In January and again in May/June 2004, Union Pacific’s 4-6-6-4 Challenger #3985 ran from Cheyenne Wyoming to Houston Texas.
In January the 3985 and train ran as the “Super Bowl Special”. In May and June the train ran celebrating railroad heritage. At Houston, 3985 would pull invited guests of several organizations on private runs.
This 50+ minute program begins just outside of Kansas City on a cool January morning. We followed the train as far as Jefferson City. A single word describes 3985's performance this day, “SMOKE” and lots of it! Then on May 28th and 29th we followed the train from Coffeyville Kansas to North Little Rock, you will see plenty of run-bys and pacing.
ABOUT 3985- This steamer was built by ALCO in 1943 and weighs over one million pounds, It was retired by the UP in 1959 and was rebuilt in 1981. 3985 can run 70 mph with ease, it is the world‘s largest operating steam locomotive.
Total Time Approx. 53 Minutes Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Chapter Menus
Roger A. Holmes P.O. Box 124 Hudson, IL 61748 Email: Q5632@yahoo.com
