CHARLES RANDALL - " Union Pacific Challenger Steam Engine 3985 "

[milchkanne21]

beast

[willibill1]

I think that noise was the water pumps, or injectors pumping water from tender to boiler.

[willibill1]

What a beutifull beast.

[jr540123]

that thing is huge!!!

[Dippojtagyta]

My lord that thing is massive.....

[308RoadReady]

@Dippojtagyta Challenger was a normal late steam era dual service locomotive that was used for freight and passenger service. They got bigger then that. Most people think Challengers big brother the Big Boy was the biggest of the big locomotives which is incorrect. The Yellowstone and Alhegany (sp) locomotives made big boy look weak in terms of size, traction force, horsepower, speed, and draw bar power (amount of power at tenders coupler).

Regards

[silverjinglebobspur1]

That sound from the tender is the pump. This engine's first run was engineered by Forrest D. Wright, a graduate from the Oglala School for Indians where he learned railroad engineering and maintenance. The rear dampers had a bad draw. Opening the side dampers allowed too much air. The ATZ was defective and the gun had to be continually used.

[CrazyFriday93]

The little brother of Big Boy :)

[mynewpastime]

What kind of MPG does she get?

[308RoadReady]

@mynewpastime haha its not miles per gallon its gallons per mile! Steam locomotives being very inefficent with energy use (really bad compared to internal combustion) there is several advantages of steam locomotives. for one they have to actual top speed like a car engine, 2nd is that they can pull a train they cant start while diesels will start a train it cant pull (its all about how the power is lost and preserved to conserve power

[matthewproductions23]

here is a fack u guys did not know it wasent the ghost train that carried aberham lincoln it was the union pacific ha ha and im in middle school HA HA

[grandadpoppyable]

This is not a big boy. Its only 4-6-6-4 not 4-8-8-4

[WindowsAndMacintosh]

I'm seeing this tomorrow.

[SkipW]

Real fine video Charles, but when and where was this run to?

[NVTrucker]

I think I would give a years pay to drive and ride on that Big Boy. Too bad steam gave way to diesel.

[JuanPPalazonNavarro]

Wow... splendid, nice, great locomotive and whistling. Reegard.

[bcschmerker]

This Alco 4-6-6-4 single-expansion articulated seems to have all the necessary gear for pulling a quarter-mile-long passenger train up Sherman Hill at up to 50 MPH.

[TheHerrcobra]

That sound is one of the dynamos. if you look you can see the steam exhaust coming out of the back one.

[EpicureMammon]

It's too bad they did such a half-assed job converting a Big Boy to oil, I'd love to see one of those running.

[RailRoadWorker18]

Just under 600 TONS I think

[Trainguyxx]

oh man...the challenger is basically the spokes person for heavy pulling. At times like this I'm reminded of tool time XD

[MrStroked351]

@ 6:40 does any one know what 4-69 21-21/32 404 mean?

[EeRocKK]

That's the wheel orientation:

4 x front bogeys (2 x 2)

6 x front drive wheels (3 x 2)

6 x rear drive wheels (3 x 2)

4 x rear bogeys (2 x 2)

As for the 69? That might refer to the two tenders this loco has, but I'm sure they don't have 34.5 wheels a piece! I'm not sure what that means.

[ArsGladius]

@MrStroked351

4-6-6-4: Wheel arrangement

4: Fourth subclass

69: Drive wheel diameter (in inches)

21-21/32: Cylinder diameter (front and rear) and piston stroke (both in inches) [The front and rear cylinders have the same diameter]

404: Weight on drive wheels (in thousand lbs)

[MrStroked351]

@ 6:40 does any one know what 4-69 21-21/32 404 mean?

[pianomanmaestro]

when is that train coming back through Little Rock Ar.??????????????????????????? the last it came was 04 i wish it would come back!

[844jim]

I don't know the top speed of 844 but I do know that 79MPH doesn't stress her at all. The rumor about 110 plus MPH on the Sidney sub has floated around for years.

[308RoadReady]

@844jim actually ive seen first hand 844 running 85+. I tried to catch her on the run on the UP main in nebraska but at 85 I couldnt keep up she was running a good 90+. She was built to maintain 90+ with a 12 car streamlined passenger train on level track. She was one of the high speed jets of her day and my grandpa took rode her to Omahah, NE back when he was shipped to Korea and remembers seeing her class running through town highballing.

[GWR4079]

@chevyalltheway06 yeh stories i have driven i 0-4-0 pug at 150 mph with a flying pig by my side!

