic yellow Union Pacific passenger cars stretching back off the span. In the background beyond the tree-lined ridge, the 14-story Ashtabula Towers apartment building rises into the overcast sky, while a crowd of spectators is gathered along the West 48th Street intersection to watch the train's passage.
