UP 3985 Challenger, Getting Restored.

Summary

The UP 3985 Challenger, a historic 4–6–6–4 steam locomotive, is currently undergoing restoration after a period of excursion service and storage, with the engineering and design legacy of the Challenger series influencing the development of the Union Pacific Big Boy locomotives.

Abstract

The UP 3985 Challenger, a 4–6–6–4 type steam locomotive built by ALCO in July 1943, is in the process of being restored by the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RHMA). This locomotive, along with others in its class, was designed to enhance freight operation speeds on steep grades and played a significant role in the development of the larger Big Boy locomotives. The Challenger class, known for its simple expansion articulated design, was a product of the engineering prowess of both UP engineers and ALCO builders. With a total of 105 units built, these locomotives were capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph and producing a power output of 5000 hp. The UP 3985 operated until 1957, was part of UP's heritage fleet for excursion service, and was officially retired in 2020 before being donated to RHMA for restoration, which began in January 2023.

Opinions

The author admires the design and engineering of the UP Challengers and the ALCO builders, acknowledging their influence on the Big Boy design.
There is a sense of nostalgia for the history of UP Challengers, justifying the effort to restore the UP 3985.
The author expresses a fondness for steam locomotives, particularly the UP Challengers and Big Boys, but does not claim to have a favorite between the two.
The author hints at the potential for future innovation, pondering whether we might see Challenger battery locomotives powered by solar panels, indicating an appreciation for both historical preservation and sustainable technology.

UP 3985, 4–6–6–4 Challenger. Currently under restoration.

“Challenger 3985 steams past, Alton, IA”, 1st October 2008, by Mark Evans — originally posted to Flickr as Challenger 01, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7581984. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Love UP Challengers and Big Boys Don’t really have favorite, Admire design and engineering of UP engineers and ALCO builders, Design and operating experience of Challengers fed into Big Boy design, Shared experience then helped in refining last Challenger orders, Best engineering practice!

Challenger UP №3985 donated to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RHMA), RHMA launched fundraiser and January 2023 restoration efforts began, Good enough justification for nostalgic stroll through history of UP challengers.

Union Pacific Challengers.

Simple expansion articulated 4–6–6–4 by ALCO from 1936 to 1944, Operated by UP until late 1950's.

Challenger class intended to increase freight operation speed on 0.82% grades across Wyoming, Big Boys designed for 1.14% Wasatch Range climb without helpers.

105 Challengers built, 122 feet long and weighing 487 tonnes, Maximum speed 70 mph, Power output 5000 hp, Tractive effort 97350 lbf.

Primarily freight service but some were assigned to passenger trains, Two UP Challengers survive.

Union Pacific Challenger №3985

UP №3985 built July 1943 by ALCO, Operated until 1957, March 1981 placed in excursion service part of UP’s heritage fleet.

Last run during Missouri River Eagle Tour pulling Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train Cheyenne to Denver, Then taken out of service for repairs and placed into storage, Retired officially in 2020, Donated to RHMA and restoration began January 2023.

On the way home to Cheyenne from the NRHS convention in San Jose, UP #3985 passes thru Golconda, Nevada by Drew Jacksich from San Jose, CA, The Republic of California — 3985 Golconda July 1992, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17929490. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

UP 3985 Challenger, Getting Restored.

UP 3985, 4–6–6–4 Challenger. Currently under restoration.

Union Pacific Challengers.

Union Pacific Challenger №3985

Reflection.