The FORMER Largest Operational Steam Locomotive | UP 3985 Challenger | History in the Dark

[@Caledonian905]

Slightly smaller Big Chungus

[@ChristianShirk-oo9jh]

No The 3985 is big chungus The 4014 is the MEGA CHUNGUS

[@weylinwest9505]

@@ChristianShirk-oo9jh No. 844 Is Big Chungus 3985 is Bigger Chungus 4014 is THE OMEGA CHONK

[@ChristianShirk-oo9jh]

@@weylinwest9505 OH LAWD HE COMIN

[@Comeng_]

Lmao

[@fatpigeon008]

Yo Colm wsg

[@getube9]

Rode behind her when she was still burning coal. Volunteered for the Historical Society as a vestibule attendant. 14 Cars on the UP secondary line between SLC and Provo, that hi-railer ran out of firefighting water in nothing flat!

[@this51man]

3985 AND 4014 on a doubleheader? You gonna pull the world apart with all that power

[@DeadBBa1ls]

😂

[@phillyfan-182]

That would be incredible!

[@miles_da-tractor_man]

Yea

[@colestrains1]

Thank you SO MUCH for doing this video!!! I’m a challenger guy myself and I remeber seeing her when I was quite young

[@andrewtempleton1734]

I remember when 3985 came to Ft worth TX she ran the trinity express for a day (short run between Dallas and Ft worth) I was aboard and carry those memories still, I couldn’t help but smile seeing 4014 near the same tracks I rode 3985 on, but a part of me wants to see her run again someday

[@shimesu443]

I became an Underwater Train Finders just to get this video, cause I absolutely adore 3985, and I can't wait to see her running again. I heard somewhere - can't remember where, sadly - that in the contract that Union Pacific signed with the RRHMA, they can reclaim 3985 at any time. They just to pay the RRHMA back the money the spent. While part of me feels like that would be a massively jerkish move to take her away from the people who spent so much time and effort on her, part of me wonders if that's the plan all along. There were hints here and there that they planned to keep 3985 alongside 4014 and 844, and it wasn't until 2020 that Ed Dickens stated that having three to care for would be too much.

[@Sevenfeet0]

I think UP is thinking that they don't want anyone else to have 3985. Since they are donating to a non-profit, if anything happened to the organization, it would give UP the right to reclaim her first, if needed.

[@anthonydrawsome3648]

i hope that Union Pcafic lets RRHMA run 3985 on their trackage 🙂

[@fenrirslip]

To see all four of these massive locomotives on the rails will truly be a sight to behold and history in the making in a sense. And believe me, I haven't forgotten about the Challenger.

[@sp786fanboy9]

Alright, now that you’ve done a video about 611, 4014, *and* 3985 by this point, would you ever do one for N&W 1218, the other big simple articulated fan-favorite?

[@MrSEANDEERE]

I was really happy tho hear the 3985 was getting a new lease on life with its new owner. It would be one hell of a show if the four UP steamers make an appearance together. I might very well make the trip to see that when if happens.

[@joeywinchesteryt]

Very excited to see the fully restored 3985 in the near future! Wanted to see her carry the Circus to Denver back in the day but missed it sadly

[@Sigil_Firebrand]

3985 will forever be my favourite steam engine, i got to see her pulling freight sometime in the early 2000s, when i was just a wee lad. It made a massive impression on me. :D

[@DeseretFoamer]

The Challengers were always a more attractive locomotive. They just looked more balanced while running. I was sad when UP sold 3985 off, I hope her future is bright.

[@jonathanzobel1662]

Silvis is a good crew. They're also working on the IAIS QJ steam engine too.

[@fireutility21]

**Foamer warning** Could you imagine if RRHSM organized with UP to do a quadruple header with **ahg-hem, Inhales** 844, 551, 3985, Aaand 4014?

