@SkipW They are being used as water tanks, but they were originally built as fuel tanks for the gas turbine electric locomotives used by UP from 1948 to the early 70s.
@CityFolk120 Skip is right water towers are just landmarks now. Because the water tower are not used these water tenders are placed behind #844 and #3985 on each trip. without the water tenders the locomotives will run out of steam.
I like to start Zepplin's When The Levee Breaks sometime around when this thing starts rollin =P it just fits perfectly...
I wonder how much power this thing has compared to a modern mainline diesel, i wouldnt be surprised if it was still way more powerful, these days its all about quantity over quality, it aint right =/
Thanks for posting this video and all the others. I was in Cheyenne years ago when 3985 make her first run, also rode behind her in Salt Lake City on a trip when she was still burning coal and almost burnt the state to the ground with all the fires she started that weekend. One of the reasons she was converted to oil.
Still wish someone would restore a "Big Boy," or UP's 4000 class 4-8-8-4's. THE largest mainline steam locomotive ever built. ...yes, Erie had the triplex, but it was mainly used in the yard for hump operations. "Big Boy" was mainline steam at its finest.
@ravinago But the steam engine burns twice, or more, as much diesel as on diesel engine. The steam engine is about 8 percent efficient and the diesel is about 22 percent.
@Trailltrader - She burned coal originally but was converted to oil firing in the early 1990s due to line-side grass fires ignited by flying coal sparks.
Excellent video ! I read that this was converted to burn oil ? How does this affect the train as far as performance VS coal? The 2 tenders behind the coal box are those full of water ? If so how is it transfered? Last but not least how reliable is this train? Thank you.
I dont know about any performance advantages, but when the 3985 was coal fired it limited her traveling around the UP system, plus she set off some lineside fires due to the hot cinders emitting from the stack.
how does the parts on thoses locomotive stay in place with out falling apart l but why do they have a extra engine or is it to help it push it along ? but for the steam when it comes out is it really hot or would it really hurt somone but was just cerious
a few years ago I was stoped at a rural grade crossing out by my farm with a long blind hill and a dip the gates dropped I saw alot of smoke so I assumed a bad loading unit and this blew by me talk abot an an s**t momont no camra
The state of Va. owns the 611 now I think thats why it's at the transportation museum in roanoke and the 1218 has been gutted. It really sucks !!!!!!!!!!
Thank you UNION PACIFIC for keeping the 3985 and the 844 running especially in the bad economic times as we are in now, thanks for the memories. The 844 has been on the roster in continuous service since 1944, and the 3985 they bought from clinchfield rr in virginia.
What are you talking about, the UP did NOT buy the 3985 from the Clinchfield. During WW2, The Rio Grande wanted Challengers of their own design, the War Production Board denied their request and diverted 6 challengers from a UP order to the D&RGW, the Clinchfield bought those after the war was over.
i wonder if anyone had ever thought of converting these to nuclear power. that would be quite an interesting concept. the only limit to the distance they could go would be water. i dont see how it could be too different from a ship that uses nuclear power.
True, But if the train crashed or derailed, it would be an extremely dodgy situation to be in. Also Nuclear waste is notoriously difficult to dispose of.
have you seen those nuclear casks they use to transport nuclear waste? they are nearly indestructible. im sure someone would be able to develop an extremely safe system. the average nuclear power plant's waste material for 1 year of use will fit under a small desk. a nuclear steam locomotive would use far less material.
Those casks transport nuclear waste. Not the housing for a nuclear fission reactor. Im not totally sure as to the conditions fission needs but im sure an undulating train isnt the most stable environment. I agree its an interesting concept but unfortunately very impractical.
yeah i know they do but i am saying is they are nearly indestructible. if someone can develop that then they may be able to develop a safe way to use nuclear power in a steam engine.
in what way is it impractical? our navy uses nuclear power for some of its most powerful warships above and below the surface.
I don't think this is all as simple as it sounds. Nuclear reactors require safety systems, back-up safety systems, and back ups to ensure the safety of the back-ups, and so on, even on aircraft carriers (Besides that, aircraft carriers are nuclear-electric, not steam driven).
And, while a nuclear meltdown at sea would be catastrophic, it would pale in comparison to a nuclear meltdown by a train in a residential area. Nuclear is also heavy, expensive, and the measures required to convert existing trains would be so extensive as to make them redundant. Besides that, aircraft carriers are nuclear-electric, not steam driven.
While I agree that it will be a complex set up the size of the reactor to drive a steam engine will be no where near the size required to drive an aircraft carrier. The carrier uses steam to drive a turbine while a steam locomotive uses steam to drive a piston. Both use the heat from nuclear fission to generate steam.
I grasp the concepts of nuclear power and reciprocating engines. The lead insulation required to keep a fission reactor safe makes a reactor at any size impractically heavy for any land vehicle.
