Union Pacific 3985 Catches FIRE on 1999 excursion

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  • Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
  • All Aboard now as we witness a UP#3985 excursion grind to a halt with a Fire on the Historic Locomotive and the quick thinking Steam Crew Puts it out before the Volunteer Fire Dept gets there! then ride along side as she trys to make up lost time on a highball run into old Cheyenne WY check out this old excursion brochure i found recently at
    www.stlouisnrhs...
    And Try to to see this IMAX film www.rockymounta...
    The Best train movie I have seen

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,9 тис.

  • @StonyRC
    @StonyRC 8 років тому +853

    I know it sounds corny, but steam locomotives like this almost seem like living entities. What a magnificent piece of engineering.

    • @cartoonjoseph7237
      @cartoonjoseph7237 8 років тому +34

      when you think about it, that's what kind of inspired Talking Tank Engines.

    • @dunxy
      @dunxy 8 років тому +44

      They don't seem like it,they are.They all have personalities and traits, require different approaches to operate that take decades to master.

    • @TheSuperStarCarWash
      @TheSuperStarCarWash 7 років тому +37

      modern locomotives are garbage junk compared to the big boy. It takes 3 to 6 GE's to haul what this beast can in a straight run... including UP western mountain grades.

    • @johnritcher5751
      @johnritcher5751 7 років тому +10

      I voted Trump Pence, what of it???

    • @gracenauen9828
      @gracenauen9828 7 років тому +4

      If it is Not TRAIN related ITDO's NOT BELONG. On this SITE. .!

  • @Ultrakillerism
    @Ultrakillerism 10 років тому +468

    Holy shit, a 1999 video that doesn't look absolute potato-quality.

  • @flylooper
    @flylooper 6 років тому +26

    I think what fascinates most of us about steamers like this one is the fact that all the machinery is visible as it works. The drivewheel conrods, piston connecting rods, steam and water coming from everywhere and, of course, that incredible sound. All of that gives those engine life. Think of all the songs and stories written about steam trains and compare with diesels. It just isn't the same.

  • @Mullay2
    @Mullay2 9 років тому +123

    Never get tired of watching this video. At one point she's doing nearly 70 miles per hour. You can hear when she really gets rolling. The steady rhythmic pounding means she's in her sweet spot.

    • @josephpatterson4042
      @josephpatterson4042 4 роки тому +1

      @Union Pacific big boy fan Last I heard she's parked due to boiler issues, and will need a complete replacement boiler before it will run again. UP intends to get it running again but I hadn't heard of a timeline for it they were still working on 4014 the last time I heard anything about this engine

    • @jesseusgrantcanales
      @jesseusgrantcanales 4 роки тому +1

      @@josephpatterson4042 Sadly I heard from Ed himself, Ol' 85 is retired. :(

    • @sawspitfire422
      @sawspitfire422 4 роки тому +2

      I'd imagine when big boy's boiler ticket expires they'll bring 3985 out again while they refurbish 4014, assuming they do actually overhaul 3985 at some point between now and then

    • @jesseusgrantcanales
      @jesseusgrantcanales 4 роки тому +1

      @@sawspitfire422 '14 replaced '85, Challenger is side tracked for good.

    • @sawspitfire422
      @sawspitfire422 4 роки тому +2

      @@jesseusgrantcanales Damn really? It's always a shame when a heritage loco gets retired for good, there goes my dream of a 3985 and 4014 double header. Any reason in particular besides the fact that 4014 is more famous

  • @thezachvolt6883
    @thezachvolt6883 8 років тому +115

    4:12.
    This would make one hell of a killer beat.

  • @eltigre249
    @eltigre249 6 років тому +45

    I lived a block from the Milwaukee Road Main Line in early 50's. As such I watched the conversion from steam to diesel. Steam still gets my vote.

  • @susanbernaix6909
    @susanbernaix6909 8 років тому +40

    58 yo female, watched this whole thing. Some would say I don't have a life. Ha.......these engines breathe life into ya! I love trains. I love old trains. I don't know how to even describe how it makes me feel when I hear their whistle blow. This is a magnificent machine right here. Maybe I am a reincarnated steam-punk. Lol. Thank you for filming and sharing this video!

    • @warlordsquerk5338
      @warlordsquerk5338 6 років тому +3

      I don't know what it is about steam locomotives that draws me to them, but they sure are lovely

    • @lesashiminski690
      @lesashiminski690 5 років тому +3

      Hey Susan glad there's other female rail fans out there I'm train fan to

  • @pancakepredator8474
    @pancakepredator8474 9 років тому +402

    To anyone who says european steam engines look better, I say a machine that uses grease, and coal, oil, or wood and runs on boiling water is supposed to look mechanical and bulky, and just badass. Not bright and colorful.

    • @bob123601
      @bob123601 9 років тому +10

      PancakePredator what about 4449 or the southern ps4s

    • @rockerneck
      @rockerneck 9 років тому +8

      PancakePredator couldnt have said it better.

    • @984francis
      @984francis 9 років тому +3

      PancakePredator Well, that's set everybody right now hasn't it.

    • @raymondleggs5508
      @raymondleggs5508 9 років тому +5

      yeah boy!

    • @1chish
      @1chish 9 років тому +27

      +PancakePredator
      Well thanks for the uncalled for pop at us Europeans .... But what is wrong with a big and powerful machine that uses grease, and coal, oil, or wood and runs on boiling water looking stylish and colourful and shapely? Looking ugly doesn't make it work better does it? And looking stylish doesn't make it work less well does it?
      Sorry but Mallard and the A4 Gresley Pacifics were VERY functional and VERY beautiful machines. They were and are still the fastest steam engine in the world are they not? But then I guess its better simply because it is 'American' and you Yanks really don't like us Europeans these days do you?

  • @jurgenkuhlmann9194
    @jurgenkuhlmann9194 6 років тому +27

    Of course this is not a Big Boy, but a Challenger - nonetheless, it's moving at an incredible speed......What is more: it's the coolness of the machinists on board who just put out a fire to continue the ride - just fantastic....

