Which is rarer? Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 3985, the world's only operating Challenger and one of two remaining, seems like the easy answer. However, a closer look reveals that the switcher is P... (more)

The biggest pan. After adding my littlest panned engine here, I decided to add my largest panned engine. UP 3985 is ... (more)

The UP steam crew continues to go about their business into the night preparing the 3985 for the next day's run from Mo. Valley to Boone, IA. Special thanks to Kent from SD for the lighting.

UP puts on a nice show in downtown St. Paul departing after being on display over the weekend.

The big Challenger was enroute to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

UP #3985 finally arrives home after a long 22 day trip. Historic Steam Shop in background to the left.

Close call. While the westbound empty coal train was slowly crawling by, smoke could be seen over the top. Luckily, AC4400CW 6709, the DPU of the coal train, cleared the crossing as 3985 bu... (more)

UP #3985 arrives back at it's home and shows the wear and tear from a 22 day trip.

UP 3985 makes good time up the Spine Line seen here in a zoom-out-pan just north of Castle Rock on her way to South St. Paul.

Challenger at sunset. UP 3985 departs Fremont bound for Missouri Valley, IA after a short stop. A special thanks goes out to those who made the decision to send the train further ea... (more)

UP 3985 races towards St. Paul through the small town of Ellendale in southern Minnesota.

We hear the exhaust, two blasts close together from the four cylinders. Now we know why we took the day off and stood in the heat for a long time. It was a sight that none of us had ever seen befo... (more)

After having bell problems which caused a 45-minute delay, UP 3985 begins to back into the main part of the yard to begin her journey east/north to Mason City, IA.

The wide angle lens makes the boiler seem to stretch as UP 3985 heads for its next stop in Mankato en route from St. Paul to St. James, Minn. on the old Omaha Road.

UP 3985 shows why steam engines are attractive as it smokes it up approaching the I-494 overpass in Eagan heading out of St. Paul for St. James, Minn. on the old Omaha Road.