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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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
@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'.
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 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 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
@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!
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.
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 😊
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.
The origin of the Famous Trainz CSA Challenger Whistle From ANL
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 love how active this engine is. Its refreshing. There are tons of videos of it on the site.
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!
Typical bell sound with clouds of steam is the beauty of up 844 nice marvellous fabulous superb video
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.
Great video! I was just down the road in Conway!
What a beautiful machine!!!Is awesome!!!!The whistle..the smoke all...10*
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!
the echo of the whistle is a perfect moment in time !
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.
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.
the most massive runby of 3985 ever !!!!
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 ua-cam.com/video/GyZD7fJ12WI/v-deo.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).
That was a great vid
I loved the vapor cloud from the stack . With it being 35 it makes a great show. Good Job !!!!!
Now that is some torque
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.
wow it looks like a ghost train in the ending!! that smoke is thick and lots of it great catch man best catch ever!
Man if UP still used these on freight trains you would find me @ every crossing in town with my camera.
Awesome
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
You'r lucky to have so much so close. I'd love to see SP 4449 live someday.
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.
Awesome!
A true masterpiece in engineering... :-)
That whistle is haunting.
Five (5) Star Runby Video! Great sound, lighting, echo, close-up. Nice job! *****
I heart 3985!
1:02 watching the last passenger car go up in the smoke as the Challenger blow his whistle spooky gives me goosebumps
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.
whistle for of the up challenger in trains a new era 0:31
Love the sound of the whistle!!!!
BVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV! BVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV! BVVVVV! BVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV!
god what a whistle!!!!! that was awsome!!
He is making all that smoke. SMOKING!
Beautiful catch! Love that horn.
AWESOME vid quality and SOUND
@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)
The whistle gave me goosebumps *****
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.
whats even more fun is when you get to set in the cab of a 2-6-6-4 mallet
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...
I have one word for this video. WOW!
gorgeous!! can't beat a steamer in full song!
Big boy is fantastic ! Zoltan bebto from Hungary,Europe.
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
She always knows how to put on a show. :)
The first 3985 video and it’s older than me!
Down right amazing :-)) breathtaking locomotive is 3985
Man that was sweet.
Love that whistle I wanna hear it on 4014
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.
Best run-by of her on youtube!
wow what a sound !!!
Very nice. Never seen this much steam. How do get so many views?
Klasse Camy führund ,Tolle Bilder ,voller Steam
takes your breath away, shear poetry in motion mmmmmmmmmm :o]
i would give my guts just to see this thing in action!!
I agree. However, I think that Big Boy's whistle is by far more beautiful to hear than the Challenger's whistle.
Perfect video
No other machine on earth like these steamers!
@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'.
No problem, it was the winter before I was born. They used the oil burner off a displayed Challenger at North Platte I belive.
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
Thats nice, thanks for sharing.
wow great video. i saw this engine two weeks ago. my vids look like junk to yours! nice work
This edit is CHOICE, TNX!
AWESOME!
OMG! Wish I was there!
They should do a Heavy Freight Train with that thing to show the real power of it!
damn right no diesel engine helping that beast! it's already got two engines under the boiler!
N I C E !
I thought so too....especially once it disappears down the track.
awsome horn
oh thanks i had no clue
The Challenger and Big Boy whistle are exactly the same, actually.
That was a surprisingly short train it was pulling
Up 3985 january 2004
Sick!
Impressive
Very nice loco. Thumbs up! :)
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
3 tenders, wow! He just topped Flying Scotsman!
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?
Pentrex's bigboy video has a few recordings of the Big Boy's whistle. It's a bit stronger and sharper than the Challengers.
my favoite locomotive
WOW! Is the only word for that!
love that smoke!
@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
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!
Where was this location?
They did things to prevent that. Smoke stacks have spark arresters (screen doors) to block them.
It would be nice if Union Pacific Challenger 3985 team up with Big Boy 4014.
was that a DL-109?
@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!
Yeah, from the football game.
What a machine. I would love to see this monster working in the flesh but I won't fly so I don't think I ever will!