Union Pacific RR 4-6-6-4 No. 3985
Silvis, IL, United States 		Location: RRHMA - Silvis Shops
Status: Restoration
Posted: Jan 8, 2023 @ 05:01:17 by Russell Newman
The 1472-day Overhaul on the famous Union Pacific Railroad 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985 is now underway in the former Rock Island Railroad workshops of the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, Illinois as the locomotive is being stripped down for work to begin to return her to steam again.
Posted: Nov 20, 2022 @ 05:11:44 by Russell Newman
After its long journey by rail from Cheyenne, Wyoming, the famous Union Pacific Railroad 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985 has arrived at her new home at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, Illinois, USA, where the locomotive will undergo her much needed 1472-day Overhaul to return to steam and the mainlines of the US again.
Posted: Oct 26, 2022 @ 13:10:52 by Russell Newman
It has been announced that the famous Union Pacific Railroad 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985 will be leaving her long term home of Cheyenne, Wyoming on November 11th 2022 and relocating to her new home at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, Illinois, USA, where she will arrive there on the 19th of November 2022. No. 3985 will be moved by rail as part of a special train of heritage locomotives and rolling stock to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America at Silvis.
Posted: May 11, 2022 @ 12:05:15 by Russell Newman
Following its donation to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, Illinois the famous Union Pacific Railroad 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985 will soon be relocating to its new home for a complete overhaul as its new owners the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America have started fundraising efforts to restore the locomotive to operate on the mainlines of the United States of America again.
Posted: Apr 28, 2022 @ 22:04:38 by James
It was announced today 04/28/22 that UP 3985 Challenger was donated to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in Silvis, Illinois. Along with UP 5511 and many other UP pieces of historical equipment in Cheyenne, Wyoming. UP 3985 is planned for a full restoration to operation.
Posted: Jan 13, 2020 @ 18:01:32 by
The engine was officially retired by Union Pacific due to poor mechanical condition. Status should be out of service.
Posted: Jun 17, 2019 @ 05:06:42 by Russell Newman
From a report in the Railway Magazine there are no plans to put Union Pacific Railroad 4-6-6-4 Challenger No. 3985 in steam anytime soon sadly. As the Union Pacific Steam Program only want two active steam locomotives running being their famous 4-8-4 No. 844 and Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014. The condition of 3985 has been described as being worse then 4014 was when it was picked up for the UP Steam Program from the late 1980s. Instead it is now planned to place 3985 on static display for now somewhere.
Posted: Dec 3, 2014 @ 21:12:24 by Josh
Status should be changed to stored, numerous sources have stated that there are no plans 3985 in the near future.
Posted: Aug 7, 2008 @ 12:08:57 by Mark H.
The "Alco-Schenectady Construction Number List" indicates that Construction Numbers 70169 through 70182 and 70678 through 70683, Road Numbers 3980 through 3999, were shipped to "Union Pacific" during July of 1943. All of the units were 4-6-6-4's with a "Specified" total weight of 625,000 pounds (This is not necessarily the "Actual" total weight).
Posted: Mar 1, 2006 @ 22:03:52 by George S.
The "Alco-Schenectady Construction Number List" indicates that Construction Numbers 70169 through 70182 and 70678 through 70683, Road Numbers 3980 through 3999, were shipped to "Union Pacific" during July of 1943. All of the units were 4-6-6-4's with a "Specified" total weight of 625,000 pounds (This is not necessarily the "Actual" total weight).
Posted: Jul 17, 2005 @ 13:07:07 by David Flores

I think The 3985 steam crew borrowed the smoke defelecters from sister engine 3977 for the 40th anniversery steam excursion in 1993 when 3985 was renumbered to 3967 because the 3967 had smoke defelcters an pulled the oringinal trip in1953 from Denver, Co to laramie, Wy

Posted: Jan 16, 2005 @ 21:01:05 by Jonathan Miller

This is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world.

 

Posted: Oct 17, 2004 @ 10:10:41 by Kyle J Chang
Was painted as Clinchfield 676 in 1992 and traveled to The CSX Railroad for the 50th Anniverary of the Santa Claus spiecials that Clinchefield had been doing since 1942.
Posted: Aug 8, 2003 @ 11:08:08 by John O.Kline

I was wondering about a schedule of when Engine 3985 will be traveling this year.  I'm located in Fargo, ND.  I'm presently working an 0-60-0, steam locomotive in Rollag MN.  I'm also a fireman and engineer for this engine. I would love to talk to some of your engineers, for No.3985, and a chance to see your engine up close.

Thanks!

John O. Kline, 701.232.8949, ext: 219