The safety factor cannot be ignored, and neither can the exorbitant costs. While I think a nuclear-steam driven train would be magnificent, it's less likely than a nuclear-electric train (turbine generators, like the carrier), which is itself highly unlikely.
As in all forms of technology, improvements and breakthroughs reduce the cost, size and danger down to levels that are reasonable for daily use. 60 years ago scientists imagined the home computer taking up a space the size of a large bedroom. Now you have a computer that holds thousands of songs that fits in your pocket.
With todays technology this seems highly unlikely and somewhat suicidal but 50 years it may be the every day norm.
This is an argument that one can make for everything that is unlikely. 50 years ago, few people believed that we would cure heart disease, and that hasn't happened. But that doesn't even matter. The future is just an idea. Arguing how likely a technology like this is only matters considering what we know now, because that's all we have to go on.
It is, but it backed on to the mainline at the west side of town. waiting for the green signal eastbound, (FYI the center of Cheyenne,WY is the rail yards)
Thanks Skip, your vids are awesome. And thank you You Tube for making these vids available for all to view. Without Y.T. and the net I probably would never have been to see these beasts alive.
When Will The Next Steam Locomotive Go Through Illinois Or Near Chicago area ? Do You Know If Not Please tell me who would know or a website i could Find any information on anything?
WOW! Just WOW! I mean... WOW! WONDERFUL. Words fail to do adequate justice to this great locomotive... I keep on thinking 'How great it would be if Richard Trevithick could have seen this!'
Really, when the whole steam vs diesel argument comes up, I think a minute and just tell people "steam wins, hands down" and then I list my reasons why. Personally, it wouldn't matter to me what they would fire #4005 with. To see her run again would be a thing of beauty. I just hope that some of the green tech my company manufactures could one day be applied to trains, steam in particular. Then we can all tell diesels to bite it!!!
I actually didn't no that. I only read into it breifly and the article said it didn't work cause it was to big. But that does make sense, hell it burned 32 tons of coal like every two hours. It'd go through a lot of oil.
Yup. I've seen the 4014. Cosmetically, its in great shape. The real question is what does she look like on the inside? I say if all the parts are there, clean her up and get her moving again!!! We'll worry about small technical details such as finding a turn-table big enough to turn them later on.
I'd love to see a Big Boy run again!! Heck, they kept a Challenger working fine all these years. Coal. Hm, well I guess the only logical way is shipping it in from out East to the UP. But in the end, all def worth it. Which Big Boy do you think is the best candidate for restoring back to working order?
It will need a litle work but from what I read adn from what other's say 4014, possible they could use 4023. Who knows? It would be cool to see any of them running.
Look he is still giving everybody's comment's thumbs down. ROFLMFAO. He needs to get out of his walker badly. Can someone help me get up i fell laughing at him again.
I wish dude, but I don't think that will happen any time soon. Unfortunately the Big Boy can't run off of oil, they've tried. It's too large but OMG if they did get one up and running. This locos just as good though.
so get coal who gives if it doesn't run on oil? Like Gordon Express said get there large Q3 income and use it wisely. Just Ship some coal like they used to.
True Dat, True Dat. Either Way still love to see it. They could do something like they used to with other engines that had been restored and find a section of 3 track anp put 844 on one side 3985 on the other and the Big Boy in the middle.
hahahaha that's cute Cockroach is giving everybody's comments thumbs down. (Getting up off floor, fell while laughing so hard) That is real cute now he is just being stupid. I thought all the crappy losing battle for cockroach would have been over by now but i guess not. Oh well, still taking the side of 3985 Cockroach go to your stock market and talk to the guys there don't waste our time because you will always be outnumbered and will ALWAYS LOSE THIS BATTLE!!!!!!!!
I'm only 13 but why are we discussing the stock market on a train video?!?!?! can't we just relax and have fun?!?!?!?! an I would believe it wouldn't be aloud to be scrapped because it is on the national historic register so it is protected. and im sure UP wouldnt even think of doing that since they still own it.
Because to hear talk of steamers being scrapped, well, that just tears my heart out. And it gets me mad!! Cockroach has every right to comment here. But, I know we would all be a lot more civil on here if we didn't have to hear "scrap them, scrap them" all the time!! So if you're paying attention Cockroach, say what you want, and keep your opinion of them being scrap metal. Please just don't keep posting it here. Thank you.
We all have our opinions on this matter. 99% of us are avid steam fans, who enjoy seeing these machines in action. Cockroach has very good points about the fact that they are old, ineffeciant, finical losers, etc. What really needs to stop though, is the heavy support of them being scrapped for good!! No, not steam locos. There are many other things that can be scraped and people wouldn't care. Junker cars, junker boats, junker airplanes. Those could be scrapped with much success!!