[@atsf47legit]

as an atsf foamer i believe 3751 should be included

[@aircraftandmore9775]

3985 is being retired from excursions

[@wesw9586]

Can we add 6936 just for dynamic brakes and lulz?

[@davidng2336]

@@aircraftandmore9775RRHMA is returning it to operation.

[@jesseusgrantcanales]

@@aircraftandmore9775 Uh...How? If they are restoring to running order, I think her days are not over.

[@davidng2336]

As of this video, 3985's restoration by the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America has made tremendous progress! The whistle was also recently restored.

[@TrainMedia00]

Litterly my dream job is to drive UP 3985 while is being restored at the RRHMA and crap 5511 as well. While 4014 stolen the spot light from 3985 and 844 is still sitting there not being operated, if they don't do it for 844, I'll save her, but now 3985 is my final goal is to plan any excursions, and I also another goal is driving atsf 2926, I'm definitely a new railfan and a railroad nerd living along with the Midwest.

[@Challenger3985Productions]

My all-time favorite steam locomotive

[@nathancorcoran5347]

Union Pacific Challenger 3985 is one of those returning back to operation steam locomotives.

[@evangaines2303]

BIG CHUNGUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well Done Darkness, This is what I was expecting, Great job

[@JLCmike4014]

Fun fact for everyone, 4014 did NOT have its original tender when UP acquired it. The tender it came with was actually from 4015. 3985 carried its original tender last i heard before it was put behind 4014.

[@davidng2336]

They are supposed to swap tenders after 4014's tender is converted to oil, after which 3985 will get its own tender back.

[@JLCmike4014]

@@davidng2336, i know. But 4014’s tender is not the one it was born with when UP re-acquired it.

[@davidng2336]

@@JLCmike4014 makes me wonder if 3985's tender is original or not.

[@JLCmike4014]

@@davidng2336, not sure. Would have to see the tender plate. The 4014’s tender plate is 4015’s. Out of the 8 big boy still in existence only 3 of their original tenders still exist. I believe only 1 has its original tender attached to it, the other 2 could have their original tenders but you’d have to shuffle around tenders.

[@trainglen22]

Thank you for doing this fantastic video, Darkness.

[@matt_the_wildman_2112]

I was lucky enough to see 3985 in St Paul MN when I was 4

[@HollenHays-xy5cu]

I saw this immediately after seeing Big boy 4014 for the last time for the day back on Friday. What a history! Here’s hoping we see 3985 in the near future! 🍷

[@Dave_9547]

I was able to see both locomotives at the 1981 Railfair in Sacramento, since I lived about twenty miles from there. In 1991 we rode behind SP4449 from Sacramento to San Francisco.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

Miss the 3985 since its gone and my favorite video of it is pulling the 145 freight car s showing any thing diesel can do steam can do better keep it going

[@mdsimpson71]

I got to witness the 3985 in disguise as the clinchfield on that glorious day...quite the beauty indeed!!!

[@DouggieFresh50]

Yesterday I saw Union pacific big boy at my local train museum Union stashion we saw tons of trains and my little brother loved the big boy

[@jusjetz]

Big Boy 4014 has Reclaimed his Crown.

[@brentboswell1294]

The Challengers were built to allow the power of UP's 4-12-2’s to be brought to the Wasatch range. The 4-12-2's were limited to very straight stretches of track on the UP, mainly out of Omaha. They couldn't take curves in mountainous territory without causing damage to the tracks. The articulation of the Challenger class solved that problem.

[@RUNAWAYTRAIN3010]

JUST BRING BACK THE 9000 THATS ALL I WANT

[@JQNAH]

I don't think a long rigid frame like that would be ideal today. Most likely won't work

[@wkjeeping9053]

I love the way 3977 looks

[@bertcresta6685]

Personally, I like 3985 better. I saw her at LAX when she was still in service. Beautiful engine!!

[@Jetthehawk1994]

Fun fact: Hank from Thomas and Friends was originally going to be a Challenger before they settled on the PRR K4.

