UP 3985 pulls the Ringling circus train Cheyenne to Denver 09/28/2010 ©

Also, check out my video of UP 844 in HD! at: • UP 844 "Valley Eagle h... Southbound on the UP Greely sub from Cheyenne, Wy. to Denver, Co., the UP 3985 Challenger back out on the rails after 2 years of maintenance and rebuild. Pulling the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey circus to commemorate the 140th year, and the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnums birth which was July 5, 1810! Also, this is the first leg of the "Missouri River Eagle" tour. Tags: Railfanning NS UP KCS CSX CN CP BNSF FXE AMTRAK SP WP CNW E8A 40-2 Metrolink Metra EJ&E SD38-2 Sw1500 MP15AC MP15DC Conrail GTW Santa Fe Burlington Northern Gp 38-2 39 SD 40 45 50-2 60 SD70MAC SD70ACe ES44DC 30-7 40-8 32-8 DASH9 ACC45TE 44CW SD9043Mac mkt ssw cot­ton belt dg­no tner hlcx necr llpx gmtx svgx ki­amichi rm­px railamer­i­ca in­ter­modal grain man­i­fest barf­bon­net her­itage naf­ta 1982 1983 1988 1989 1995 2001 2002 4575 9647 2010 3985 844 7400 8444 ©

[@BNSF700]

that is history right there!! A 1st time 3895 and RB&B circus train! Awesome!

[@WestTxTrainman]

Great work Brad. Been a while since I've seen her. Definitely 5*s. Thanks for sharing!

[@jayfmiller]

I just came across this wonderful video. The power of steam at speed! Look at the length of that train with only one diesel helper Listening to the engine sounds I could hear it saying, "Piece of cake."

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 blows it's duplex whistle

[@up1943productions]

Very Nice and Perfect. The Union Pacific Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus Train.

[@TheACman42]

Amazing footage of the 3985!

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

Super capture :o)

[@Lightwolf333]

Truly awesome man. I wish I could have seen this

[@TrainTrackTrav]

Great footage! Nice to see her doin' what she was made to do, PULL LOTS OF STUFF!!!!!!! God bless!

[@844jim]

Additional comment on dynamic braking: The traction motors that power the wheels can be turned into generators with a heavy load on them; they turn with great resistance when used in this mode and that is what gives it the braking power.

[@Howard1939]

The diesel is required for primarily for keeping the brake lines charged & used for grades, IIRC it's controlled from a control stand in 3985.. It's the same deal when SP4447 runs excursions on BNSF in the NW, sometimes added insurance is a privately own former Amtrak F40PH

[@miked7137]

Anyone else notice at 5:24 the guy running to the red SUV trip and fall down?

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

I did! hahaahaha!

[@joaoricardoaraujogranzoto3050]

Yes kkkkkkkkkkk

[@MrFlavioValentino]

dude a guy fell at minute 5:23 and thanks for sharing this video its great for a Steam engine that old pulling all those cars with a diesel looks more the great I should say. Thanks.

[@transportationproductions1794]

That is the longest circus train I had ever seen. An RBBX circus train is usually 5200 feet long. But this one is pulled by a giant steam locomotive and its 6500 feet long. How awesome is that?!!!

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 rb&b circus train

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 going to circus train

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 goes to circus

[@thomashorner7474]

they use the diesels for the their dynamic braking

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

And apparently also as tunnel motors on occasion

[@transportationproductions1794]

I heard other steam locomotives have pulled a circus train: Grand Trunk Western 5629, Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy 4960, Chicago & North Western 1385, and Soo Line 1003!

[@johnthatcher946]

they removed 4 diesels in Cheyenne and 3985 was definitely working hard. This was the last major run for 3985 to date. Last time Steve Lee sat as engineer as well.

[@Olfablade]

I like the guy running and falling down behind the red Ford Expedition @ 5:25

[@Gabethenwr77]

Can’t wait for her to return to steam soon

[@Cnw8701]

That former SP GP40's in excellent shape!

