The crew of the Union Pacific #3985 "Challenger" is slowly repositioning the locomotive to a location about 100 yards east of here for refueling, inspections, and on-the-spot maintenance after cut... (more)

Union Pacific #3985 "Challenger" leading the "Missouri River Eagle" along Manchester Road on a beautiful early October morning as it slows for its final destination--St. Louis, Missouri (Nikon D2... (more)

The monster wheel & connecting rod assembly on steam locomotive UP 3985 are inspected multiple times during a service stop in Southern Illinois.

The largest operating steam engine in the world lays over in St. Louis.

Missouri River Eagle steams into downtown St Louis through the Grand Ave interlocking

UP 3985 pulls the Missouri Valley Eagle across the Meremac River on its way to Sedalia, MO for a celebration of the city's 150th anniversary.

The westbound Missouri River Eagle special passes over the tranquil Meramec River on its way to Jefferson City and Sedalia, Missouri.

UP 3985 waits in the early morning darkness of 10/9/2010 to head west in about eight hours

The Challenger tied down in St Louis, with the Gateway Arch in the background.

Union Pacific 3985 is just south of Dupo as it rolls through the rural farmland.

The steam crew is making final checks before an early morning departure from Cheyenne; the train will soon depart to meet the Circus train in Speer, WY.

UP 3985 pulls into rural Gorham to be serviced and turned before heading back to St. Louis. This locomotive was last in regular service in 1957. It is one of only two of the original 105 Union P... (more)

UP's Challenger races north for St. Louis as it crosses the Kaskaskia River.

Two sets of eyes are better than one on a Challenger steam locomotive, UP 3985, on the UP Chester Sub in Southern Illinois. Built in 1943 by the American Locomotive Company.