I remember getting goose bumps when she passed thru my town, it was a sight and sound I'll never forget. I'd love to go back in time when steam locomotives ruled the tracks. Thanks for the great video.
Good news, The Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, IL is going to restore this engine back to operation. along with 2-10-2 Union Pacific 5511.
I really enjoy watching scenes of UP 3985 in operation, it is disappointing that this engine hasn't operated since 2010 and hopefully within the next 5-10 years the 3985 will be restored back into working order again.
Thankfully, Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis Illinois received 3985 from Union Pacific and it’s currently being restored back to operation.
This is the best!!! When I was a kid, all they had was steam. I was 6 years old before I saw my first diesel locomotive (except the GM&O Rebel which was an oddball). Thanks for posting this video.
It was burning oil. It was also very cold that morning. The "smoke" is more due to the temperature than anything (mostly moisture in the hot combustion gases cooling down and condensing).
I saw this one most recently when it came to Portland, Oregon about a year ago. When that deep low whistle blows that familiar grade crossing pattern I feel it way down in my gut. I feel like I was born about fifty years too late, sometimes, but then again we have both the SP 4449 and the SP&S 700 right here in town, so opportunities to go see shiny, well-maintained engines are rather frequent.
Well done on this run-by vid. The UP Challengers, as built by Alco, were equipped for coal. Would be interesting to see one of the Southern Pacific 4-8+8-2 cab-forwards brought back to life for excursions---the Class AC-10 from Lima split the size and weight between Challenger and Big Boy and may be able to run on the same grade tracks as Challenger.
@OwlEye2010 3985's whistle, as well as 844's and the Big Boys, is locoated imediately behind the smoke stack. And the reason that you usually don't see steam from 3985's whistle is because the whistle is blown on superheated steam. (same thing with 844 and, back then, the Big Boys)
I saw the Challenger last year as it stopped at a local town in my area. I talked to the maintenance guys greasing it with an air grease gun (that thing was loud as hell) and they told me they had to stop every 100 miles to grease her. They also have a full machine shop in one of the cars that I looked in and it looked like 2 machinists in the railcar.
@john2800100 First, 'Challenger' is 121' 10 7/8", whereas 'Big Boy' is just over 132'. Second, 'Challenger' weighs around 1 million pounds, whereas 'Big Boy' weighs about 1 1/4 million pounds. Last, if my information is correct, the only rails that can support 'Big Boy' are along the Wasatch Mountains, between Utah and Wyoming. Still, I do agree that it would be awesome to actually see a 'Big Boy' in action again. After all, he is 'king of the rails'.
Man, i still remember seeing this almighty locomotive myself. It was back in 2005. Those were the days when Michael Jackson was alive and Justin Bieber was never even heard of. *sigh*, the glorious days...
most people don't even know that steam still exists, let alone seeing one up close in real life. most people get hooked after seeing real steam up close i had to correct my history teacher on that the other day
yeah but UP keep 'em alive. they haven't all disappeared. there is a small short-line railroad near my home. its the attica and arcade railroad, they own and maintain a 2-8-0 consolidation. granted she's only a 2-8-0 but its still cool to see that locally. i was driving home from being in arcade the one day and that little 2-8-0 was chugging along through the countryside....... it was a beautiful sight seeing a great old steamer chugging along in the countryside, very pretty
@The2000redrocket i agree on the nothing is impossable thing but the big bous need from what i understand (i am not the rail buff knowing all about steam stuff) they are wider and heavier and need special track clearence. they were built for fast freight on a western usa track. do not remember if it is up or sf but the setup is long gone. just be satifyed that there is a local story close to pennsylvania that a 3 diesel freight traaind lost two diesels and a steamer with a full train pushed him
@fjbutch Speaking of which, does anyone know where the whistle itself is located? Whenever 3985 whistles, I never see any visible whistle steam coming from it, so how is it even whistling at all?
I know I’m 7 years late, but it’s probably because the whistle is right behind the twin smokestacks. The steam released from the whistle most likely gets mixed with the steam and smoke being shot out of the stacks.
