Pacing Union Pacific’s #3985 Challenger

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!

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!