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!