@john2800100 - I would love nothing more but unfortunately it isn't practical. Due to the way the boiler swings into turns, you're very likely to hit something solid along the way. That could be anything from a tree to an oncoming train and either way, you'll probably buy the farm doing it. Doyle McCormack (4449) told me that 3985 nicked a hopper car in that fashion when she first returned to service. And remember, the lines where Big Boys ran had to be modified so it fit when they was NEW!
i know of three challengrs here in the usa one is in duluth mn, secund is in two harbors mn under a shelter and the third is in proctor mn thee one in duluth has been lifted iff the rails and has a 70 horse power electric motor operating the wheels and that in itself. also in duluth museum called the depot they even have a cab forward articulated 4-6-6-4 sitting there looking like it could be fired up and ready to pull a load
@The2000redrocket Thanks for your reply, l appreciate the difficulties involved in getting a Big boy rolling again,but the US is a big country. So build it a dedicated stretch of rails somewhere out there. ln 1966 British Rail scrapped our last remaining Peppercorn Class A Pacific.But a group of enthusiasts acquired all the drawings and built a brand new one.lt's taken 18 years and £3m in public donations but it ran this year..check out the videos. Given the will,nothing is impossible.
@@willberestartingthischanne9984 I’m well aware it’s spelled wrong, but it won’t let it be edited because it’s 13 years old, so big biys it stays. Not sure why you even felt the need to point it out because it literally makes no difference, anyone who reads it knows what i meant.
That whistle is AWESOME! :)
One of my all time favorite runby videos
Que máquina imponente e linda
I remember getting goose bumps when she passed thru my town, it was a sight and sound I'll never forget. I'd love to go back in time when steam locomotives ruled the tracks. Thanks for the great video.
Good news, The Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, IL is going to restore this engine back to operation. along with 2-10-2 Union Pacific 5511.
As much of a 4014 fan as I am, even I gotta admit that 3985 has the better whistle.
Me Too. 3985 Is Beautiful. Gotta Love That Hancock 3 Chime Long Bell Whistle 😊
The origin of the Famous Trainz CSA Challenger Whistle From ANL
I really enjoy watching scenes of UP 3985 in operation, it is disappointing that this engine hasn't operated since 2010 and hopefully within the next 5-10 years the 3985 will be restored back into working order again.
Thankfully, Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis Illinois received 3985 from Union Pacific and it’s currently being restored back to operation.
I love how active this engine is. Its refreshing. There are tons of videos of it on the site.
Typical bell sound with clouds of steam is the beauty of up 844 nice marvellous fabulous superb video
You can't fail to be impressed by that glorious cloud of steam and smoke as it came up the track. Wow, then the whistle blew....
fabulous!
Great video! I was just down the road in Conway!
It was converted to oil in 1990. The coal cinders used to start grass fires. The 844 was converted to oil in 1946, due to a coal strike.
Coincidence? I think not!
What a beautiful machine!!!Is awesome!!!!The whistle..the smoke all...10*
whistle for of the up challenger in trains a new era 0:31
This is the best!!!
When I was a kid, all they had was steam. I was 6 years old before I saw my first diesel locomotive (except the GM&O Rebel which was an oddball).
Thanks for posting this video.
0:32 beautiful whistle.
Sadly it's worn but it will be replaced by Ed soon
@@davidreyes2298 :(
@@realdavidii here how it sounds like back in 1990 th-cam.com/video/GyZD7fJ12WI/w-d-xo.html
@@davidreyes2298 i know, but this is a very good whistle in my opinion
It was burning oil. It was also very cold that morning. The "smoke" is more due to the temperature than anything (mostly moisture in the hot combustion gases cooling down and condensing).
I would love to see this and the big boy they are restoring running together again
Lol
They will Buddy, they will. The Time will come to hear their voice and rumbling on the Rails.
I saw this one most recently when it came to Portland, Oregon about a year ago. When that deep low whistle blows that familiar grade crossing pattern I feel it way down in my gut. I feel like I was born about fifty years too late, sometimes, but then again we have both the SP 4449 and the SP&S 700 right here in town, so opportunities to go see shiny, well-maintained engines are rather frequent.
That was a great vid
I loved the vapor cloud from the stack . With it being 35 it makes a great show. Good Job !!!!!
Man if UP still used these on freight trains you would find me @ every crossing in town with my camera.
Awesome
the echo of the whistle is a perfect moment in time !