[BreathDoctor]

The Hiawathas that ran Milwuakee, to Chicago were dam fast.

[Gmclear321]

i cant be 130 mph the official record is 126mph by 4468 mallard

[EnjoyFirefighting]

were these measurements just the locomotive or with whole train? From the Mallard I kow that the track went slightly downward; but yes they might even have been faster than the German 05 :)

One record the 05 definitely has: unbroken start stop speed record for steam locomotives

[pianomanmaestro]

man i wish that one would come through Little Rock Again!

[hammiessun]

Great train and great video this is a real beauty!

[johncliffe39]

Can anyone tell me when and where I can see this fantastic engine running ?????

[NorfolkAndWestern578]

I believe that UP will be using her and their FEF #844 in this summer's steam excursions. I'd recommend checking UP's website to see if they are.

[stormrider62033]

to bad they do not have the video of the challenger pulling 143 double stacks on here ,and that was by itself,they clain this huge steamer can do the work of up tp 4 diesels

[DanielVolker]

There is! 3985 with 143 cars over Archer or something like that.

[cooknsmurf]

i have seen a ideo of it pulling them on youtube

[WoelkerVideo]

It's very great! 5*****

[Vsshooter]

The two yellow cars behind the tender are the fuel oil cars that engine uses instead of coal. They are the fuel tanks!

[DanielVolker]

Close, the black tender holds both fuel oil AND water and is her "true" tender. The other two are carrying extra water to decrease the number of water stops- She can use up to 200 gallons of water per mile and 25-30 gallons of oil.

[bigbitch13]

wat is with the two yellow cars that say union pacific behind its tender?

[ARMOROID5000]

Wow! What a beautiful mountain of metal!

Better than a fire breathing dragon on a golden leash!

I love this video!!

Thank you for posting it!

[TVRM610]

I read in a book that the public can't ride on the U.P. Steamers. Is that true?

[warlordx94]

at 0:38, wat is that noise?

[Charlesrandall]

I'm not sure but it sounds like a high speed fan. It was coming from the tender. I'm hoping that someone will watch this video will let us know. Thanks to you for looking at my video, I appreciat it.

[warlordx94]

your welcome man. i heared this noise in alot of videos and always wondered wat it was.

[NathansBackwoods]

@Charlesrandall, The noise at 0:38 are the steam powered turbine generators, the two things on top of the boiler at 5:03 and 6:28 with steam coming out of them are the two 32 volt electric generators

[97chevyZ71350]

@Charlesrandall actually i think that may be a pump. those engines run off of oil and i think that might be a pump pumping oil to the fire box. but i may be wrong

[zaxs142]

@Charlesrandall A fan or something grinding like the brakes

[train2589]

@Charlesrandall It is the pump that either supplies extra water our #5 fuel oil into the tender than into the locomotive.

[UPTRAIN]

@Charlesrandall The sound you hear there is the dynamo. A dynamo is an electric turbine, which runs off steam. They are the round things located on top of the boiler to the right side (from above) with the steam escaping out of them. They pass out of the frame right at 37 seconds.

[morepassionfoo]

@Charlesrandall steam generator

[Eliyahu5736]

@Charlesrandall it's the dynamo (generator) that powers the electric lights, radio, etc.  It's a small steam turbine.

[aqwsde010]

a coolant fan maybe?

[aqwsde010]

a coolant fan maybe?

[haonchr]

@warlordx94

That would be be the steam powered electrical generator to run the electric appliances on the locomotive like the headlight, radio and other assorted items.

[MovieModerator]

@warlordx94 That sounded like the water pump.

[Alucard7394]

@warlordx94 wenn ihr Deutsch könnt dann kann ich es euch sagen ^^ Das ist die Lichtmaschine ... eine Kleine Druckluft Turbine die an einem Generator angeschlossen ist und so den Strom für die Lichter und Funk erzeugt.

[guspech]

awesome video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Manongjojo]

I bet tickets to ride on that train are really expensive. LOL

[DanielVolker]

They aren't terribly expresive but they aren'y cheap!!