And as we all know, the tourist railways/private railways are all funded by donations, grants, etc. Museums have virtually no costs maintaining trains on display, so that's kind of a freebie. To the best of my knowledge, the only North American railways that have "active" steam programs are the UP and the CP in Canada. Even if for some sad reason those programs ended, the trains wouldn't be scrapped. They would be preserved, either sent to a museum or private RR.
I understand where you come from Cockroach. You invest in railroads, that have NO steam programs, because you make money. Even though the truth is, steam programs on main railroads are (99.9% of the time) funded by people such as myself and not stock holders like you and owners and other high end people. You may chip in a tiny amount, but its really not enough to destroy your budget. Yes, steam engines today exist as trans on a tourist RR, or they are in a museum.
You like profits, I like steam locomotives. You seem not to, good for you. Don't comment then, please. It's not hard. I tried to show you are logic but no you won't listen to our reasons. Good Day to You SIR!!!! OH and by the way: SUCK IT!!!!
Our economy is in limbo and the world economy isn't much better. European and Asian markets tanked yesterday. Again I've stated it before your right about costs but your wrong about the non-profit organizations. What are volunteers? They're a non-profit group who maintain the locomotives.
Mind you this is all opinion but if you look closely enough you can see it about to happen. Even if you ride out the stock you have now I doubt you'll be able to gain the money you lost back.
You money then I suggest you get out of the market while you still can. We are sitting on the brink of another depression, regardless who wins the election. Our economy is weak, the greenback is the weakest currency in the world.
Then there are two major flaws with your stock thing. First there must be enough stock holders who want steam locomotives around. Second who cares about the stock any more. I was about to jump into the market until this crap happened. Stock is worth nothing now. The Nasdaq was down today, the Dow fell 800 points before rebounding.
God you still don't get it do you. The government funds these steam programs, Steamtown, USA, is the closest to me. Honestly did you work for a living or live off of your stocks? Wake up if you worked, you helped fund the program cause they government uses our tax dollars.
So why does the govern. and people like us fund these programs? Because not only does it make us happy but they're important for history. Somethings are meant to be experienced first hand and close up. Not just read and pictures looked at.
It's like the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Ground Zero. There's a big difference between just reading about it and looking at pictures and actually standing near, on, or over those areas. You talk money and if it's not profitable for steam locos, a lot of historic sites aren't profitable.
Listen Roach, I get where your coming from. You like profits, like any investor would, and again I'm not going to argue that steam is costly, it is. Where the problem lies is the fact we don't really care if its profitable to run a steam program. We like the fact that it's history in action.
It operated the largest steam locos but as for Steam Capitol. I would say Altoona, PA was with the Juniata Shops.
pdlip1 3 weeks ago
steam CAPITAL not CAPITOL !!!!!!!!
papoocanada 4 months ago
All I can say is AWSOME 3985 I hope lives forever !!!!
arkansastrash320 6 months ago
poetery in motion.
willibill1 6 months ago
This good old steamer is an old reliable!!!
1979cl1 6 months ago
These are the U.P. Big Boy's children! Avenge your fathers, Challengers!
6709ify 10 months ago
Awesome! Thank You.
steve7112004 10 months ago
Is there anywere on internet were i can find a blueprint or cross-section on this train?
padda4 11 months ago
IF they were so wonderful after all, we would still be using them.
TheBeechingAxe 11 months ago
A UP diesel with a K5LA? Don't hear those too often.
fafnir242 1 year ago
Union Pacific has the best toys. Why are they carrying so much fuel?
mynewpastime 1 year ago
Union Pacific has the best toys.
mynewpastime 1 year ago
4 freakin trains! Cool
SuperDuckman24 1 year ago
What is with the two yellow UP... er... tanks? behind the tender?
CityFolk120 1 year ago
@CityFolk120 water tanks because all the water towers are now long gone
SkipW 11 months ago 3
@SkipW They are being used as water tanks, but they were originally built as fuel tanks for the gas turbine electric locomotives used by UP from 1948 to the early 70s.
ralph435z 10 months ago
@CityFolk120 Skip is right water towers are just landmarks now. Because the water tower are not used these water tenders are placed behind #844 and #3985 on each trip. without the water tenders the locomotives will run out of steam.
geomodelrailroader 7 months ago
@CityFolk120 I have heard them called water bottles they are relics of the UP steam turbine engines
steamtrains2 6 months ago
I like to start Zepplin's When The Levee Breaks sometime around when this thing starts rollin =P it just fits perfectly...
