UP #3985 Fast And Furious

Don’t stand too close to these tracks!

Union Pacific Challenger #3985 leaving Russellville, Arkansas, on its way home to the steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Pulling a bit of a grade here, her smoke is billowing out of the stack in standard Challenger fashion!

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.

UP’s #3985 is waiting in line for her restoration behind UP’s Big Boy 4014.

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
• Class – Challenger

Let us know you have seen UP #3985 up to close in action. We would love to about your experience!