    • @DPU.proMN.IA.
      @DPU.proMN.IA. 2 роки тому +1

      If I were driving and that happened I open the throttle wide

    • @jurgenkuhlmann9194
      @jurgenkuhlmann9194 2 роки тому

      @@DPU.proMN.IA. Maybe. I cannot give any advice as I never did this kind of job, but I am certain the men on the engine knew what they were doing.

    • @doublediamond9830
      @doublediamond9830 10 місяців тому

      THE only Challenger in running condition! The only other Challenger left, the 3977, is on static display in Cody Park in North Platte, Nebraska.

    • @jurgenkuhlmann9194
      @jurgenkuhlmann9194 10 місяців тому +1

      @@doublediamond9830 OK, thanks! Well yes, whoever is keeping these two engines in a top shape like this must have a BIG wallet! This is not for everyone!

    • @doublediamond9830
      @doublediamond9830 10 місяців тому

      @@jurgenkuhlmann9194 In April 2022, UP officials announced that the company would donate the locomotive to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA), which is now restoring the locomotive to operating condition.
      (Search UA-cam!)

  • @kickstart63
    @kickstart63 10 років тому +19

    These steam locomotives were engineering marvels and I have always been fascinated by them. I get goosebumps every time I see one in action!

  • @johnfronza2983
    @johnfronza2983 8 років тому +135

    America. Do it big, do it Bad Ass. You gotta love it.

  • @compteck7
    @compteck7 6 років тому +65

    Just watching these old beasts strut their stuff is mesmerizing...and anyone who thinks they should be torn apart and scrapped, needs to have that thing between the ears looked at...you shouldn't go scrapping history!!

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 6 років тому +6

      Those who say that historic trains should be scrapped are nutcases and need to be shot

    • @PreservationEnthusiast
      @PreservationEnthusiast 5 років тому

      Everything we do is history, so if we followed your point, nothing would ever be scrapped or recycled. We wouldn't be able to move for a sea of junk.
      I say we should slice apart old steam locomotives with cutting torches and send the scrap pieces for melting down.

    • @PreservationEnthusiast
      @PreservationEnthusiast 5 років тому

      @@FranzFerdinandVIII Steam locos will be cut and ripped apart with cutting torches and the scrap sent for melting down and recycling.

    • @WWTBAMWinner
      @WWTBAMWinner 5 років тому +7

      You're still active? I thought your time in the delusional sun was four years ago.

    • @Legitcar117
      @Legitcar117 5 років тому +1

      SteamLocoScrapper we could always do that to you...how does that sound?

  • @TricksterDa
    @TricksterDa 7 років тому +44

    Aside from seeing a modern rocket on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, I'd have to think this locomotive and locomotives like them are the greatest examples of human technology extant. They take your breath away. May we hold onto them forever.

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 6 років тому

      Richard Wesley yes until the end of time

    • @mikeytrains1
      @mikeytrains1 5 років тому +2

      Richard Wesley Back in the 50s they were being phased out, sadly, but progress called.
      The Challengers were indeed great machines, but there comes a time when even these giants had to go, and by the 50s, that time came.

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 5 років тому +1

      Wrong. 4014 is already rolling along the lines, 3985 is undergoing restoration, and 844 will do the same after 3985.

    • @PreservationEnthusiast
      @PreservationEnthusiast 5 років тому

      @@FranzFerdinandVIII They are polluting machines. Greta Thunberg has declared a climate change emergency. These locos will be sliced apart with cutting torches and melted down as scrap charge in the induction furnaces. Or relegated to static display.

    • @ethanspaziani5269
      @ethanspaziani5269 4 роки тому

      @@PreservationEnthusiast WHAT

  • @txpipes61
    @txpipes61 8 років тому +8

    Absolutely incredible! It is so amazing to someone like me (who grew up with first and second generation diesels) that a machine like this moves so gracefully. Everything is perfectly in sync as it moves along. Just amazing!

  • @ImBlazen
    @ImBlazen 10 років тому +76

    Cant we all just love trains for the fact there still around AT ALL?? Euro and U.S???

    • @FRailFan
      @FRailFan 6 років тому +3

      @silverbird58 Sure we do it's called a commuter train :P.

    • @jasperherridge3168
      @jasperherridge3168 5 років тому +1

      @silverbird58 I don't know where you've been, passenger trains have been used since they were first made

    • @RetailThrone
      @RetailThrone 4 роки тому

      i like american trains better tbh

    • @CommercialDamage
      @CommercialDamage 4 роки тому +1

      I really hope you are talking about steam locomotives, because as long as trains are around they are still gonna run

    • @sandymj3w633
      @sandymj3w633 3 роки тому

      Amen!!!

  • @jetmansteve4495
    @jetmansteve4495 10 років тому +312

    The 4-6-6-4 Challenger is NOT the biggest steam engine, the 4-8-8-4 Big Boy is

    • @SkipW
      @SkipW  10 років тому +113

      hate to break it to you friend, when this was filmed it was the worlds largest operating steam locomotive that is what the UPRR billed it as and they would not lie and besides the big boy has not been fired in over 50 years

    • @PreservationEnthusiast
      @PreservationEnthusiast 10 років тому +7

      SteamUP
      Whatever. All this junk should cut to pieces and scrapped. Nasty polluting things. Break them apart and melt them down now!

    • @jetmansteve4495
      @jetmansteve4495 10 років тому +128

      If you hate them so much, why bother watching this video? And anyways, they run on oil now, not coal

    • @MrLegohaloman7
      @MrLegohaloman7 10 років тому +14

      ***** That probably got scrapped! No steam locomotive can be larger than the bigboy, the ATSF tried and failed to do just that!

    • @1Fireskull
      @1Fireskull 10 років тому +18

      MrLegohaloman7 There were many problems with increasing beyond The Big Boy. Two of them could not be overcome: Such a locomotive was too long for some curves and too heavy for the tracks.

  • @westendav
    @westendav 8 років тому +18

    Nice to see steam shot with modern video so you can get a long, good (and rare) look at the pistons at full speed and in full color, and kudos to the film crew for keeping up.

    • @kellygraham4451
      @kellygraham4451 3 роки тому

      Oh that's just great. Now we have railroad porn. Lol

  • @emdman1959
    @emdman1959 8 років тому +56

    A marvel of American engineering and ingenuity.

