UP Challenger 3985 Blows Her Steam

Union Pacific’s 3985 Challenger Class is a beast!

While leaving the yard behind the Kansas City Union Station in Missouri, UP 3985 is headed out on an excursion pulling the Missouri River Eagle special back in 2010.

UP 3985 has arguably one the most distinctive and throaty whistles of any steam engine including Big Boy!

Built specifically to take on long grades like her cousin “Big Boy”, 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!