[@Terra_The_Foxicorn]

I got to work on her for rrhma. 3985 makes you feel small standing next to her.

[@BigBoy4014.]

Do the story on Big Boy 4023 and how it almost became Union Pacifics Big Boy to restore because it was in the roundhouse till the late 70s. The reason Union Pacific did not choose to restore 4023 was because they spent nearly 1 million dollars putting here on the hill where she is today

[@ericwillcoxen7856]

I went to see the 3985 when she came to Partland, Or in 2005 (I think), when I was in seventh grade. I remeber being in awe of this massive locomotive. I used one of the spec sheets that they were giving out about 3985, and the Challengers in general, in my final report/project for my seventh grade social studies class. My report was about the past, presenet, and future (what was predicted in 2005) of railroading/railroads. I got an A. I was sad that UP donated 3985 instead of overhauling her and running her with 4014, but I understand why they chose what they did. Hopefully she'll meetup with 4014 and 844 in the future.

[@TheRaceboi]

11:18 i think It would be REALLY COOL to have 4014 and 3985 meet at the Illinois railroad museum considering that the challenger is already in Illinois and big boy hasn’t been to the Chicago area sense it’s big tour around the country in 2019 11:18

[@KreativeKng]

there was also a clause in the donation agreement that UP can ask for 3985 back at any time after her restoration in exchange for other equipment

[@wyatthahn6913]

Not to paint a bit of darkness here, but im quite surprised you didn't mention 3985's excursion where she caught fire, nonetheless im glad she's gone to a good home at least!

[@capnkwick4286]

Union Pacific has that stretch of triple track between North Platte and Grand Island, Nebraska. It would be really something to have 844, 3985 and 4014 running side by side by side.

[@Irobert1115HD]

apparently a few years ago some frozen over overhead wires caused enough of a problem on a german rail line that the decission was made call up a steam lomotive to run a train.

[@leesander1802]

Great video. The only thing better than a running Challenger and Big Boy would be a running Yellowstone. I await the comments.

[@macwolf3007]

2 more years 3985 be back and 5511 back in operational

[@nathanaustin6988]

I know it would be very subjective, but best sounding locomotive and whistle?

[@Trainiac_EXE-4449]

I used to live in Iowa, and was hoping to catch that move on the last day to Silvis. Unfortunately, something came up that didn’t allow me to see her. She would’ve been my first challenger catch.

[@meanmetalmike666]

Up considered the 3900 class of challengers super challengers

[@supertoasting1011]

Will you ever make a video on Union Pacific's GTELs?

[@TomRedlion]

Wasatch Range = WAH satch

[@vincentsaunders4773]

UPL The Ultimate Heritage Steam Program!

[@wkjeeping9053]

That's better then what heber valley railroad has done. Heber steam locos are being restored but since 2002 for 618 and 75 since 2004. It's 2024 and they are both completely a part all over the shop and nothing has been done for at least 15 years.

[@robkiger3434]

I wonder if they'll at PTC on 3985 and the 5511 like 4014 has now.

[@anthonydrawsome3648]

10:19 Its good to be gordon moment

[@pepper77449]

Yes we like big toys. There is no substitute for power!

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

The original crew that rescued 3985 in the 1970's....was Steve Lee part of that crew?? Awesome locomotive.

[@kristoffermangila]

Yes.

[@doggerbendrailway6002]

I have heard the contact states if they ever want/need the challenger back or the Centennial they have to be handed back

[@TrainLover-wt9ix]

Should do SP 2472 video

[@davidforsyth446]

As 4014's tender has been modified to accommodate PTC equipment, one can surmise that a tender swap will not be occuring.

[@TimOGhoul]

UP DD focused video?

[@FranquitoMV2004]

Am i the only one that finds the Light Challenger models more atractive than Big Boys 4000s?

