UP 3985 was one of the second versions of the Challenger. She was built in July, 1943 by ALCO and her design drew heavily on experience with the famous Big Boy locomotives. She has 69 inch drivers... (more)

Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985 thunders westbound on the approach to the top of Archer Hill, Wyoming, on October 9, 2008. Fireman Ed Dickens can be seen in the cab; Ed is now Manager He... (more)

Union Pacific’s Steve Lee carefully watches Challenger No. 3985 slowly backing into UP’s Steam Shop at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on October 9, 2008. The articulation of the 4-6-6-4 is quite obvious o... (more)

Union Pacific 3985 leaving Southern Califfornia through Cajon Pass.

This shot brings back some great memories of an event that will never again happen. Even today, I'm amazed I was a part of it. This scene was taken by my friend Joe Givens. I was on board the trai... (more)

UP 3985 arrived early into Kansas City Union Station tonight on UP Train SSDKC 10, which was today's segment of the "Missouri River Eagle". I asked Steve Lee to keep the dynamo going and the head... (more)

Headed west on the UP Sedalia Sub. is the "Missouri River Eagle" bound for the Sedalia, Missouri Sesquicentennial later today as UP Train SSLSD 09. This might be my favorite picture of the trip.

UP 3985 heads south on UP's Chester Sub with a special to Gorham,IL, seen here passing the control point at Jacob,IL 10/7/10

UP 3985 and train arrives St Louis, MO after a day long excursion to Gorham,IL and back 10/7/10. The train would be on display the next day on the track the train is entering before heading west o... (more)

By the late 1950s, there were just two places in the United States that still featured big-time steam operations: The Norfolk & Western in the Appalachias, and Union Pacific in Wyoming. Cheyenne ... (more)

UP3985 accelerates away from Eaton heading towards Denver.

Spokane Portland & Seattle 4-6-6-4 Class Z-6 900 was the first of six "Challengers" built by the American Locomotive Company in 1937. She had 69" drivers, four 23 x 32 inch cylinders, operated at ... (more)

The way it was! Folks got close-in trackside to gather gifts tossed from the Ob car as the 50th Anniversary Santa Train came by. Challenger is UP re-lettered for the occasion.