I wonder how much power this thing has compared to a modern mainline diesel, i wouldnt be surprised if it was still way more powerful, these days its all about quantity over quality, it aint right =/
Ratmouth66 1 year ago
I think heard some squirrels!!!!
hadiazful 1 year ago
Zoltan Bebto from Budapest. Hungary,Europe.
bebtozoltan55 1 year ago
que chingoneria, me sorprende lo q puede hacer el hombre me gusta mas que las diesel
picallelo1 1 year ago
man how do you always get to film this stuff. It is like you know exactly when and were it will be.
train2589 1 year ago
you say oregon to missouri? What part of missouri will it be going through? Is there somewhere online where I can find a schedule?
fastj14 1 year ago
Thanks for posting this video and all the others. I was in Cheyenne years ago when 3985 make her first run, also rode behind her in Salt Lake City on a trip when she was still burning coal and almost burnt the state to the ground with all the fires she started that weekend. One of the reasons she was converted to oil.
splitwindow 1 year ago
i'm guessing the 8 people who pressed the dislike button are environmentalists
TheMylo84 1 year ago
BLOW THE WHISTLE!
7vitaman 1 year ago
the 3985 was converted to oil in 1990 with parts from oil burner 3977
THOMAS81Z 1 year ago
the 3985 was converted to oil in 1990 with parts from the 3977
THOMAS81Z 1 year ago
on the oregon trip, is she gonna role through portland?
pdxsteam 1 year ago
o bty keep up the good work skipw
dust478 1 year ago
isnt this also called ''Big Boy'?
dragonscape99 1 year ago
@dragonscape99 no its called "challenger" the "big boy" is 4-8-8-4 not 4-6-6-4
dust478 1 year ago
@dust478 oh, thanks for telling
dragonscape99 1 year ago
@dragonscape99 no prbolem
dust478 1 year ago
hey skipw get a vid of the next time it runs
dust478 1 year ago
they have any trips planned? havent heard much about this thing laytly. it still runnin?
CGiordano464 1 year ago
@CGiordano464 Oregon to Missiouri still on for this year it also did a run to Texas in April ( 2010 )
SkipW 1 year ago
@SkipW when they commming to illinios
BSBINC1 10 months ago
@CGiordano464 yes that thing is still runing
chancechipmantv 1 year ago
@CGiordano464 2011 schedule is to be released in early April on the website upexcursion
BudmanPackfan 10 months ago
Still wish someone would restore a "Big Boy," or UP's 4000 class 4-8-8-4's. THE largest mainline steam locomotive ever built. ...yes, Erie had the triplex, but it was mainly used in the yard for hump operations. "Big Boy" was mainline steam at its finest.
guitboxchicken 1 year ago
@guitboxchicken the Santa Fe had like some really big atriculated steamer to. It was HUGE!
CGiordano464 1 year ago
No. 3985 originally burned coal and pulled a tender with a 32-ton capacity. In 1990, it was converted to use No. 5 oil.
scooter90mph 1 year ago
it takes 2 diesel to pull a train, but it only takes one steamer to pull a train, damn grampa's stronger and tougher than his grandsons. NICE
ravinago 1 year ago 14
@ravinago But the steam engine burns twice, or more, as much diesel as on diesel engine. The steam engine is about 8 percent efficient and the diesel is about 22 percent.
exsteamer 1 year ago
@ravinago you bet grampa's stronger! These babies were built back when we knew how to build trains the right way;)
carmalen89 1 year ago
@ravinago
Funny how they think that diesel exhaust is cleaner than fly ash eh?
TonoFonseca 10 months ago
What a beautiful monster.....got to be at least 10,000 HP. love the deep whistle.....
fjbutch 1 year ago
how much torque though?
GigaMinion 1 year ago
@GigaMinion heaps
fjbutch 1 year ago
thats one big ass steam train engine.. looks awsome
listepikster 1 year ago
3985, not so much a locomotive but a work of art!
Xantec 1 year ago
thanks for the vid! I was a kid in the 50's and steam engines were happening and a joy to me. Still are....
strat8383 1 year ago
My favorite
Rtchugg 1 year ago
I so want to see that machine one day
Roncace 1 year ago 9
Me too.
09JDCTrainMan 1 year ago
@Roncace You ain't the only one.
Fireheart528 6 months ago in playlist Trains and Things
Does 3985 still run? I haven't heard much about it lately.
boberttrain831 2 years ago
Well right now is most likely the "Off" season. Keep checking the schedule at upsteam-dot-com for more info.
kelbym07 2 years ago
Its not the steam CAPITOL of the world but the steam CAPITAL !
papoocanada 2 years ago
thats not oil, if it were oil it would burn blue-ish not black
tsukasa31 2 years ago
3985 is a pure oil burner. Cannot in any way fire coal or other materials.
scythelord 1 year ago
Last 30 seconds are AWESOME!!!!!!
Unabomber2 2 years ago
I don't think this old girl is runnin' off oil- too much smoke exhaust thats the wrong color for oil. Sure looks like coal to me.
4-6-6-4- does anyone have a link on the history of this engine?
Trailltrader 2 years ago
upsteam-DotCom&SteamOn!