[Manongjojo]

I tried to get a ticket for a 5 hour ride. It was like $400.00

[btjohnson83]

$400, Well worth every penny if ya ask me. there aint too mant things that id drop 4 bills on and not have something to show for it, but to ride the challenger, there wouldnt be a second thought about it

[EnjoyFirefighting]

very nice!!! It's "a bit" bigger than our german steam locomotives(ok thatfor we got the fastest one:-); I got every year several times the possibility to be in the locomotive (also during the drive); I likeboth: german and american (steam)locomotives, but I don't know which one I like better :-I

[04Ranger4x4]

I dont know about that...A Norfolf Western Class J Steam Loco got up to 115mph before the engineer closed the throttle. And the Pennsylvaina Railroad had a Engine called the T-1 duplex that was designed to run over 100mph fast passenger line to Ohio. Just saying lol

[EnjoyFirefighting]

the world's fastest went about 125mph and the fastest still running steam locomotive in the world (also german one) gets up to about 113mph

[bigboy20592]

Those engineers must be the luckiest guys in the world!!

greetz from Belgium

[ibook133]

Cool. Nice heavyweight cars!

[micahthatrocks]

what are hevyweight cars?

[ibook133]

Just like it sounds they are much heavier than modern railcars. They had 3 wheel trucks vs 2 wheel, most often had slate or cast concrete floors, they had thick riveted steel bodies, and sat on heavy beams slung between the trucks you could attach a variety of things onto such as water tanks and steam heaters. Because of their increased sprung mass they gave a much smoother ride than today's coaches. Some heavyweight coaches were rebuilt with stainless bodies retaining only the 3 axle truck.

[micahthatrocks]

oh, sounds nice thanks. :-)

[cchan006]

I got a chance to see it recently, and nope, I did not miss it! Posted a video of my own of the wonderful 3985 Challenger.

[laservader1]

one thing i wanted to know is how did the fireman shovel all that coal!

[MacGear14]

He didn't- depending on the locomotive there was either an Archimedes' style screw that broke up coal and fed it into the firebox, or in the case of most of the later UP models they were simply oil fired via a series of injectors controlled by the fireman.

[micahthatrocks]

no. he did do all the work, only the later steamys had those,but 1800 to 1930 had what you said.

[v8dakota4muddin]

i looked back and 4023 would have been a good engine for a resto the problem with doing that is where the engine is located it had to be moved there by a special rig used for moving houses although the engine is in restorable condition the cost of moving it plus resto would be much more than resto on 4018 4014

[v8dakota4muddin]

all my info is coming from the book "The Big Legacy of The Union Pacific Big Boy 4023 in omaha last moved in 05 4014 in pomona 4017 is inside in green bay and receved heavy repair work just be 4 its lasr run 4018 was going to be restored at one point and fell thru one problem is the piston shafts were cut not removed they had planned to restore it in 98 all this and more is in this book if your a fan of big boy get it and its worth a trip to see one no matter how far

[CarlosTadeus]

Do Brasil , Graças ao Yuotube pude ver a maior locomotiva do Mundo funcionando no USA , gostei muito...

[Inuyasha4lif]

The Challenger is the BigBoys little brother lol.I wish i was oldert than i could most likely can get a job working on on of these

[trainboy94]

But I thought since it is the newest surviving 4000 it would be in the best shape.

[trainboy94]

COOL!!! but restore 4023, it's in the best shape.

[trainboy94]

If you want to restore a 4000 class, 4023 is in the best condition.

[A1l2l2e2n4]

Well,fritz160, what steam engines are still operated in America are only for excursions to entertain "railfans". And there aren't that many major railroads that sponsor these "steam excursions". (Well, some amusement parks operate steam locomotives, but basically for the same reason that I just mentioned.)

[fritz160]

u got to be kidding me. there still steam engines used in america by the big train companys

[A1l2l2e2n4]

Well, they're not used in everyday service anymore.

[loathar21]

Bet that was awesome to see in person!! thanks for sharing.

[FreemanTrains]

big boy is awsome!!!!!!!!

[chefjavier]

The steam engine is coming to Denver on July 08

[Charlesrandall]

Go see it if you can!

[IMGTheBomber]

if you are born in 1990 it is hard to imagine how such a huge "steamer" runs :-D its awesome

[f40racer]

awesome, it's way cooler than today's diesel locomotives

[princenoah21]

Wait a sec. Is that Challenger pulling the 844's train?

[mmmykha]

no that's 3985's train

[Ziltoid667]

Damn, they look so huge!

[raducj]

well i am not sure but i think they replace the steam engines with diesel because the diesel prove to be less expensive than coal and not to mention the smoke a engine like that does.but i am sorry that they have take them out because it is a nice engine and lots of weels:P

[princenoah21]

Plus, you can actually SEE the big moving rods. :D

[princenoah21]

But that's their only advantage over Diesel. Everything else is convenience. They counter the less HP by literally coupling two or more Diesels together.