    • @sandgrownun66
      @sandgrownun66 3 роки тому

      Like most historical things. Invented by the British. Copied by the Americans.

    • @waynepolitte4659
      @waynepolitte4659 3 роки тому

      @@sandgrownun66 *perfected

    • @sandgrownun66
      @sandgrownun66 3 роки тому

      @@waynepolitte4659 Yes. Invented and perfected by the British. Hence why a British engine, Mallard, still holds the record for fastest steam locomotive.

    • @thatoneguy611
      @thatoneguy611 2 роки тому

      @@sandgrownun66 the Brits created the Challengers and Big Boys? No. They didn’t.

    • @sandgrownun66
      @sandgrownun66 2 роки тому

      @@thatoneguy611 Yes they did. The first full-scale working railway steam locomotive, was the 3 ft (914 mm) gauge Coalbrookdale Locomotive, built by Richard Trevithick in 1802. It was constructed for the Coalbrookdale ironworks in Shropshire in the United Kingdom. Without this, there would have been no Challengers and Big Boys!

  • @TCSC47
    @TCSC47 8 років тому +58

    Oh dear. Reading down I see we have got some USA/UK train banter. What a lot of people don't seem to realise that whilst the very basic design of the steam engine was developed here in the UK, a lot of other nations developed very important aspects that took them to another level. In particular, our GWR Star / Castle / King series of designs here in the UK and considered to be some of the most efficient steam engines ever, were heavily based on the principles developed in the USA of tapered boiler, boiler chassis, amongst other innovations.
    Lets just all agree that steam engines are GREAT!

    • @stevew270
      @stevew270 8 років тому +7

      +Tom Corbett Yup, Jay Leno said it best, "The UK was the birthplace, America was the nursery."

    • @robertgift
      @robertgift 8 років тому +1

      +Tom Corbett says: _"Lets just all agree that steam engines are GREAT!"_
      No. My great uncle, a steam locomotivengineer, said steam locomotives were horrible, inefficient, track-damaging, dirty, polluting beasts. He loved them, especially his 4-8-4 freight locomotive!

    • @TCSC47
      @TCSC47 8 років тому

      +Robert Gift I can agree live - hate thing. I don't have to work on them!

    • @TCSC47
      @TCSC47 8 років тому

      +Tom Corbett Sorry, "love-hate thing"!!!

    • @robertgift
      @robertgift 8 років тому +1

      Tom Corbett I'd love to work on them.
      Wish I lived near one and could give it TLC.
      My great uncle loved his 4-8-4. Did not like going on vacations. Would rather be at the throttle. But he was also practical about the steam locomotives.

  • @firstcenturysaints2719
    @firstcenturysaints2719 6 років тому +7

    Sure appreciate the time you took to follow along and film. Thanks for posting. That was just plain fun to watch!

  • @TomCatLyons
    @TomCatLyons 10 років тому +15

    Wow, I sure enjoyed that video. My step father worked in the yard with many steam locomotives and streamliners. I was only 10 yrs old when I got to sit in the seat of a steam locomotive in Chicago while it was on the round table.. It was a 4x6x4. a commuter on the Chicago Northwestern rr. the year 1953,,

    • @trainman264
      @trainman264 10 років тому +5

      O____O

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 5 років тому

      *HOW NICE! you are SO lucky, and I wish you well.*
      -Franz Ferdinand VIII

  • @haroldreardon8070
    @haroldreardon8070 8 років тому +24

    3985 is NOT being pushed by the 6936. the diesel is there for backup and dynamic brakes if needed.

    • @patrickkruger5310
      @patrickkruger5310 6 років тому +5

      They also provide electric for the modern switching and signals~

    • @kalvinchester4068
      @kalvinchester4068 6 років тому +4

      Harold Reardon Hold up. So all the steam engines I saw with diesels stand double heading but the steam engine is pulling the diesel? Holy cow I wasn't expecting that

    • @alexphillips4325
      @alexphillips4325 5 років тому +1

      Somewhat often on break in runs they’ll use the diesel to load the steamer hard by running the dynamic brakes

    • @gator_115
      @gator_115 5 років тому +2

      @@alexphillips4325 I would hope not, because that's an illegal operation. All that would do is cause the crew to change knuckles like candy. As an engineer you NEVER put head-end power in opposite functions of each other unless there is an absolute emergency.

    • @RickyJr46
      @RickyJr46 4 роки тому

      Ed Dickens talked about how the diesels' dynamic braking reduces the consumption of a steam loco's brakes. Ed also said the helpers can extend his range when water and fuel stops are not ideally spaced. Of course, the diesels can help in case of a mechanical failure.

  • @crankbv1
    @crankbv1 8 років тому +40

    Now there's a locomotive with a good fire man...minimum smoke and often nothing at all. At least here someone knows what he's doing. Just been watching videos of locos belching out continuous thick black smoke that reaches back a mile or so and clouds of excess steam blowing off from the valves. A sure sign of bad handling. Years ago if that happened and it was reported you'd have some explaining to do to the depot manager when you got back. Great to see 3985 being handled so well.

    • @PieterPatrick
      @PieterPatrick 7 років тому +1

      crankbv1 REALLY? That is so interesting, sound logical, and the first time I hear this...
      Thanks, I'll dive into this new info. :-)

    • @comradedank1618
      @comradedank1618 7 років тому +1

      Could have been converted to oil?

    • @TheJoshman2011
      @TheJoshman2011 6 років тому +3

      Or simply it's an Archimedes' screw that supplies the coal from the coal car to the fire box, a fire box that large you would have to feed it non stop and I don't think even than you could keep up with the demand

    • @shipsofthenorth
      @shipsofthenorth 6 років тому +3

      I am confused what actually caught fire?

    • @karlrovey
      @karlrovey 5 років тому +4

      @@comradedank1618 All of UP's steam locomotives are oil burners now.

  • @oldSawyer
    @oldSawyer 11 років тому +1

    They also include the diesels on runs like this to supply electrical power to the rest of the train.
    People like all the modern conveniences like lights and air conditioning in the passenger cars, and it takes a lot of juice to power them.

