Pacing Union Pacific’s #3985 Challenger

Advertisement
Pacing Union Pacific’s #3985 Challenger | Train Fanatics Videos
Advertisement

There’s nothing better than UP #3985 hauln’ freight!

Turn up your speakers on the pacing shot and you can really enjoy the running gear!

Advertisement

Union Pacific #3985 is seen heading back to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with a freight consist of 21 cars, a caboose, and no diesel backup!

Wouldn’t it be great if Union Pacific would allow more of the these runs with freight and no diesels?

A day earlier, UP #3985 Challenger was pulling a 143 intermodal stack car train up the Archer Hill at 30 mph with no helpers. UP #3985 was converted to oil firing in 1990.

Built specifically to take on long grades like her cousins the “Big Boys” 4-8-8-4’s, the #3985 Challenger was designed to pull freight fast up long grades without helper engines.

Some quick facts about the UP #3985 Challenger

  • Builder – American Locomotive Works – 1943
  • Wheel configuration – 4-6-6-4
  • Locomotive and tender weight – 1,073,900 lbs
  • Tractive effort – 97,350 lbf
  • Nicknamed – Challenger

Let us know if you have ever had a chance to see UP #3985 in action! We would love to hear about your experience!

Advertisement

Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for the Latest Updates

Related

Advertisement

Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for the Latest Updates