SkipW 2 years ago
Thank You Skip- yes, it is oil fired with a multiport ignition system- I backtracked it from Wikipedia then hunted down the rest of the info.
Sure looks like coal!
Trailltrader 2 years ago
they use banker oil or oil no.5 oil used in powerplant!
bsmetarem 2 years ago
Thank You- it dawned upon me to use the INTERNET TO FIND OUT MORE! Totally new concept eh? =D.
You're right they do use bunker oil!
Trailltrader 2 years ago
@Trailltrader It is an Oil Burner!
pianomanmaestro 1 year ago
@Trailltrader - She burned coal originally but was converted to oil firing in the early 1990s due to line-side grass fires ignited by flying coal sparks.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
@deloreanman14
*chuckles* And whats wrong with a few grass fires? Carbons GOOD for the enviroment isn't that what Al Gore says? =D
MrTrailltrader 1 year ago
@Trailltrader They burn recycled engine oil.
haonchr 1 year ago
@Trailltrader The 3985 was converted to burn oil in the 80's! That reduced the fire hazard and now 3985 can go anywhere!
TheStormchaser09 1 year ago
@Trailltrader It uses No. 5 Oil.
MovieModerator 1 year ago
@Trailltrader
She's an oiler... period.
staydput 1 year ago
@Trailltrader
All of the originally-coal locos were long ago converted to oil -- on the WEST COAST.
staydput 1 year ago
@Trailltrader
It's oil...
Heavy oil, if available...
But usually the same diesel as the rest of the fleet.
What a glutton.
staydput 1 year ago
@Trailltrader it isa oil burning locomotive it was converted to it
2008FORDF450V8 11 months ago
@Trailltrader it's called external combustion. Perhaps you comparing to trucks and such, which is much more efficient form of combustion.
BudmanPackfan 10 months ago
@Trailltrader I also read it was converted to burning oil, due to concerns that burning coal would cause grass fires along the route traveled.
dehve86 10 months ago
@Trailltrader she was converted to oil in 1991, sometimes for appearances they throw shredded tire rubber in the fire box for the extra black smoke
steamtrains2 6 months ago
Excellent video ! I read that this was converted to burn oil ? How does this affect the train as far as performance VS coal? The 2 tenders behind the coal box are those full of water ? If so how is it transfered? Last but not least how reliable is this train? Thank you.
olechevy 2 years ago
I dont know about any performance advantages, but when the 3985 was coal fired it limited her traveling around the UP system, plus she set off some lineside fires due to the hot cinders emitting from the stack.
CarNutandTrainNut2 2 years ago
thank you so much for the fast forward =]
badboylll 2 years ago
I think heard some squirrels!!!!
BeautifulAngie7 2 years ago
lol at the fast forward!
FanRailer 2 years ago
Alvin and the chipmunks live in cheyenne & they dropped by for the fun of it
SkipW 2 years ago
Gidday from downunder Australia
Crikey that's a bloody awesome video mate, thanks for sharing.
TrainSpotterX 2 years ago 2
@TrainSpotterX Are you a stereotype? :P
edj66 1 year ago
Nice train.
AndyJay15 2 years ago
Is that two UP Gas Turbine tenders behind the engine? Why is that? Is this engine bunker C-oil powered?
I must say, great vid. Thanks for sharing!
5 outa 5.
Moosup44 2 years ago
yes it was coal until it was converted at somepoint
Aspire198 2 years ago
They are water tenders.
maddennis55 2 years ago
how does the parts on thoses locomotive stay in place with out falling apart l but why do they have a extra engine or is it to help it push it along ? but for the steam when it comes out is it really hot or would it really hurt somone but was just cerious
onebadbirdy 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Very great video!
WoelkerVideo 2 years ago
5 * and favorites, the big boys are really incredible
zsacapala 2 years ago
This train isn't a big boy. It's a challenger.
They both look quite similar though.
MatTtackable 2 years ago
SORRRY, i didn´t see right taht it only has 6 axles isntead 8 like the real big boy
zsacapala 2 years ago
a few years ago I was stoped at a rural grade crossing out by my farm with a long blind hill and a dip the gates dropped I saw alot of smoke so I assumed a bad loading unit and this blew by me talk abot an an s**t momont no camra
gaycowboy31 2 years ago
The state of Va. owns the 611 now I think thats why it's at the transportation museum in roanoke and the 1218 has been gutted. It really sucks !!!!!!!!!!
rusttrail3 2 years ago
how much fuel does this train burn per hour?
ioukkj 2 years ago
I could only hope that someone had as much love for the J611 as U.P.R.R. does for these two awesome engines.
rusttrail3 2 years ago
Amen, NS is a bunch of b1tches for not running the 611 and fixing the bridge over the Scioto so we can see more action through Batavia Ohio!