[@Olfablade]

I like the guy running and falling down behind the red Ford SUV @ 5:25

[@DASCO2136]

What turned out to be the last major trip that she would pull before her retirement

[@AndrewTheRocketCityRailfan4014]

Nice a former SP unit in one of the shots

[@crail4ever]

Great Video Brad and man i saw her here in Kirkwood and man was it a think of beauty. O btw i am going back down to Texas in December, just and FYI

[@quizzyboi2320]

Wait until you will see big boy 4014

[@Boxpok]

Bonnie SFM Yes but the Ringling Brothers trains are gone

[@stevew270]

@@Boxpok Yep and it's highly doubtful we'll ever see the Big Boy do anything like this.

[@brandonburneyt2931]

Why is there a desiel there

[@unkonshus]

@09JDCTrainMan_Well, we are talking about a record breaking 65 car consist. The diesel was pulling too, not sure it was absolutely needed, there are lots of mtns on that route, maybe dynamic braking more than anything

[@unkonshus]

@crail4ever Thanks, let me know when so i can maybe work around the holidays...

[@deloreanman14]

@Olfablade - LOL. Good catch man. He really bit it.

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 high speeds fast

[@carsey51]

that diesel was not needed there is video floating around with 3985 pulling 143 car long stack train in the 80's just by it's self. im sure they added just as a precaution. She is strong enough to handle this dinky load on her own. looks up "UP Challenger #3985 + 143 Freight Cars"

[@Texassince1836]

At freight speeds though. To maintain passenger speeds this train would have had a pair of 3900s on it back in the steam era

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Those modern passenger cars require 3 phase 480 volts AC also, the steamer cannot generate this, so we get it from a diesel electric locomotive or generator cars.. RBBX did have generator cars but since UP had theirs on this train and other railroads provide a locomotive for HEP, RBBX did not use their own power cars often..

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Awesome Video

[@easyamp123]

@TrainsCDG she's a running, check 2:30 to about 2:35, you can clearly hear the GE.

[@minecraftgonewild184]

Well,look at you Mr. Know it all

[@wolfen216]

well Union Pacific has video's on their youtube page that used a helicopter too.

[@unkonshus]

@bluesguitardude_Basically, the electric traction motors that do the pulling on newer engines can also be used to slow the train without actually using friction brakes on wheels as the primary way to stop a train. Steam engines dont have electric motors, so w/o a diesel to assist in power and braking, the friction pads on the steamer stopping a full length train would be a risk by todays standards.

[@pkat]

@bluesguitardude Think of "dynamic braking" as an electronic form of downshifting. The electric motors that drive the wheels have their polarity reversed electronically turning them into generators. Giant resistors inside the locomotive (generally in the very top towards the back) are used to put a load on those generators, because a generator with a heavy load is hard to turn. This slows the locomotive down without using the wheel brakes.

[@WorldOfNothin]

if I counted right, you have 2 extra tenders, a diesel, and about 65 cars lol nice train

[@Jabond07]

Fantastico video!

[@unkonshus]

@cwckdh This was her maiden run from a 2 year service layover.

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 puxando vagões exclusivos para mulheres especiais 6hs às 9hs às 17hs às 20hs segunda à sexta sábado á domingo feriados nacionais

[@70judgeman]

Did anyone notice at about 5:23...the guy running biffed by the red Expedition!?! Good stuff! Slow down buddy...you already missed it!

[@oldeagle1911]

@09JDCTrainMan Well, I think the Diesel is just a helper.Surely UP 844 would look better.The two tenders are water-tenders for 3985.They are usefull for long distance-rides,because they have no condense-tenders.

[@trainboy1000]

The steamer can pull the train but the diesel is needed for electricity and air pressure.

[@dwkcamman611]

AWESOME!!!

[@coreyk4916]

Anyone see the guy bust his ass running up the hill at 5:24????

[@allmightypuffn]

as an answer to the common thread of why are there always diesels, federal law mandates that there has to be so much brakeing power for so much weight. although the 3985 is more then capable of pulling well over 100 cars, it doesnt provide enough braking power to cover the weight behind it, therefore one or multiple deisels are required to meed this rule. these weight to braking power ratios did not exist when these engines were built. its a relatively recent thing.

[@renegadeoflife87]

Its also because 3985 does not carry the equipment required for the train to interact with modern signalling and trackside safety equipment. The diesel behind her does, so in addition to boosting up the hills and braking power, they use the diesel engine to communicate with the rest of the rail infrastructure.