  • @peterparker8042
    @peterparker8042 8 років тому +70

    Soon we will be watching 4014 thunder down the rails

  • @nozmoking1
    @nozmoking1 10 років тому +29

    It's amazing how quiet a machine she is running almost flat-out even with all those moving parts. Man, what a ride...

    • @jjjillyeo
      @jjjillyeo 10 років тому

      Isn't she a boy because of the name "Big boy"?

    • @nozmoking1
      @nozmoking1 10 років тому

      LOL - there is that....

    • @BriKToP702
      @BriKToP702 10 років тому +2

      Technically she's not a big boy, she is the smaller version of her big boy brother who is a 4884 instead of her who is a 4664

    • @jjjillyeo
      @jjjillyeo 10 років тому

      BriKToP702 Oh.

    • @eatonjask
      @eatonjask 10 років тому +2

      *****
      This is a Challenger, not a Big Boy - Big Boys have two sets of eight driving wheels (4-8-8-4), this has two sets of six driving wheels (4-6-6-4), therefore it's a Challenger

  • @wiredforstereo
    @wiredforstereo 10 років тому +31

    What about the 6936? This DDA40X is the largest diesel engine still in operation and the only one of its kind still running! There are TWO awesome engines in this video! Y'all are prejudiced!!!

    • @HMSHOOD1920
      @HMSHOOD1920 6 років тому

      Solomon Parker the DDA40X vs the Big Boy.

    • @therookie9276
      @therookie9276 6 років тому +2

      USS Indianapolis The big boy vs The bigger boy (No homosexuality intended)

    • @jeffbruh3253
      @jeffbruh3253 6 років тому +2

      Solomon Parker steam is way better than diesel

    • @stevewilliams9255
      @stevewilliams9255 6 років тому

      69xx was the largest Diesel ever made and UP has one in its Heritage fleet.

    • @ifyourmarriedyourasimpandacuck
      @ifyourmarriedyourasimpandacuck 6 років тому

      Sorry but desiels will never look as cool operating as a steam engine thats just fact

  • @RickyJr46
    @RickyJr46 4 роки тому +1

    One of the truly great steam locomotive videos, an all-time classic! Seeing and hearing this magnificent monster at speed, with its running gear a blur, is a real spectacle.

  • @TimMackFamilyEnterprises
    @TimMackFamilyEnterprises 10 років тому

    Tom Cat Lyons, I appreciated your comments. I was a mere 6 years old in 1957 when I & my four year old brother got our first real up close encounter with Rwy Locomotives. My Great Uncle, Theodore Koelln, was the superintendent of Shops for Great Northern in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN at the time. We were introduced to both the older steam & brand new diesel engines in the locomotive erection building, with overhead cranes & all. My relation with trains continues to this day. Never having worked a day in my many careers for any railroad/railway, I am now a Board Director for the North Florida Railway Museum and a consultant for the ACL 1504 "Return to Glory" project in Jacksonville, FL. By the way, I lived my early years around the Cowboy Line of the C&NW Rwy in Wyoming.

  • @davidrogerio
    @davidrogerio 8 років тому +6

    this is a challenger locomotive with 5000hp and 4 cylinders build date 1943 aprox very nice video, thks

  • @siaripop7
    @siaripop7 8 років тому +54

    I wonder how fast she was going? Looks like about 50 mph or better to me.....she's hauling ass, that's for sure!

    • @SkipW
      @SkipW  8 років тому +20

      +Marc Del around 65 mph when she gets to stretch her legs

    • @ZerryBerrytheSpaceRaccoon
      @ZerryBerrytheSpaceRaccoon 8 років тому

      Wait, locomtives don't have feet. They have wheels.

    • @Proto64Ness
      @Proto64Ness 8 років тому +1

      +Jackson Elfers you made a fucking back to the future

    • @Proto64Ness
      @Proto64Ness 8 років тому

      Its a train not a plain

    • @davidfuller581
      @davidfuller581 8 років тому +5

      +Geon106 Gresley A3s have much larger driving wheels (80in vs 69in on the 3985) and were primarily meant as express passenger engines, so there's no surprise it was faster. The 3985 and other Challengers were primarily fast freight engines, though they were fast enough to do passenger service too.
      3985 has quite literally more than 3 times the peak tractive effort of the Scotsman (97,000 and change for the 3985, about 30,000 for the Scotsman).

  • @markcarey8426
    @markcarey8426 10 років тому +14

    Beautiful! Thanks for posting. Incredibly smooth camera work.

  • @kazitude1
    @kazitude1 2 роки тому +1

    I grew up and lived in NYC and I LOVE this!!!!
    I remember taking the train to visit my brother upstate in buffalo when he was attending University
    Took over 8 hours but it was so cool!

  • @ShowCat1
    @ShowCat1 7 років тому

    I know that I have watched this video at least 100 times. A thing of pure beauty.

  • @hubs37
    @hubs37 6 років тому +19

    Listen I am a Englishman and proud to be so, but all you fellow Brits stop needling our American cousins, it is below what is expected of good manners and as I said this is one bloody heck of a machine, made to pull extreme weights and no doubt bloody good at it, so just enjoy.

    • @petervoneschen3646
      @petervoneschen3646 5 років тому

      rogerand out 1

    • @mikeytrains1
      @mikeytrains1 5 років тому +2

      rogerand out, British machines are just as good. Especially their trains.

  • @cicero2
    @cicero2 8 років тому +19

    What a magnificent beast!

    • @renatoparizzotto3936
      @renatoparizzotto3936 4 роки тому

      Ola.melhor vídeo que ja vi. Muito legal. Parabéns ❤🇧🇷

  • @bhigdaddymark
    @bhigdaddymark 11 років тому +6

    Terrific video Skip, how fast were you driving to keep up with this beauty?

  • @reneandre1174
    @reneandre1174 10 років тому

    That thing moving full bore is a concert of mechanical art. It's mesmerizing to watch.

