Union Pacific #3985 August 1992 McAlester to Fort Worth Pt 1

August 13th 1992, and the Union Pacific 3895 Challenger is traveling from McAlester, Oklahoma to Texas for a week or so of being on display on the tracks of the UP. This video was shot with SVHS camcorder from McAlester, Oklahoma to Fort Worth. Enjoy the live steam action, pacing shots and a small piece of history. Much of this is now gone as new highways, and track route have been changed since 1984. Thanks to the Union Pacific RR for supporting the operation of steam engines, and allowing future generations to enjoy these fine locomotives.

[@AlexTrain5249]

The sounds of the 3rd chime’s last moments. It stopped working later in 1992.

[@zacharycalgher3978]

The whistle 3985 had that got fouled, was a Union Pacific 3-chime Hancock. 3985 even had an Illinois Central 3-chime Hancock whistle in 1991, but it didn’t sound great, so they switched back from the IC one to the UP one.

[@dansisson1257]

The most memorable week of 1992. There were 18 wheel slips backing around the Bernhardt Wye

[@Bulldog1653]

UP Needs to bring Challenger back. I don't know about anyone else but I would love to see a doubleheader with Challenger and Big Boy teamed up.

[@1991tommygun]

The 90’s was the last of the good ol days

[@KartKing4ever]

I was able to see 3985 about 10 years or so after this was filmed when it came through my area. I was maybe 6 or 7 years old and it was magnificent. Really cool to see it running here without a dead-weight-diesel.

[@laszlodrippey9332]

Elképesztő... Egy ilyen mozdonyt vezetni.. Szíves én tenném

[@Farside2020]

3985 was on my bucket list of top 5 engines I'd hoped to see in-person before I die. That it was retired and replaced by 4014 - and is apparently in such terrible repair now that they would have had to retire it anyway, honestly breaks my heart. It significantly dampened any feelings I had on the return of the Big Boy - made only worse by the fact that 4014 is using 3985's tender. This beautiful engine deserved better, and given that there are only 2 Challengers left, and at least 5+ Big Boys on display across the U.S. (if I'm not mistaken,) it only reinforces my opinion. I know I'm in the minority here, but still... I'd personally take 3985 over 4014 any day. I'm sorry if I'm coming across as a downer, and I am happy for those who are thrilled to have 4014 back in service, but I feel like no one really talks about the loss of 3985, nor seem to care that she'll never run again. It's just a shame.

[@davidng2336]

Good news: 3985 will return when the RRHMA (Railroading Heritage of Midwest America) restores it.

[@danielboone3770]

Moore Challenger #3985 action in 1992! I love it!

[@BadWolf762]

Nice video, great to see her running on coal. I saw the 3985 up close in 2009 but by then it was converted to oil. Quit an impressive piece of history.

[@texaswestern70mac]

in 1992 the 3985 had already been converted to run on oil for 2 years.

[@davidng2336]

Quit or quite?

[@rimakuja]

Awesome footage, enjoyed it all. A very impressive locomotive. Thank you for sharing your professionally made video with lots action and all. Stephan

[@dlcluley]

Very nice video. I like the variety of shots. Especially the pacing, and the close up of the drivers right before the end.

[@kaifriedrich3354]

I was born in August 92' 😀

[@caseylimbert266]

I would love to listen to the hippies cry about this big, beautiful momma... #go UP #goBIGYELLOW

[@kittymuffins6484]

She's a brickhouse, baby!!!

[@2666loco]

Thanks

[@duke_of_destruction]

The long black train!!!

[@Ravenscaller]

The stack blowing black coal smoke is the way I remember steam on the Southern Railway. Don' t think they could do that today. 4014 and 844 burn oil and are much cleaner. I image 3985 does the same now.

[@NeilADahl]

The engineer can make smoke for photo ops, sometimes the smoke comes from low quality fuel. But the color of the exhaust coming out of the stack is largely controlled by the operator. Neil

[@Ravenscaller]

@@NeilADahl Thanks for the reply.

[@davidng2336]

3985 has been an oil burner since 1990 so it can’t burn as much smoke nowadays, or at least until 2010.

[@LiviuDragon]

good old times :)

[@stevenwoods1374]

That's Fantastic 😇👍🤝🏆💪🇺🇸💖💖💖💖🚂😊😊😊🎇🎆🎊🎉🍨🎂💪💖

[@rudycarlson511]

Was this Steve Lee driving at this point?

[@mackdog832]

Awesome sight for sure…too bad it pollutes the air so much though

[@rudycarlson511]

I meant to say this in my last comment I know he retired a couple years ago

[@yamahaguy1732]

They need to bring her back with the bigboy and maybe get a smaller loco

[@jamierischmiller5788]

They do have a fully operational locomotive that's smaller, Union Pacific #844.

[@yamahaguy1732]

Jamie Rischmiller the 844 is large I'm talking about a small loco

[@davidng2336]

No. 3985 is getting an overhaul starting by the end of this year.

[@robertinscoe2379]

@@davidng2336 nope not going to happen. UP will be running 4014 and 844 no rebuild for the 3985

[@davidng2336]

@@robertinscoe2379 Wait for an official response by the UP first, or at least wait for someone to interview Ed. I'm not believing in rumors.

[@yuriyuryasov4433]

So traffic is so , ( add to it)🔧🔧🔧

[@bigjake4424]

When America was great.

[@carryfreak5059]

We still are.

[@DrFish-ne7xi]

At 0:17 oh boy I have a big shirt? Or am I fat I’m fat :)