[@transportationproductions1794]

She did haul 145 intermodal stack cars without diesel assistance back in 1991! Making it the longest revenue train a steam engine can pull!

[@NEAFarmKid4010]

That was 1991 though, times have changed, rules have become more strict. Although I'd love to see that long of a train get pulled by her or 4014, the reality is that it probably won't happen.

[@unkonshus]

@timetoexhaleinfl Somebody decided they needed aerial coverage of the historic event.

[@TheSaint0358]

What’s the name of the news the the helicopter is flying in

[@easyamp123]

@unkonshus On steamers you can move the reverser to a negative position with respect to locomotive direction and get a slowing force without using the brakes similar to dynamics. An engineer would rarely use the loco's brakes (independent brakes) to slow or stop the train, he/she would use the brakes on all those cars behind it for that. Dynamic brakes are also not just on newer locos they appeared as far back as the 1900's on electric trams and the 40's for U.S. diesels.

[@Texassince1836]

Reverse steam was not routinely used on 3900s and 4000s from what I understand. They used the independents to stop trains to bunch up the slack to allow for easier starts when the train was this heavy

[@TrainsCDG]

I dont think the diesel is under power, it dosn't appear to have exhaust. Its there merely as an extra set of brakes as challengers are quite old and mega expensive

[@squach6239]

TrainsCDG Probably wouldn't have to be much off an idle.The deisel engine I mean. Why couldn't they use like an old B-unit ?Not a lot of people would immediately recognize it as a deisel engine,you know just for the asthetic!

[@Texassince1836]

An old F9B would make an excellent companion to the steam program

[@voidjavelin23]

​@@squach6239 because B units has less capabilities than a average A/cab units

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

That's a lot of carnies right there. Spooktactular! Are all of the animals on that train too?

[@unkonshus]

@mbtech2003 it held though!

[@stevenmichael2845]

The shot at the end, is that taken from blue mountain road?

[@Jemalacane0]

Why would you need the diesel for air pressure? The steam locomotive also has an air compressor.

[@Texassince1836]

A 6000ft long train requires more than 1 compressor. That train would have had a pair of 3900s on it during the steam era

[@779LR]

3985 capable of pulling a hundred cars without any diesels, so why use them here? For backup in case anything goes wrong, maybe? Or not to strain something old too much?

[@Texassince1836]

Dynamic brakes, brake compressor, and a train that long really would have had 2 3900s on it back in the day.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

What's with the diesel, she has 2 auxiliary tenders behind her.

[@voidjavelin23]

you do realise not every steam locomotives uses PTC to be able to run to the mainline?

[@09JDCTrainMan]

@voidjavelin23 You do realize you responded to a 13 year old comment, right? You really think I wouldn't have figured something out between then and now? I figured out the PTC situation years ago. I forgot I even made this comment until you came along.

[@md200458]

super video

[@dundonrl]

UP 3985 makes air and electricity.. and for what, 60 years, they didn't use dynamic brakes when pulling trains, since there were only steam locomotives at the time.

[@Texassince1836]

That train would have required a pair of 3900s back in the steam era, and they'd have to stop and turn up the brake retainers before every downhill run IF they didn't have dynamics

[@hermanschannel4352]

Texassince1836 and when there was a big boy the entire trains brake shoes would smoke as the train descended the hill.

[@1940limited]

3985 sure looks beautiful in this video the way it's all nicely painted and shiny. Will it ever run again? Should I assume it has enough power to pull the circus train unassisted? Too bad the diesel is stuck in behind it. That detracts from the appearance of the train, but I guess it's an insurance policy. Or maybe it was needed for extra power? Thanks for posting this video. I enjoyed it!.

[@voidjavelin23]

shes enough to pull it unassisted

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Up 3985 está soprando o duplex whistle igual a voz da tia jana

[@danielnieto3467]

super video,,

[@SkipW]

@dnickl26 Sand Creek from the south side of the I-270 embankment is choice spot

[@FabioSilva-mt9wr]

Janice templeton as up challenger 3985

[@MrUp8444]

Sigh, The Diesels are needed for #1, Dynamic Brakes, #2, Electricity, & #3, Air Pressure.. K, People?