1960gambit 2 years ago
i go every year to visit 611 and 1218...they are very well preserved...as far as running again...who knows...
ffej980 2 years ago
Thank you UNION PACIFIC for keeping the 3985 and the 844 running especially in the bad economic times as we are in now, thanks for the memories. The 844 has been on the roster in continuous service since 1944, and the 3985 they bought from clinchfield rr in virginia.
rusttrail3 2 years ago
What are you talking about, the UP did NOT buy the 3985 from the Clinchfield. During WW2, The Rio Grande wanted Challengers of their own design, the War Production Board denied their request and diverted 6 challengers from a UP order to the D&RGW, the Clinchfield bought those after the war was over.
daogrady 2 years ago
=O MIRA COMO CORRE!!!
bonkipeluche 2 years ago
Man, That was awesome. Now if they only get the Big Boy running!!
CAVSFAN2360 2 years ago
damn, it almost looks like a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy
FizziksJunkie 2 years ago
very good. note 1.000. The best,
you see my videos (movies) for trains?
recomendo
josecarlosfarina 2 years ago
Nice video.
Pvemzo 2 years ago
i wonder if anyone had ever thought of converting these to nuclear power. that would be quite an interesting concept. the only limit to the distance they could go would be water. i dont see how it could be too different from a ship that uses nuclear power.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
haha, good luck fighting off the pesky enviromentalists with the nuclear idea.
justandy333 2 years ago
nuclear is the cleanest most efficient form of power production we have.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
True, But if the train crashed or derailed, it would be an extremely dodgy situation to be in. Also Nuclear waste is notoriously difficult to dispose of.
justandy333 2 years ago
have you seen those nuclear casks they use to transport nuclear waste? they are nearly indestructible. im sure someone would be able to develop an extremely safe system. the average nuclear power plant's waste material for 1 year of use will fit under a small desk. a nuclear steam locomotive would use far less material.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
Those casks transport nuclear waste. Not the housing for a nuclear fission reactor. Im not totally sure as to the conditions fission needs but im sure an undulating train isnt the most stable environment. I agree its an interesting concept but unfortunately very impractical.
justandy333 2 years ago
yeah i know they do but i am saying is they are nearly indestructible. if someone can develop that then they may be able to develop a safe way to use nuclear power in a steam engine.
in what way is it impractical? our navy uses nuclear power for some of its most powerful warships above and below the surface.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
I don't think this is all as simple as it sounds. Nuclear reactors require safety systems, back-up safety systems, and back ups to ensure the safety of the back-ups, and so on, even on aircraft carriers (Besides that, aircraft carriers are nuclear-electric, not steam driven).
RandomTask3000 2 years ago
And, while a nuclear meltdown at sea would be catastrophic, it would pale in comparison to a nuclear meltdown by a train in a residential area. Nuclear is also heavy, expensive, and the measures required to convert existing trains would be so extensive as to make them redundant. Besides that, aircraft carriers are nuclear-electric, not steam driven.
RandomTask3000 2 years ago
While I agree that it will be a complex set up the size of the reactor to drive a steam engine will be no where near the size required to drive an aircraft carrier. The carrier uses steam to drive a turbine while a steam locomotive uses steam to drive a piston. Both use the heat from nuclear fission to generate steam.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
I grasp the concepts of nuclear power and reciprocating engines. The lead insulation required to keep a fission reactor safe makes a reactor at any size impractically heavy for any land vehicle.
The safety factor cannot be ignored, and neither can the exorbitant costs. While I think a nuclear-steam driven train would be magnificent, it's less likely than a nuclear-electric train (turbine generators, like the carrier), which is itself highly unlikely.
RandomTask3000 2 years ago
As in all forms of technology, improvements and breakthroughs reduce the cost, size and danger down to levels that are reasonable for daily use. 60 years ago scientists imagined the home computer taking up a space the size of a large bedroom. Now you have a computer that holds thousands of songs that fits in your pocket.
With todays technology this seems highly unlikely and somewhat suicidal but 50 years it may be the every day norm.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
This is an argument that one can make for everything that is unlikely. 50 years ago, few people believed that we would cure heart disease, and that hasn't happened. But that doesn't even matter. The future is just an idea. Arguing how likely a technology like this is only matters considering what we know now, because that's all we have to go on.
RandomTask3000 2 years ago
jeez the sd70mac sounds just like an sd70ace!!!!!!!!!!
bnsf4 2 years ago
Is that the same horn as the N&W 611?
generationll 2 years ago
recycled #5 fuel oil
SkipW 2 years ago
Anyone know what type of fuel-oil it's burning?
woodscritter 2 years ago
There is nothing wrong with coal. I worked for a coal mining company. Al and his friends can.........
maplewoodsp 2 years ago
It is, but it backed on to the mainline at the west side of town. waiting for the green signal eastbound, (FYI the center of Cheyenne,WY is the rail yards)
SkipW 2 years ago
I thought the train was eastbound in Cheyenne, how did we get west of Cheyenne?
maddennis55 2 years ago
Thanks Skip, your vids are awesome. And thank you You Tube for making these vids available for all to view. Without Y.T. and the net I probably would never have been to see these beasts alive.
jro1958 2 years ago 2
You guys hear the HUEY?