  • @idiot_guy_person420
    @idiot_guy_person420 2 роки тому +1

    I feel like 3985 is starting to become a little underrated ever since 4014 has been restored. I miss u 3985! 🚂🚂🚂💕💕

  • @DNIHelixUSN
    @DNIHelixUSN 9 років тому +4

    For what it is, It's a good video. Love seeing the Challenger in action! oo-OOO--OOO-oo

    • @MrDalek2150
      @MrDalek2150 9 років тому +1

      I see what you did there with the o's.

  • @choofish
    @choofish 10 років тому +9

    Looked like an overheated bearing to me. Just needed a little more oil. One of the things which spelled the death of steam was the high maintenance. Everything had to be oiled,, sometimes several times a day.

    • @choofish
      @choofish 10 років тому +1

      BTW, a "hot box" would never have destroyed a locomotive. Just saying!

    • @johnbarnes1508
      @johnbarnes1508 2 роки тому

      Hats off to the engineers who run these like they were meant to be . And to union pacific who keep these machines in absolutely perfect working order. I have spent hundreds of hours watching these videos and love every second . P

    • @bakerboat4572
      @bakerboat4572 Рік тому

      @@johnbarnes1508 Well, back then UP didn't exactly keep it's steam engines in "perfect working order." Rather, they ran them with minimal maintenance; just enough to function. And that's how 844 had to be completely rebuilt recently and how 3985 got retired.

  • @nck5000
    @nck5000 7 років тому +4

    she's hauling ass, it a classic great video sir

  • @ancient_gamerr
    @ancient_gamerr 7 років тому +1

    I get goosebumps looking at these machines in action. What a masterpiece of engineering.

  • @white03Mach1
    @white03Mach1 9 років тому +1

    these behemoths are living, breathing creatures, and everyone has it's own " sound"
    i get goosebumps whenever i hear one at full speed, the same goosebumps i got when i walked through the bomb bay of an in flight B17
    i can feel the power and it goes straight to my heart

  • @FranzFerdinandVIII
    @FranzFerdinandVIII 6 років тому +4

    Man I LOVE that whistle

  • @BillMillier
    @BillMillier 9 років тому +14

    That girl can run! Nice

  • @rcrbrewster7840
    @rcrbrewster7840 8 років тому +75

    When AMERICA was GREAT..... I would have loved living in that time period ... Pre SILICON VALLEY & WALMART.

    • @bunnywarren
      @bunnywarren 8 років тому +29

      You mean when racism was rife, healthcare was only for the rich and everything had to be done by hand? "Great" may not be quite the right word.

    • @lylecosmopolite
      @lylecosmopolite 8 років тому +5

      Classism as well as racism.
      Before Medicare and Medicaid, doctors did a fair bit of charity work.
      There were no household machines, but middle class families often could afford having a woman do their laundry. A live-in cook was common until WWII.
      The main blemishes on Traditional America were the Civil War, Prohibition and the rise of organised crime, and the Great Depression.

    • @insertname5198
      @insertname5198 7 років тому +4

      R Curtis Silicon Valley? What do you have against technology?

    • @that70sguy33
      @that70sguy33 6 років тому +8

      Bunny Warren healthcare was never " just for the rich." Are you on drugs?

    • @mikeytrains1
      @mikeytrains1 5 років тому +5

      Bunny Warren You ignore how we won two world wars alongside our allies, our economy was booming (up till the 30s, then it came up), and by ‘45, men came home and started the Baby Boomers.
      America did have its not-so great flaws, and it also had its great politicians, machines, people, and its economy.

  • @CS_247
    @CS_247 6 років тому

    Magnificent! I have goosebumps...
    At around 13 min in ,almost no smoke, no wasted steam, just stonking along. So efficient! The load on that is puny compared to what it is capable of hauling. .

  • @bills92
    @bills92 9 років тому

    Your Dad told me about your filming of steam engines around the country. This was fascinating as my father was a railroad engineer with the Lehigh Valley Railroad in Western New York State. I grew up around the railroad in Rochester, NY and Buffalo, NY. Loved it. Even took a freight train trip with my Dad and many passenger train rides with my Mother. Thanks for the memories.
    Bill Swart

  • @LinnyUwU
    @LinnyUwU 7 років тому +4

    16:40 I bet whoever was driving that train got a bit jealous.

  • @themopar426
    @themopar426 8 років тому +32

    i heard these had self feeders because men couldnt keep up!

    • @kyjuan89
      @kyjuan89 8 років тому +1

      Yea I read it was an Archimedes screw

    • @tomburcher5237
      @tomburcher5237 8 років тому +1

      +Brett Nutter So did some of the local home coal furnaces; a lot of Americans had it pretty good in the forties and fifties, A lot more did not. I miss those hissing, roaring monsters. Now they are taking the train off that runs through our town. Another romantic period gone. If you want to hear a song that tells a story, listen to Arlo Guthrie play the piano ,and sing, "City of New Orleans" in the regional accents!

    • @patstokes3615
      @patstokes3615 8 років тому

      +Kyjuan Carter That be a smart way.

    • @mrkenusa
      @mrkenusa 8 років тому +3

      +Tom Burcher try texas 1947 you might like it , buy johnny cash.

    • @davidfuller581
      @davidfuller581 8 років тому +1

      +themopar426 You'd be right, at least for the coal fired ones. 3985 at the moment is an oil burner (I believe they converted it to diesel fuel?)

  • @Lil_Pennsy
    @Lil_Pennsy Рік тому +3

    14 years later still amazing to watch💯💯🥰

  • @tyvole2387
    @tyvole2387 8 років тому +5

    From the days when 'engineer' meant 'engine-eer'. Good stuff.

    • @nanistamaria7633
      @nanistamaria7633 3 роки тому

      I love steam loc. Than diesel, sounds & horn yes!

  • @nancylinkous5847
    @nancylinkous5847 5 років тому +1

    Brings tears to my eyes seeing this beauty on the rails again and in action I love old steam engine locomotives

  • @markferguson5064
    @markferguson5064 4 роки тому

    Thanks for this video. I love steam trains. Grew up with them shunting outside our cottage in autumn when the tracks got a bit slippery (Canada you know). I don't know many numbers or names, but I do try to take the time to consider how humans tried to meet a need (transportation of goods and people) in a way that represented the best technology of the time. We have built better cleaner, engines since that time, but steamers still run all over the world and when they do people come to see. Thanks again "SteamUP" and also to the people who work so hard to keep history alive. PS Much of the last half of the video 3985 was burning very clean almost like an airtight wood stove stove so many of us use.