[@richardjayroe8922]

5511 next?

[@Wolfgodmak]

Anyone has an update on 3985’s restoration progress? I know 5511 is gonna be restored later too but they have 2 projects with Challenger. 1st is the original restoration and 2nd is the tender swap. 4014 is using 3985s tender and vice versa bc it was converted to oil.

[@davielgeorge6924]

I would like to see the Challenger rolling out again

[@Nitroispro]

Same

[@rudycarlson8245]

It will happen! Once her rebuild is done! They are working on her. They are committed to get her running again!

[@Alawo-]

Hey I’m challenged too!

[@JVoltCUAF]

triple headed 844 39855 4014 would be ..........

[@froghorntreebeard]

Steve Lee was the Shyte

[@NorCaliRailroading2023]

The SP cab forward locos were only 1000 pounds lighter the the big boy

[@justanotheraviator2357]

I would love to see the big boy running with the big EMDs instead of a standard road diesel.

[@voidjavelin23]

RRHMA is working on No. 6936

[@justanotheraviator2357]

​@@voidjavelin23You think UP is going to ruin it though?

[@voidjavelin23]

​@@justanotheraviator2357 no? duhh

[@davidng2336]

@@justanotheraviator2357 no. UP donated 6936 to RRHMA with the goal of getting it back running. After it returns, RRHMA will be holding onto it for the time being.

[@rainierbagatsing1073]

The cousin of the world's largest steam locomotives and the 1st largest operating seam locomotive the challenger 3985

[@xtrajoker]

Day one of asking for the mark twain zephyr

[@rack_9]

What about 844 🤔

[@jeffchrivia5904]

So I got dumb question. So what's the model of the one that sits inside of henry ford museum in michigan

[@HistoryintheDark]

That's 1601. She's a C&O Allegheny built by Lima. Those are 2-6-6-6's. She also has one surviving sister, 1604, at the B&O railroad museum.

[@gamerfan8445]

That a C&O H-8 2-6-6-6 Allegheny

[@RobertSwickard-o1w]

#1601 ALLEGHANY at THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM .. #1601 IS ACTUALLY HEAVIER AND HAS ALMOST 2000 MORE H.P. THAN THE BIG BOY

[@joshmeister4449]

I was at Railfair 99 when 844 decided to throw her fit lol. Also, take it for what its worth, but, from what I've heard from some personal things inside people have talked about, The reason Ed let 3985 go was because 1: Steve Lee ran 3985 into the ground and towards the end she wasn't getting the maintenance she actually needed, and 2: Ed didn't see eye to eye with Steve on how the operations side of things should be done and once Steve left the program, Ed "Didn't want to run Steve's engine." Again, not sure how "True" any of that is, but thats whats been floating around from some insiders I won't name here.

[@diegohorton869]

@@joshmeister4449 Not true just foamy talk.

[@harrisonallen651]

Medium Size Chungus

[@railfan9428]

If only UP had all the money in the world to restore all their engines to running condition everth would be right

[@RandomTrinidadian]

Big Chungus lite 😅

[@Jimboliah3985]

If I had known you were making this, you could've asked me for a collab. Because despite being a mainland European peasant, *I'm a sucker for 3985.*

[@craigbryant8493]

5511 is completed. It just needs its tubes and flus and it can run again.

[@kurtpena5462]

Waugh Satch Waugh Bash You pronounce these like two words.

[@NorthernMango]

Its a shame UP didnt keep the Challenger. Would of loved to see all three together in operation.. 844, 3985 and 4014.

[@Wolfgodmak]

That may come true one day. 3985 may take a shorter time to wake back up and run again. But 4014 and 3985 need to swap tenders again bc they each have each others as 3985s was already converted to hold oil

[@tidepoolclipper8657]

The Challenger locomotives should be remembered. They're a more flexible design than the Big Boys and they still manage to look so good. Though the Berkshires can still give them a run for their money.