An early challenger poses with ATSF stock cars in tow. No photographer listed on slide.

An early challenger at speed along highway 30. No photographer listed on slide.

A challenger making a lot of smoke. No photographer name listed on slide.

One of the early UP challengers in service. No information on slide as to who took the photo.

A mighty challenger pulling a reefer string over Sherman Hill. Photo taken by Jack Pfeifer.

A member of Steve Lee’s steam crew intently watches for a signal from the cab of Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 No. 3985 at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on October 9, 2008.

Just after returning from a trip back east, Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 No. 3985 shows some road dirt highlighting its massive boiler. After spotting a couple of cars, the locomotive will back into the ... (more)

Union Pacific Challenger No. 3985 smokes westbound west of Sunol (east of Sidney), Nebraska, on October 9, 2008.

In 1954, the Clinchfield railroad had finally made the transition from the steam era, to the diesel era. However, that left several steam locomotives, including these 4 E-2 class Challenger type l... (more)

Union Pacific 3985 leaving southern California at Sullivan's Curve in Cajon Pass.

Another CSX Santa Train will run later this month but the apex was reached when UP's Challenger, lettered for the Clinchfield, pulled the 50th Anniversary train.

UP 3985 leads the Missouri River Eagle eastbound on the Marysville sub.

UP 3985 eastbound pulling the Missouri River Eagle.

In 1947, to help meet the demands of the post war coal boom, the Clinchfield purchased 6 used 4-6-6-4 Challenger-type locomotives from the Denver, Rio Grande, and Western. Despite being very big p... (more)

Unable to turn on the tight wye at Kingsport, UP 3985 in disguise was towed NB to await the employee appreciation train which it would pull back south. Here a SB coal train eases past as the fait... (more)