UP 3985 CHALLENGER

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Greetings,

Anyone see UP 3985 CHALLENGER on its way to Houston?

Its parked for viewing this week in Houston next to the stadium.

I believe the street name is Holly Hall.

More info on UP.Com

Mark in Texas

2

Boy did I. It stopped to take on water in Sedalia, MO–just 10 miles from my home in Otterville. Then it came right through Otterville on its way to St. Louis. US highway 50 runs paralles to the UP for miles, so I (and about 30 other cars) tracked it much of the way from here to Jefferson City. It stopped periodically in the country so I got lots of great pics and an upclose view of the running loco. I have seen other running steamers on excursion trains, etc, but this was a once in a lifetime experience to see this much running out of such a beautiful steamer for a 30-something like me who was born post-steam era. I hope to get to Kansas City to see 3985 on display on it return trip to Cheyenne after the Super Bowl.
Ron

3

Missed it on the way down…but the return trip will put it in Marysville Kansas…hmmm, maybe I will be “sick” that day. One of the owners and I are talking about missing work that day, and it might not be as crowded as K.C. Who knows when, if ever we will get a chance like this.

Roger

4

roger,

Take the day and GO!! To see something like this is really a possible once in a life time event. I am near 40 have seen steam run usually on tourist lines but never out in the wild until the UP came along. Bring a camera too.(Video)

5

Saw her about 10 years ago on a trip to LA. She made 6 passes (that’s right six!!) on the UP main not 30 yards from my front door. Better believe I burned film on that week. She had a full streamliner consist with something like 6 dome cars plus coaches, support and a backup E9.

6

Here it is touring around Houston on Monday. Steve took a zig zag route to get from the north side to the stadium covering much of the rail map around town.

7

Greetings,

Went to see it yesterday in Houston.

A must see if you can.

Mark in Texas

8

I saw 3985 in person at Railfair '99. It is a very impressive machine. Too bad I couldn’t get any photos of it.