Well done on this run-by vid. The UP Challengers, as built by Alco, were equipped for coal. Would be interesting to see one of the Southern Pacific 4-8+8-2 cab-forwards brought back to life for excursions---the Class AC-10 from Lima split the size and weight between Challenger and Big Boy and may be able to run on the same grade tracks as Challenger.
probably the most beautiful steamer ever built!!!
They need to get a big boy running now too!
Hello I am from the future , it been 2 years since big boy 4014 been on the rails under her own steam and it is amazing
the most massive runby of 3985 ever !!!!
wow it looks like a ghost train in the ending!! that smoke is thick and lots of it great catch man best catch ever!
You'r lucky to have so much so close. I'd love to see SP 4449 live someday.
Five (5) Star Runby Video! Great sound, lighting, echo, close-up. Nice job! *****
1:02 watching the last passenger car go up in the smoke as the Challenger blow his whistle spooky gives me goosebumps
@OwlEye2010 3985's whistle, as well as 844's and the Big Boys, is locoated imediately behind the smoke stack. And the reason that you usually don't see steam from 3985's whistle is because the whistle is blown on superheated steam. (same thing with 844 and, back then, the Big Boys)
Love the sound of the whistle!!!!
BVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV! BVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV! BVVVVV! BVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV!
Awesome!
A true masterpiece in engineering... :-)
Now that is some torque
Beautiful catch! Love that horn.
That whistle is haunting.
I love the Challenger, I wonder when she's coming back to operation.
UP plans to get her running shortly after 4014 comes back. She’s expected to return in the 2020’s.
Reminds me of 1218, only a lot faster. 1218 was built to drag coal up mountains at low speed. Challenger was built to run flat out.
Norfolk & Western Class A 1218 pails in comparison to Union Pacific Challenger 3985.
I heart 3985!
god what a whistle!!!!! that was awsome!!
I saw the Challenger last year as it stopped at a local town in my area. I talked to the maintenance guys greasing it with an air grease gun (that thing was loud as hell) and they told me they had to stop every 100 miles to grease her. They also have a full machine shop in one of the cars that I looked in and it looked like 2 machinists in the railcar.
The whistle gave me goosebumps *****
Who's watching in 2016?
ty thetrainguy 2017
Ty TheTrainGuy not me 2018
How about 2019?
Yup. This will kill time while 3985 goes under overhaul.
Up 3985 january 2004
@john2800100
First, 'Challenger' is 121' 10 7/8", whereas 'Big Boy' is just over 132'. Second, 'Challenger' weighs around 1 million pounds, whereas 'Big Boy' weighs about 1 1/4 million pounds. Last, if my information is correct, the only rails that can support 'Big Boy' are along the Wasatch Mountains, between Utah and Wyoming.
Still, I do agree that it would be awesome to actually see a 'Big Boy' in action again. After all, he is 'king of the rails'.
I have one word for this video. WOW!
whats even more fun is when you get to set in the cab of a 2-6-6-4 mallet
AWESOME vid quality and SOUND
He is making all that smoke. SMOKING!
Best run-by of her on youtube!
She always knows how to put on a show. :)
Man, i still remember seeing this almighty locomotive myself. It was back in 2005. Those were the days when Michael Jackson was alive and Justin Bieber was never even heard of. *sigh*, the glorious days...
gorgeous!! can't beat a steamer in full song!
most people don't even know that steam still exists, let alone seeing one up close in real life. most people get hooked after seeing real steam up close
i had to correct my history teacher on that the other day
Down right amazing :-)) breathtaking locomotive is 3985
As soon as it comes thru here again I'll definitely take more video and post it. The 3985 hasn't been thru in a long time now. Wish it would though!
Thats nice, thanks for sharing.
wow great video. i saw this engine two weeks ago. my vids look like junk to yours! nice work
Love that whistle I wanna hear it on 4014
yeah but UP keep 'em alive. they haven't all disappeared. there is a small short-line railroad near my home. its the attica and arcade railroad, they own and maintain a 2-8-0 consolidation. granted she's only a 2-8-0 but its still cool to see that locally. i was driving home from being in arcade the one day and that little 2-8-0 was chugging along through the countryside....... it was a beautiful sight seeing a great old steamer chugging along in the countryside, very pretty
I live about an hour away from the arcade & attica, I went there once a long time ago
I agree. However, I think that Big Boy's whistle is by far more beautiful to hear than the Challenger's whistle.