ColonelSamatoshi 2 years ago
It is probably one of the Nuclear Missle crews from FE Warren AFB headed off to a missle silo for a crew change
SkipW 2 years ago
America at her best here! It is so sad to see less and less of our once industrial might!
22mbpjm 2 years ago
EXACTLY
Chernabog135 2 years ago
When Will The Next Steam Locomotive Go Through Illinois Or Near Chicago area ? Do You Know If Not Please tell me who would know or a website i could Find any information on anything?
Metracab123 3 years ago
but in all the commercial tapes they talk too much, the endless chatter over the sound of steam is just wrong - INMHO
SkipW 3 years ago
SkipW, these are beautiful. Thank you.
grangerizer 3 years ago 2
ese modelo de trenes no se descontinuaron hace mucho tiempo?
junitosplay 3 years ago
Nice Job!
Metracab123 3 years ago
oh ok. well ill check'em out. thanks for your info. and you showed me some stuff that didn't know. peace and have a happy train season.
micahthatrocks 3 years ago
oh and while you say that. is pentrex the best train video company you bought from. im thinking about buying a video and im not sure if i should?
micahthatrocks 3 years ago
oh. ok. that make more sence. thanks for getting it strait.
micahthatrocks 3 years ago
No. it couldn't have been in the 40's. Big boy were just geting out. Right?
micahthatrocks 3 years ago
WOW! Just WOW! I mean... WOW! WONDERFUL. Words fail to do adequate justice to this great locomotive... I keep on thinking 'How great it would be if Richard Trevithick could have seen this!'
SteffanLlwyd 3 years ago 3
Really, when the whole steam vs diesel argument comes up, I think a minute and just tell people "steam wins, hands down" and then I list my reasons why. Personally, it wouldn't matter to me what they would fire #4005 with. To see her run again would be a thing of beauty. I just hope that some of the green tech my company manufactures could one day be applied to trains, steam in particular. Then we can all tell diesels to bite it!!!
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
Comment removed
DanielVolker 3 years ago
I actually didn't no that. I only read into it breifly and the article said it didn't work cause it was to big. But that does make sense, hell it burned 32 tons of coal like every two hours. It'd go through a lot of oil.
trainking844 3 years ago 2
Comment removed
DanielVolker 3 years ago 4
Yup. I've seen the 4014. Cosmetically, its in great shape. The real question is what does she look like on the inside? I say if all the parts are there, clean her up and get her moving again!!! We'll worry about small technical details such as finding a turn-table big enough to turn them later on.
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
I'd love to see a Big Boy run again!! Heck, they kept a Challenger working fine all these years. Coal. Hm, well I guess the only logical way is shipping it in from out East to the UP. But in the end, all def worth it. Which Big Boy do you think is the best candidate for restoring back to working order?
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
It will need a litle work but from what I read adn from what other's say 4014, possible they could use 4023. Who knows? It would be cool to see any of them running.
trainking844 3 years ago
Look he is still giving everybody's comment's thumbs down. ROFLMFAO. He needs to get out of his walker badly. Can someone help me get up i fell laughing at him again.
nicholasbreeden 3 years ago
Great video. Now if UP can take their large Q3 income and get a couple Big Boy's steaming again, I will be happy.
GordonExpress 3 years ago
I wish dude, but I don't think that will happen any time soon. Unfortunately the Big Boy can't run off of oil, they've tried. It's too large but OMG if they did get one up and running. This locos just as good though.
trainking844 3 years ago
so get coal who gives if it doesn't run on oil? Like Gordon Express said get there large Q3 income and use it wisely. Just Ship some coal like they used to.
nicholasbreeden 3 years ago
Ah, why not. They could actually use the coal that is out there already. It's hard coal but that's what it used to run off of.
trainking844 3 years ago
True Dat, True Dat. Either Way still love to see it. They could do something like they used to with other engines that had been restored and find a section of 3 track anp put 844 on one side 3985 on the other and the Big Boy in the middle.
nicholasbreeden 3 years ago
hahahaha that's cute Cockroach is giving everybody's comments thumbs down. (Getting up off floor, fell while laughing so hard) That is real cute now he is just being stupid. I thought all the crappy losing battle for cockroach would have been over by now but i guess not. Oh well, still taking the side of 3985 Cockroach go to your stock market and talk to the guys there don't waste our time because you will always be outnumbered and will ALWAYS LOSE THIS BATTLE!!!!!!!!