  • @WideWorldofTrains
    @WideWorldofTrains 9 років тому +19

    I have a video on UA-cam of a train on fire, that you can really see real good. Its a Norfolk Southern

    • @PABackyardRevivals
      @PABackyardRevivals 6 років тому

      i have seen it

    • @josecarloscampos7451
      @josecarloscampos7451 6 років тому

      Olá Cristiano quero te dizer , que no ano 2007 aqui no Brasil dei o primeiro passo em despoluir o ar expelido o motor diesel , fiz protótipo em os gazes entrasse em contato com a água saiam para o meio ambiente , com teor de pureza de 100 por cento limpo ao meio ambiente , estou vendo meus direito ao INPI . foi um grande efeito para o mundo mora na cidade de MESQUITA RJ , ARLA 32 ADITIVO

    • @hilham89
      @hilham89 6 років тому +1

      Wide World of Trains that's the video I watched that made me subscribe to your channel

    • @keithpatterson690
      @keithpatterson690 6 років тому

      Wide World of Trains

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 5 років тому

      Thus your profile picture

  • @sonnydean1617
    @sonnydean1617 9 років тому +3

    Very nice. We do love steam....

  • @bobcota4416
    @bobcota4416 8 років тому +20

    That's not the worlds largest steam locomotive, the big boy is.

    • @mememeister4152
      @mememeister4152 8 років тому

      this is the big boy

    • @shibe7975
      @shibe7975 8 років тому +8

      +Andi Böhme no this is a challenger.

    • @mememeister4152
      @mememeister4152 8 років тому

      +absolutely not oh. but it looks like the same

    • @JuddKramer
      @JuddKramer 8 років тому

      The Big Boy is the worlds largest PRESERVED steam locomotive. That distinction goes to the 2-8-8-8-2 triplex banker locomotives of the Erie and Virginian Railroads.

    • @brucetharpe762
      @brucetharpe762 8 років тому

      Becausee the Big Boy and Challenger are both Cousins. the Big Boy is Slightly larger.

  • @819dc
    @819dc 11 років тому

    Skip, this sure brings back great memories from 92 - 95 when I got fire her when I could get off on vacation etc. She is an awsome machine. My time with her was awsome, wish I could do it do it again. Best pacing footage I have seen of her.

  • @oldSawyer
    @oldSawyer 11 років тому

    The water spraying out is from the injector pumping water into the boiler.
    When the boiler gets low, you open a couple valves, one lets steam escape, which then creates a suction that draws water into the boiler through the same pipe that the steam is coming out of.
    The water coming out the pipe ahead of the cylinders is basically just overflow mixed with condensing steam.
    I'm sure others can explain how an injector works better than I can, but that's where the water is coming from anyway.

  • @hilham89
    @hilham89 6 років тому +6

    Now that's people is a real train, and equipped with it is a real train horn...

  • @1989CJL
    @1989CJL 10 років тому +4

    It's not the biggest one in the world it's the big boy 4014 and they are bringing it back to life

    • @legitchristian8498
      @legitchristian8498 6 років тому

      Christopher Lakey
      They are?!?

    • @FutureRailProductions
      @FutureRailProductions 5 років тому

      At the time this was filmed she was the largest operating steam locomotive. But once 4014 moves on her own power after being restored that title belongs to her.

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 5 років тому

      Wrong. 4014 is rolling along the lines.

  • @bobarlow9259
    @bobarlow9259 9 років тому +7

    ahh i love the relaxing sound of steam engines pounding the rails

  • @desmondfarrell7249
    @desmondfarrell7249 5 років тому +1

    I just love watching the running gear on these beautiful old girls.

  • @grahamsengineering.2532
    @grahamsengineering.2532 12 років тому +1

    The horsepower rating was 5400 HP & the Big Boys were 6100 HP if i'm not mistaken. Love the unique Exhaust Beat of these beautiful machines.

  • @keithmoore7390
    @keithmoore7390 8 років тому +17

    now that's a real engine! she'll do the work of 5-7 diesels!! you know you can tell all you need to know about a person by their reaction to a steamer, if they start bitching and complaining right off or wondering why keep'em they're nothing but a piece of shit thet I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw an engine by hand!!!!!

    • @SpencerHHO
      @SpencerHHO 7 років тому +2

      keith moore lol the work of 5-7 Diesels? I guess that explains why the technology was dropped and the majority of them scrapped in less than a decade?
      I love steam engines and think they are beautiful works of engineering and it is a real shame more didnt make it into preservation but it's not hard to understand why Diesel killed steam.....

    • @BattleshipMan_
      @BattleshipMan_ 6 років тому

      she was carrying to much

    • @toddsterben6647
      @toddsterben6647 6 років тому +1

      I just wonder why they have two diesels along for the ride...since the steam engine is so good

    • @hellknight2500hd
      @hellknight2500hd 6 років тому

      That engine is roughly around 7,000 hp which is nothing to laugh at but most diesels are at those numbers or damn close but if u factor in the 4-8-8-8-4 u were looking at well over 199,000 drawbar hp the up 4-8-8-4 was 130,000 n change those were the true monsters and yes if they could get the traction they would easily out pull any diesel today but as for why they quit using them look to the e.p.a. for that answer plus diesel is cheaper and easier to get your hands on personally seeing one of these old girls pounding the tracks again gives u chills at the sheer size and power wish I could have been around for their glory days. These big girls really were in a class all to themselves

    • @hellknight2500hd
      @hellknight2500hd 6 років тому

      Another thing to consider is loaded that engine would easily burn through 15 tons of coal in 1 hour

  • @TheFattHatt
    @TheFattHatt 10 років тому +19

    Wait, how can you tell when she's on fire?

    • @LRF152
      @LRF152 10 років тому +3

      Smoke, Flames, Look closely.

