June 16, 2002: UP #3985, running 90-minutes late, makes a highly publicized run from Chicago to Milwaukee. Currently, 3985 is the largest active steam locomotive in the world. This trip was hard to keep up. 3985 was running up to 75 miles per hour and Chicago/Milwaukee traffic made it nearly impossible to chase. This trip was highly publicized and fight broke out a moments notice. Many ordinary people did not understand the rules of railfanning and therefore numerous shots were less than ideal. Enjoy.
@DC4916 You're thinking of the Big Boys, which *were* 4-8-8-4s. 3985 is a Challenger, their predecessor. While there are a lot of surviving Big Boys--the UP was generous about donating them to parks and such--none of them are anything remotely approaching operational.
JimStarluck 1 year ago
Fantastic videeo.
hoolg 2 years ago 2
I wonder if 3985 met up with MILW 261?
736berkshire 2 years ago
The track workers looked surprised when 3985 went by. lol
WhyAyeMann 3 years ago 2
type in "UP 3985 + 143 Freight Cars" for one
xxxDeath9572xxx 3 years ago
Fantasic Video! Loving the shots and attempts to make this all possible!
xxxDeath9572xxx 3 years ago
Nice engine, but I always thought these were bigger? 4-8-8-4, not 4-6-6-4? I've haerd of these monsters pulling 10,000 tonnes on their owm! :O Can someone show me video of one one of these engines actually WORKING HARD??? I'm sorry but a mere 10 cars or so does NOT do it justice. :-(
DC4916 3 years ago