nicholasbreeden 3 years ago 3
Wow! He still doesn't give up. I'm with you.
trainking844 3 years ago
Up makes millions! 2 steamers aren't going to kill the stock market! what is is your face!
thetrainking 3 years ago
I'm 13 and I have to say I dont understand nor care about your paumpus jibberish.
thetrainking 3 years ago
I'm only 13 but why are we discussing the stock market on a train video?!?!?! can't we just relax and have fun?!?!?!?! an I would believe it wouldn't be aloud to be scrapped because it is on the national historic register so it is protected. and im sure UP wouldnt even think of doing that since they still own it.
thetrainking 3 years ago 2
Because to hear talk of steamers being scrapped, well, that just tears my heart out. And it gets me mad!! Cockroach has every right to comment here. But, I know we would all be a lot more civil on here if we didn't have to hear "scrap them, scrap them" all the time!! So if you're paying attention Cockroach, say what you want, and keep your opinion of them being scrap metal. Please just don't keep posting it here. Thank you.
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
We all have our opinions on this matter. 99% of us are avid steam fans, who enjoy seeing these machines in action. Cockroach has very good points about the fact that they are old, ineffeciant, finical losers, etc. What really needs to stop though, is the heavy support of them being scrapped for good!! No, not steam locos. There are many other things that can be scraped and people wouldn't care. Junker cars, junker boats, junker airplanes. Those could be scrapped with much success!!
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
And as we all know, the tourist railways/private railways are all funded by donations, grants, etc. Museums have virtually no costs maintaining trains on display, so that's kind of a freebie. To the best of my knowledge, the only North American railways that have "active" steam programs are the UP and the CP in Canada. Even if for some sad reason those programs ended, the trains wouldn't be scrapped. They would be preserved, either sent to a museum or private RR.
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
I understand where you come from Cockroach. You invest in railroads, that have NO steam programs, because you make money. Even though the truth is, steam programs on main railroads are (99.9% of the time) funded by people such as myself and not stock holders like you and owners and other high end people. You may chip in a tiny amount, but its really not enough to destroy your budget. Yes, steam engines today exist as trans on a tourist RR, or they are in a museum.
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
Secondly, I want everyone here to search for the steam railroading institute of Owosso MI.
For anyone who has their doubts where my work with steam locomotives is, well there you go!! I live near there and volunteer there as much as I can.
I am one of the mechanics that works on PM No.1225, and every so often I step in as the fireman on that train when the main guy can't make it.
Its all volunteer work. I don't get paid a dime to do it.
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
Before I begin, I would like to point out a few things. First off, my knowledge of the ACE3000 project comes from books, magazines, periodicals, etc.
>How much did you invest? How much did you loose?
I was only a baby at the time this project was actually going on.
TrainsForever09 3 years ago
You like profits, I like steam locomotives. You seem not to, good for you. Don't comment then, please. It's not hard. I tried to show you are logic but no you won't listen to our reasons. Good Day to You SIR!!!! OH and by the way: SUCK IT!!!!
trainking844 3 years ago 3
Our economy is in limbo and the world economy isn't much better. European and Asian markets tanked yesterday. Again I've stated it before your right about costs but your wrong about the non-profit organizations. What are volunteers? They're a non-profit group who maintain the locomotives.
trainking844 3 years ago
Mind you this is all opinion but if you look closely enough you can see it about to happen. Even if you ride out the stock you have now I doubt you'll be able to gain the money you lost back.
trainking844 3 years ago
You money then I suggest you get out of the market while you still can. We are sitting on the brink of another depression, regardless who wins the election. Our economy is weak, the greenback is the weakest currency in the world.
trainking844 3 years ago
Then there are two major flaws with your stock thing. First there must be enough stock holders who want steam locomotives around. Second who cares about the stock any more. I was about to jump into the market until this crap happened. Stock is worth nothing now. The Nasdaq was down today, the Dow fell 800 points before rebounding.
trainking844 3 years ago
God you still don't get it do you. The government funds these steam programs, Steamtown, USA, is the closest to me. Honestly did you work for a living or live off of your stocks? Wake up if you worked, you helped fund the program cause they government uses our tax dollars.
trainking844 3 years ago
So why does the govern. and people like us fund these programs? Because not only does it make us happy but they're important for history. Somethings are meant to be experienced first hand and close up. Not just read and pictures looked at.
trainking844 3 years ago
It's like the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Ground Zero. There's a big difference between just reading about it and looking at pictures and actually standing near, on, or over those areas. You talk money and if it's not profitable for steam locos, a lot of historic sites aren't profitable.
trainking844 3 years ago
Listen Roach, I get where your coming from. You like profits, like any investor would, and again I'm not going to argue that steam is costly, it is. Where the problem lies is the fact we don't really care if its profitable to run a steam program. We like the fact that it's history in action.
trainking844 3 years ago