    • @engineer6325
      @engineer6325 10 років тому +17

      From the beginning of the video, you can see a small cloud of oily smoke emanating near the front cylinder, under the smokebox. On steam locomotives, smoke should only come from the stack, or more rarely, from certain openings in the firebox. So if there's smoke coming from somewhere else, something is burning when it isn't suppose to.

    • @LRF152
      @LRF152 10 років тому +1

      engineer6325 Exactly my point.

    • @LRF152
      @LRF152 9 років тому +4

      engineer6325 This was a common occurrence on challengers when they were in regular service.

    • @jmream2618
      @jmream2618 9 років тому +1

      thick black smoke billowing from the engines smoke stack

  • @ronyoung1407
    @ronyoung1407 6 років тому +5

    I think #3985 should be the official locomotive of the Trump Train!!!

  • @Richard3rfofOrange
    @Richard3rfofOrange 7 років тому

    I grew up along the B&O line running from Washington thru Baltimore. I would lie in bed at night and listening to the the steam whistles and the pounding of iron. Nothing sparked my imagination more the hearing a steam engine coming. Technology gives us more efficient but that does not mean its better.

  • @Dinu-desculţ
    @Dinu-desculţ 5 років тому

    WONDERFUL ... I love these steam locomotives. The black iron ladies with their tenders ... ^_____^ ❤
    Thank you very much and all the best, with health and happiness, in peace !
    Congratulations, from Romania !!!
    - In my childhood (1960s), my grandfather was mechanic on such a steam locomotive (but not so big). I went to it booth thousands of miles, especially in the mountains. I liked the smoke in the tunnels. And my bare feet were black 👣

  • @TheSuperStarCarWash
    @TheSuperStarCarWash 7 років тому +3

    The fire is at 0:50 seconds in.

  • @Spiritpup5
    @Spiritpup5 9 років тому +5

    What caused it to catch on fire?

    • @SkipW
      @SkipW  9 років тому +2

      Jeff R. leaking fluids

    • @thenorgalofthehills5688
      @thenorgalofthehills5688 9 років тому +2

      SteamUP Where was the fire?

    • @aidenguzman1583
      @aidenguzman1583 9 років тому

      +The Creepernator it wasn't on fire

    • @fairportfan2
      @fairportfan2 8 років тому +5

      +Aiden Guzman Actually, at about 1:00 in the video, when the camera zooms in, vou can see the flames - it looks as if something is burning on top of the front engine truck/under the boiler.

    • @aidenguzman1583
      @aidenguzman1583 8 років тому

      Yah keep telling yourself that

  • @andgate2000
    @andgate2000 8 років тому +3

    Anybody see the irony here.

  • @PetesNikon
    @PetesNikon 7 років тому

    Skip, you make the best videos. Real sound, running beside the locomotive for LONG periods, closeups, details. Yes, the best. Thank you

  • @NachtAsile
    @NachtAsile 8 років тому

    Sigh... to see this makes me happy. I'm only 13.. but.. I love steam locomotives so much. Floating trains are already invented.. and to see over the years how things changed and grew.. time flies when you're not looking..

  • @erikandersson1647
    @erikandersson1647 8 років тому +3

    Clearly there's a fire in there, but I'm not seeing a lot of steam coming from the pistons. Are those modern locomotives just pushing it along, and they threw in a fire to produce smoke for show?

    • @Motoskichimo1974
      @Motoskichimo1974 8 років тому +6

      +Keiser Wolfblitzer The more efficient the burn is, the less smoke it produces. A good wood stove does basically the same thing. You know your burning your fuel well when there is less smoke. As soon as the engine got going good, the coal burned with little smoke. It also was using the steam very well. You don't want to see a lot of steam coming out of it. That could mean problems, Also, these engines have a lot of power and coaches are nothing compared to what it used to haul in it's hayday. So it doesn't need to use as much steam or coal. The diesel is there for safety reasons, like brake downs and braking power.

    • @erikandersson1647
      @erikandersson1647 8 років тому +2

      Dassark
      I did some research on this particular engine and where the steam exits and it comes out near the second piston set. You can see it in the video, it's pretty cool. They did a good job on firing here. The smoke is supposed to be grey for maximum efficiency. When it's black, there's not enough air, and when it's clear, there's too much and the volatile gases aren't burning and being swept away. cool stuff- it's kind of sad all this experience is in firing steam locomotives is no longer useful.

    • @SkipW
      @SkipW  8 років тому +1

      +Keiser Wolfblitzer thanks for the research, I did not know that

    • @gamersgonecrazy7536
      @gamersgonecrazy7536 8 років тому +2

      +Keiser Wolfblitzer Ever since I saw this video the first time I wanted to say (as a joke) its spoce to be on fire its a STEAM engine.

    • @theidkwhatsgoingonchannel3840
      @theidkwhatsgoingonchannel3840 8 років тому

      +GamersGoneCRAZY haha but look for sparks

  • @lasuzzoeagle1
    @lasuzzoeagle1 7 років тому +7

    Not the largest. Lol.

    • @FranzFerdinandVIII
      @FranzFerdinandVIII 6 років тому

      3985 (my favorite steam locomotive) is certainly one of the largest steam locomotives around

    • @FutureRailProductions
      @FutureRailProductions 5 років тому

      Largest operating at the time the video was being filmed.

    • @samuelh5567
      @samuelh5567 5 років тому

      True, very true.

  • @kennethwise7108
    @kennethwise7108 Рік тому +3

    Only tree huggers give this a 👎

    • @verstehenrefulgente4993
      @verstehenrefulgente4993 11 місяців тому

      Why are you making fun of this train? It’s literally the king of the rails.

    • @doublediamond9830
      @doublediamond9830 10 місяців тому

      ​@@verstehenrefulgente4993he's not. He is commenting on the idiots who disliked the video.

    • @doublediamond9830
      @doublediamond9830 10 місяців тому

      And the Big Boy is the KING OF THE RAILS now.

    • @verstehenrefulgente4993
      @verstehenrefulgente4993 10 місяців тому

      @@doublediamond9830 still 3985 even if it has been retired and restored soon it’s still the king of the rails

  • @TheOriginalJphyper
    @TheOriginalJphyper 3 роки тому

    RIP Challenger. It was pulled from service just a year and a half after this video was posted to UA-cam and was declared officially retired January 2020. Thankfully, we now have the 4014 Big Boy to take its place.