[@mbtech2003]

Thats alot of weight on that bridge at 6:15

[@arlingtontrains7]

shot at 6:22 is awsome!!:D

[@Thenarwill1]

they should've used the centennial to help pull the train

[@jamaicakid87]

I think they should have used a Big Boy.....but the Challenger is nice....I had a chance 2 yrs ago to see the 844 pull the Shiloh Limited but missed it....I was sick when it came through my area.....oh well........i'm always traveling though so you just never know.

[@KurtBenning]

Dude in 2010 union pacific was not going to restoring a big boy.

[@beaubourne2572]

Kurt Benning but they are now!

[@minecraftgonewild184]

No,it was to power the coaches

[@oisiaa]

Why do they always put diesels along with the steam? I want to see 3985 pulling by herself on a long train like that!

[@Kyle-cv2hj]

The diesels aid with the dynamic braking. Steam locomotives aren't designed for quick dynamics, which means issues when trying to slow down for tight or elevated curves.

[@ccaammiinniiito2]

Sparky Junior Thank for the education. You learn something everyday.

[@The65MUSTANGMAN]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpnKeaV6l7Nne7c 3985 in all her glory in case you haven't seen it.

[@voidjavelin23]

​@@thenorgalofthehills5688 not in this case because the diesel is a freight type locomotive

[@GoodrichTires]

is that steam engine highballing?

[@NickValdezRRPhotography]

@deloreanman14 The Circus hired them.

[@jeffdemition2308]

a patched sp locomotive how rare

[@crail4ever]

@unkonshus ok will do

[@SkipW]

Hired by the Ringling Circus for recording the event

[@nimrod4017]

also you would have wear on the breaks on all the cars

[@09JDCTrainMan]

@oldeagle1911 I know they are water-tenders, I'm just saying that diesels always ruin a steam locomotive's operation.

[@blackstone1a]

or to supply head end power to the coaches

[@voidjavelin23]

this whole comment is almost clueless about the use diesel on steam locomotive excursion

[@MooseJustRocks]

NICE!! @6:15

[@manga12]

yes yes yes ohhh yes, now that is what its ment to do and made for doing, I am grinning from ear to ear to see a steamer hauling ass through the west with a long freight and passanger train, no little 8 car train here.

[@paul8246]

it iis correct diesel train there all time cos steam train have not got dynamic braking

[@voidjavelin23]

yes along with giving modern train software compliance like the american Positive Train Control

[@BLKdurangoTRAINhorns]

Lol I did see the guy fall.

[@TrainLoverHimu]

Great coverage 😍👌 Love from => Train Lover Himu

[@fastfiring]

i play with traiins

[@deloreanman14]

There is not a single video of this train on YT without that stupid helicopter ruining the shot. If I ever find out who hired it, I'll kick him in the balls.

[@Angry.General1461]

Seriously you guys are going to get angry and talk shit about each other over this train video? Damn grow up!!!!

[@oleksandryshyk2009]

Друг народження 03 09 2010

[@ccaammiinniiito2]

I wasn't aware that the steam engine discharged so much pollution.

[@stevenmichael2845]

Remember though, the oil used as lubricant in diesels can be very potent.

[@ccaammiinniiito2]

Okay! Gotcha!

[@renegadeoflife87]

Its just good clean soot, and they are doing it on purpose for the cameras because that's the image Steam has. When actually cruising with only a couple railfans pacing it, they lean out the fire considerably to where it only has a slight haze of smoke in order to conserve fuel and keep the boiler clean.

[@manga12]

renegadeoflife87 also a good chunk of the smoke is actualy steam going out the smokebox, but yea they can run the engine cleaner when they need to

[@AmtrakSilverStar]

Its damn Pentrex's STUPID helicopter. Pentrex ALWAYS finds a way to ruin everybody's photo or video of an event! Thats why I never buy their stupid video. That company really pisses me off!

[@hwoods01]

One of the last trains this worn-out, polluting, homage-to-slavery-days engine pulled. Good riddens and goodbye.

[@voidjavelin23]

your problem to be honest, if you really hate on steam locomotive just because the bleeching smoke makes you cry then get out