Union Pacific 3985, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

[MovieModerator]

Understand this people... this train and the 844 where NOT meant to exceed 100mph. That does not, however, mean they can't. The yjust won't. As too many things could go wrong at those speeds. If it could go that fast, it would.

[MovieModerator]

@chevyalltheway06 These trains are not meant to go over 85 miles per hour. That doesn't mean they can't, but they don't. The driving rods cant' stand the extreme heat and pressure, and the wheels would eventually rattle themselves loose if they began to hit 100.

[steamingpoopfart]

3985 was tested and it could go a max of 132mph 844 on the other hand the top speed in unknown she used to cruise at 120 back in the day but up tested it on its longest section of track and it came in at 167mph at the end of that track it was gaining 4mph every min people are saying that it could go 230mph if there was 100 miles of track

[MovieModerator]

@steamingpoopfart It wouldn't be able to reach over 80 miles per hour. The driving rods and wheels would rattle themseves loose. Nice try though.

[steamingpoopfart]

The big boy hauled mile long trains at 80mph and then they were passed to the challenger which took them across the plains at 110

[TrainSpotterX]

Gidday from downunder Australia

Crikey that's a bloody awesome video mate, thanks for sharing.

[Amtrak1194]

I remember when he came through! I was very small (8) but it was a sight which will stick with me for ever!!!!

LONG LIVE STEAM!!!

[DafAnimationStudios]

Holy crap! That's the first time I've seen the challenger without a diesel behind it's tender, or even on the train period! A new day of enlightenment has shined down upon man kind! What a beautiful sight.

[Thelegotrainmaster]

Heh, I remember seeing that engine!

[dill88790]

ahh i remember seeing that pretty cool wonder when it will pass by again

[cochranexyz]

Steam engines are living creatures. What a scene that must have been to watch.

[Metracab123]

When Is It Going To Come Through Agian?

[rebeltag]

American Locomotive Company (Alco) successfully made the transition to Diesel for both freight and passenger service.

The 3985 Challenger was built in the last ten years of widespread Steam use across the US. However, all but this one were decommissioned and sent to museums or scrap. Many Alco Diesels still exist, both road type and yard switchers... This vintage locomotive and others, both Steam and Diesel, are still road worthy because there are people still committed to preserving the past.

[applesweeter]

I never realise steam trains can travel that fast.

(I am from Hong Kong. All trains are electric-power and computerized. Our trains have no culture and no history)

[UPTRAIN]

That engine was designed to pull trains routinely for long distances at speeds in excess of 100 MPH.

[maryandrobby]

WOW 2 EXTRA TENDERS

[Metracab123]

Do you know when it is going to come through Chicago anytime in 2009?

[spiritbomb1]

god thats my train station!

[DanielVolker]

How do you mean? Are you against steam?

[UAL012]

I wish they had whistles like this on the diesels. I love the sound of that old workhorse.

[SantaFe3751Fan]

I rode on this trip in 2002! I was in the second Dome Car. Although I think we were like 4-5 hours late coming back because of frieght traffic.

[akrudolphy]

Steam excursions on the UP have priority over all freight traffic.

[zenithomega19]

Where can you find rides like this (Union Pacific)?

[3254man]

yes

[zenithomega19]

where? thanks!

:D

[caboose106]

Check out UP's site. I've heard tickets run from around 300-400 bucks, I'm not too sure though.

[SteffanLlwyd]

'Forgot to say how great the consist looks too. What a magnificent beast up front though! Thanks.

[York22]

Beautiful sight. I wish these wonderful engines still reigned supreme on America's railroads. Imagine what a sight it would be to see this all the time in small towns and big cites across America from sea to shining sea.

[DJGENEX71]

Sweeeeet! 5*

[bigbadbren4]

its hard to believe that accually happened in glen ellyn

[aseretkavon]

Oh, and that thing was LOUD!!!! The noise and air pressure nearly knocked me off my feet when I was standing 10 feet from the yellow line.

[aseretkavon]

I remember when this happened!!! About a minute after this video stopped recording, a Metra train passed by on the tracks nearer to the camera. My dad wanted my family to go on the side of the tracks where The Challenger would be visible, whether or not the Metra would be passing at the time. I also put a dime on the tracks, and apparently the dime when shooting at this 16-year-old and almost hit him in the eye. (Note: I was 9 at the time, so I was scared he'd clobber me or something...)

[trainsruleandroll]

one word: AWSOMENESS!!!!!

[octave4]

Nicely done

[Andrewsaxamophone]

I remember that day. You can see me at the very end of the video too!

[luki9875]

is this big boy ?

[johnr1960]

No, this is a Challenger Class locomotive. The "Big Boy" had 2 sets of eight driving wheels, where as this loco has 2 sets of 6 driving wheels.

[patana07]

No, it's a Big Girl.

[thetrainman407]

its the 4-6-6-4 challenger, GET IT RIGHT!

[lvanciel]

@luki9875 big boy was a 4-8-8-4 wheel class this is a 4-6-6-4 wheel class

[EternalFallout]

I wonder how the locomotive is refueled with oil in the cab, I assume there is some pump.

[johnr1960]

Most oil fired steam locos are now refueled by fuel trucks that pull along side the tender, and pump in the oil.

[seagravefan]

Boy she was MOVING!!!

[SteffanLlwyd]

This locomotive just bankrupts the English language. There aren't the words to describe how magnificent it is. America's finest. The consist is beautiful too. I'm a Brit. fan of US steam. I wish Richard Trevithick could see how his locomotive (of 1804) would evolve. The big man would love this.

[jeff6s2]

That was Awesome!!! The Train..THE HORN, the taping!!! Thanks

[caboose106]

nice i saw that too, it was cool