But I like Steamers more than Diesels.

[princenoah21]

The Challenger and the Big Boy are both articulated (have 4 cylinders), but they are not the same locomotive.

The Challenger has 12 drive wheels. The Big Boy has 16.

And diesels are weaker in horsepower than steamers.

[raducj]

that it is a big engine i wonder how many horse power has ?

[princenoah21]

In steamers, horsepower is determined by how much coal you can throw into the firebox. (how hot you can keep the fire)

[buggiecar]

Don't fall!! :)

[georei]

Great to see her rolling. The closest I have ever been to the Challenger is on my layout. I must in my life get a chance to see her in person.

[Polybun]

Heh, wow, she blew her pop valve, bad form fireman, bad form!

[franklyrich]

The 3985 is currently in the Cheyenne shops for overhaul.

[Hendo56]

#3985 is part of Union Pacific's Steam Program, along with #844. Periodically they get her out for steam excursions. It takes a lot of planning though, so there are only a few. Check UP's website and look under Steam Program.

[jeirijeirimar]

ahhh is good to see one strooling along the track very little big boys are left in usa

[ozphil]

yeah I found the posting, its in a shop somewhere, I drive across country all the time, when I find out where the shop is I'll make a point in stopping by. What a thrill to see it, I remember as a small boy by Grandmothers brother in law was an engineer and he used to take me on short runs, the wonderful world of steam.

[ozphil]

where can I see it? How often do they fire it up???

[Charlesrandall]

I don't know. The train was just passing thru my area headed to Houston. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a website telling you those things. Someone posted a comment saying the engine was being refurbished and would be down for a couple of years. If you ever get the chance - go see it!!

[KJinTX]

Is this in Beaumont??? I live in Beaumont!!!

[Charlesrandall]

This is Beaumont! First portion of video taken from Lindberg overpass and the rest taken just west at the Langham Road crossing. Good eyes!

[KJinTX]

Sometimes I will drive out of my way just to drive on this overpass to see UP humping cars. This is so tight.

[m4tubeyou]

great whistle!

[octave4]

Nive cameral work. Should the running gear well. To bad the Engineers comments were not clearer but with the steam blow-off, understandable. This thing is beautiful. Magnificent machine

[hoolg]

Nice find!

When was this filmed? I thought 3985 was getting refurbished & was out of commision for a year or two.

[Charlesrandall]

I don't remember exactly but it was at least two years ago. I'll look at the original dvd and see if it has a date stamp. Thanks for looking at my video!

[Treyvs]

Im seeing 844 this weekend

[iwant2bbuff]

what's wrong with the train why does it keep stalling and making those "hissing and ticking" noises?

[spencermcgrew]

b/c that is what steam locomotives do lol

[octave4]

This is not a "Train" It is a Steam Locomotice. It runs on Steam The ticking noises are pumps The slower deeper sound is the water pump keeping level in the boiler. Steam Engines, do NOT stall. It was sitting on a siding waiting to leave. Study to learn more

[SurfCityBoi]

Like how to spell "Locomotive"

[produKtNZ]

lol :D

[steved0689]

I didn't know that 3985 went to oil burning...the last time I saw her she was burning soft coal.

[LCSOTroop]

Nice video. I can't wait till she is refurbished and running again. It will be nice to have the 3985 and the 844 running together again.

[Landaux]

I remember about 15 years ago, and I forgot the # of it, but one of these babys pulled into Old Town Srping Tx. (UP Spring Yard) and I was with the VHD, and they had to re-fill with water, and it took somthing like 4 tanker trucks! :-O I wish i could of been there myself.

[sz42781]

wow

[bearhuglov]

Great Video! Awesome engine! Reminded me of those graceful engines I used to ride on in India back in the 60s.

[Charlesrandall]

Thanks for looking at my video and making a comment - I appreciate it!

[Charlesrandall]

It doesn't surprise me. These guys are to be commended on taking this engine around the country and showing if off. There is also a dvd about this engine and they show it on PBS every now and again. Thanks for looking at my video, I appreciate it!

[amtrakf40]

I saw 3985 in South St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2002.

[LNERMallard]

Oh my goodness I live only 150 miles north from that! Is she ever coming back to St. Paul?

[amtrakf40]

I hope so.

[LNERMallard]

Well, I can't anyway cause of the birdge collapse on August 01, 2007.