3985 was in Minnesota yesterday (Sept 30 2008) as part of its midwestern tour. It was a beautiful day and it was great seeing this gorgeous steamer in action again. I'd be willing to bet that there has been a run on the Athearn Challengers here in the midwest. Here it is leaving Mankato for St James 3985 near Grogan, MN Outside the UP depot in St James, MN
Here is some video of the event posted by the Mankato Free Press: [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-58435028969562762&hl=en"]>>>CLICK HERE<<<[/ame]
Thanks for posting those. We need a steam fix! The 3985 looks great in that fresh paint following her big overhaul. :tb-biggrin:
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.....!!!!! It's sad that UP doesn't own east of New Orleans. I'd wait all day and two nights to see 3985. Hmmmm.....I wonder if Omaha would consider replacing a couple of their run-thrus to JAX or ATL with 3985, maybe just once, please, pretty please....:tb-wink:
more 3985 photos In a scene reminiscent of days gone by, a passenger train pulled by a steam locomotive stops at the depot in Mankato, MN 3985 approaches the depot in St James, MN Union Pacific's Challenger type steam Locomotive #3985 was on the 2008 "Railfest and Twin City Limited Tour". It was billed as the "World's Largest Operating Steam locomotive"
Fitz and Campp, I'm glad you liked the photos. Hytec, I have to agree. she is absolutely gorgeous. Guys, Over the years, I have railfanned quite a bit, even chasing Milwaukee 261 but nothing affected me like 3985. It was an experience that I would not have missed. Photos don't do justice to the feeling of being trackside as this beauty coasted by, glistening in the sunlight. Of course 3985 didn't get much of a workout as she wasn't pulling much but whenever there was a significant gathering of railfans, the engineer opened her up for a runby. Someone clocked her at 58 mph, even though our track speed in this are is about 45. What a show! What a show! My face hurt from grinning so much all day. Look at the size of those 69" drivers! Dual exhaust, LOL Crossing Rock St in Mankato, MN
Here's one of her smokin' through Junction City, OR , three years ago, with Doyle McCormack as guest engineer. I couldn't catch her again till she stopped in Salem.
The Union Pacific honors Railroad photographer Howard Fogg by naming a car after him. Not the Unique treatment of the letters in the word PACIFIC There's always some selfish ass who stand two feet away, even though he can't fill the frame from there.
Excellent shots, DD! I spent 3 years chasing this beast--and every minute of it was a great experience. The UP Steam Crew is a great bunch of guys, several I know well. I have loads of 3985 footage, here's one really nuking I-80 leaving Cheyenne in 2005: That poor trucker.... And a 20-below morning was spent trackside at Archer Hill, awaiting a 4-hour late beast.. It was still worth it!
Great stuff Hemi. I was never able to get any actual volume of smoke. They did open it up a few times, but I missed those.
Hey Dee das Great photos- I was wondering -i cant quite make out the full name on the upp 809 water car-would you know by chance? Im scratchbuilding both water cars and have casted 4 resin bodys,just waiting on precision scale co to get my parts to me. Seeing that wasatch-rr-contractors finished the 809 looks great. There site has not been updated so your picture are first iv seen of 809 Thanks again for the great pictures
Dan, I have photos of every car on that train. I can post them here if you would like me to. I also have shots of the water tenders if you would like those. -Dee
Hey Dee Ya if you got more images and its not to much work id love to see them. Iv been trying to model the excuresion run and the water cars are only ones I dont find a model of. I did my research on the net to get sizes,images,etc and I believe I got a copy of them. Im gonna cast a bunch after i finish the 4 that i got made up
Dan, On this part of the trip, the order of the cars is as follows: Water tender - Jim Adams, Water Tender - Joe Jordan, Boxcar - UPP 9336, Baggage Car - 6334 - Art lockman, 209 - Howard Fogg, Baggage Car - Golden State Limited, Sherman Hill, Passenger Car - Sunshine Special, Dome Car - Columbine and Observation Car - St. Louis.