  • @MamaEtna
    @MamaEtna 5 років тому

    She gallops and yes she does seem alive the way she does. Never get tired of watching these videos of her.

  • @graemealexander5342
    @graemealexander5342 12 років тому

    Wow, can see why they are called BigBoy's. So much power, truly magnificent machine. What a privilege to be able to witness that run down here in New Zealand. Thankyou so much SkipW for sharing that.

  • @WVFreebyrd
    @WVFreebyrd 11 років тому

    LOL......This video could never be shot in my home state of West Virginia because there's no single straight stretch of road more than 200 yards long !! Nice vid. My grandfather was a steam engineer. I never knew him but my mom told me many a tale of his railroading days. My dad was a brakeman for 39 years. As my mom (80 years old) has said on more than one occassion "The railroad has fed me all of my life".

  • @chambs123
    @chambs123 11 років тому +1

    Absolutely fantastic footage! It was amazing that you managed to stay along side her for so long on the parallel road....superb! Although I am in the UK I love collecting & running lots of the US/Canadian locos. I have featured quite a few on my channel including Big-Boy. I also love Challenger & although I have her I haven't featured her in a vid yet but will be doing very soon. Kind regards, John.

  • @gearboxobs419
    @gearboxobs419 7 років тому

    @ 5.56 when she just started cooking sounds like heaven to me.
    Thanks for this it's really cool.

  • @johnsorber3546
    @johnsorber3546 6 років тому

    Some of the best footage I've ever seen of a Big Boy with a full head of steam . GREAT JOB !

    • @laurabillings1071
      @laurabillings1071 6 років тому

      John Sorber this isn’t a big boy. this is a challenger. big boys were 40__ class and had eight drivers in each set, not six. other than that they are almost identical

  • @FloozieOne
    @FloozieOne 7 років тому

    Gosh that train is so beautiful. I kind of slipped into this site while looking for something else, but I am mesmerized and can't turn it off. Power and grace, those tie-rods (or whatever they are called) and dancing with the wheels in an eternal ballet and above all that movement the body is steady as a rock.

    • @sandgrownun66
      @sandgrownun66 3 роки тому

      Beautiful isn't the word that comes to mind with this brute. The most beautiful steam locomotives ever built were the Class LNER A4 is a class of streamlined locomotives. Of which Mallard still holds the world speed record.

  • @juneshopper
    @juneshopper 5 років тому

    and cool brochure from NRHS, Skip, I have never been a member just had free trial membership a few years ago but it was year the local St. L chapter celebrated 50 years so got to attend that. And I did go down to Union Station in 1990 for their national and saw steamers on display, including my Fav #1522. I did get to climb into the cab even though it was not set up for cab tours, When the crew heard my Frisco family history, they pushed and pulled me up into the cab which was a big thrill for me. And I saw that IMAX film at our Science Center and was one of best I'd ever seen.

  • @antigarathorn
    @antigarathorn 12 років тому

    It's the most beautiful machine ever made by humankind! I would give anything to have a ride aboard...

  • @hyderali1204
    @hyderali1204 Рік тому +1

    It's been 24 years of video taken.... But honestly this is the best sound of steam engine in entire u tube non other than this.. If u wanna admire the sound listen @2:38 to 3 mins extreme level of acceleration

  • @henrybrightonmusicuploads
    @henrybrightonmusicuploads 3 роки тому

    I heard from someone and I quote: “3985 was built to run, not to last.” After this video I have no trouble denying that! I’m sure they were more cautious with the big boys restoration.

  • @acuarofilio
    @acuarofilio 12 років тому +1

    Thanks for the clarification and your answer helped me to meet these giants that I did not know that there were also

  • @xenomorph2056
    @xenomorph2056 5 років тому

    It'll be AMAZING next year when big bro 4014 and little bro 844 are side by side for the Golden Spike commemorative! I'm just bummed all 3 couldn't be there!!

  • @initialb5009
    @initialb5009 2 роки тому

    i still find it amazing that this thing is as old as it is. and it still runs,

  • @dadhatchett7343
    @dadhatchett7343 7 років тому

    I've chased this a few times to Cheyenne and always wondered WHY the driving wheels are not always in sync. But the joy of watching this magnificent entity keeps a smile on my face.

    • @Jeebuus
      @Jeebuus 6 років тому

      If you're talking about the two sets of drivers being out of sync it's usually because of slippage or if they were reinstalled that way after a service or something.

    • @dadhatchett7343
      @dadhatchett7343 6 років тому

      Thanks for the insight. Slippage seems to explain what I was curious about.

  • @denboy49
    @denboy49 10 років тому

    Great video!! One of the better ones. Did this trip in 2000. Chased 3985 and 844 running tandem across Wyoming only on that trip took cut off at Laramie, down through Tie Siding and on into Denver. An aside Most probably know but by the end of this year, three of the remaining eight Big Big Boy 4000s will be within 100 miles of each other. Two in Cheyenne (4014 for restoration) one in Frontier Park and 4005 in Forney Museum in Denver

  • @pawnshopnut
    @pawnshopnut 12 років тому

    No prettier sound anywhere. Rhythm of the drivers and steam whistle. Brings back old memories.

  • @TrainSimUSA
    @TrainSimUSA 11 років тому +1

    Maximum speed is approx. 70 mph. 80 for the Bigboy.

  • @turbocompound
    @turbocompound 8 років тому +1

    Wow, what a smoothly running powerful monster 👍👍

  • @coloradoandsouthern363
    @coloradoandsouthern363 11 років тому

    When the engine isn't working, a steam locomotive doesn't use as much steam. Having the fire going will continue raising pressure until the engine blows some off, wasting fuel. In the end it is drifting with little fuel burning, and the blower on, keeping the stack clean.
    As for the diesel, they use it to provide additional assistance for power when climbing hills, or to save fuel on the steam engine. It also provides dynamic braking which reduces brake shoe wear and tear.

  • @stitch7777
    @stitch7777 11 років тому

    This is the best video on youtube I have seen so far with a running locomotive. Thanks for uploading this!