No problem, it was the winter before I was born. They used the oil burner off a displayed Challenger at North Platte I belive.
i would give my guts just to see this thing in action!!
Very nice. Never seen this much steam. How do get so many views?
Perfect video
It's not smoking nearly as much on some other videos as it is here. Do you know when it was modified to run on oil?
@The2000redrocket i agree on the nothing is impossable thing but the big bous need from what i understand (i am not the rail buff knowing all about steam stuff) they are wider and heavier and need special track clearence. they were built for fast freight on a western usa track. do not remember if it is up or sf but the setup is long gone. just be satifyed that there is a local story close to pennsylvania that a 3 diesel freight traaind lost two diesels and a steamer with a full train pushed him
The first 3985 video and it’s older than me!
Klasse Camy führund ,Tolle Bilder ,voller Steam
wow what a sound !!!
takes your breath away, shear poetry in motion mmmmmmmmmm :o]
Pentrex's bigboy video has a few recordings of the Big Boy's whistle. It's a bit stronger and sharper than the Challengers.
Big boy is fantastic ! Zoltan bebto from Hungary,Europe.
Very nice loco. Thumbs up! :)
Man that was sweet.
@fjbutch Speaking of which, does anyone know where the whistle itself is located? Whenever 3985 whistles, I never see any visible whistle steam coming from it, so how is it even whistling at all?
I know I’m 7 years late, but it’s probably because the whistle is right behind the twin smokestacks. The steam released from the whistle most likely gets mixed with the steam and smoke being shot out of the stacks.
This edit is CHOICE, TNX!
No other machine on earth like these steamers!
@09JDCTrainMan didn't you hear the horn? that's his mating cal
Where was this location?
@john2800100 - I would love nothing more but unfortunately it isn't practical. Due to the way the boiler swings into turns, you're very likely to hit something solid along the way. That could be anything from a tree to an oncoming train and either way, you'll probably buy the farm doing it. Doyle McCormack (4449) told me that 3985 nicked a hopper car in that fashion when she first returned to service. And remember, the lines where Big Boys ran had to be modified so it fit when they was NEW!
I thought so too....especially once it disappears down the track.
The Challenger and Big Boy whistle are exactly the same, actually.
i know of three challengrs here in the usa one is in duluth mn, secund is in two harbors mn under a shelter and the third is in proctor mn
thee one in duluth has been lifted iff the rails and has a 70 horse power electric motor operating the wheels and that in itself. also in duluth museum called the depot they even have a cab forward articulated 4-6-6-4 sitting there looking like it could be fired up and ready to pull a load
was that a DL-109?
AWESOME!
yes they did in 1996
OMG! Wish I was there!
@killthekiller101 challenger is a 4-6-6-4 setup and the bigboy is a 4-8-8-4 set up.
damn right no diesel engine helping that beast! it's already got two engines under the boiler!
They did things to prevent that. Smoke stacks have spark arresters (screen doors) to block them.
ouch
They should do a Heavy Freight Train with that thing to show the real power of it!
That was a surprisingly short train it was pulling
@The2000redrocket Thanks for your reply, l appreciate the difficulties involved in getting a Big boy rolling again,but the US is a big country. So build it a dedicated stretch of rails somewhere out there. ln 1966 British Rail scrapped our last remaining Peppercorn Class A Pacific.But a group of enthusiasts acquired all the drawings and built a brand new one.lt's taken 18 years and £3m in public donations but it ran this year..check out the videos. Given the will,nothing is impossible.
3 tenders, wow! He just topped Flying Scotsman!
yea they had it on coal but it kept setting fires track side from all the cinders...the big biys handled better on coal apparently...
You Spelled Boys Worng!
@@willberestartingthischanne9984 And you spelled "wrong" incorrectly as well.
@@KLTrainz It’s Not The Big Biys It’s The Big Boys And The Comment Was Wrong
@@willberestartingthischanne9984 I’m well aware it’s spelled wrong, but it won’t let it be edited because it’s 13 years old, so big biys it stays. Not sure why you even felt the need to point it out because it literally makes no difference, anyone who reads it knows what i meant.
true, but even if its 3 degrees you dont see a diesel "steaming" like that
When Is Union Pacific 3985 Going To Be Restored?
Right now
awsome horn
Yeah, from the football game.