UP 3985 Challenger and the Circus Train

I chased this historic and record setting train from Speer, Wyoming to Denver Colorado, knowing many weeks in advance about this event. I was able to get close enough to record the glorious sounds of Union Pacific Challenger 3985, the world's largest *OPERATING* steam locomotive. Enjoy.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Union
• Pacific
• 4-6-6-4
• Challenger
• 3985
• steam
• locomotive
• Wyoming
• Greeley
• Denver
• Colorado
• Ringling
• Brothers
• Barnum
• Bailey
• Circus
• train

[operazanotaijin]

I presume the passenger cars were for those paying for the excursion. Now, did Ringling Bros. hire UP for this trip with the 3985, or what was the deal behind that if you know? Thanks!

[cchan006]

@operazanotaijin: The UP passenger cars were part of a Special that separated from the Circus Train in Denver and went on its own way. The inspiration for the 3985 came from the Trainmaster of the Circus Train. I do not know the specifics of how the deal was made between Ringling Bros. and UP Steam Crew, but I assume they all wanted to do it.

[bassboy923]

i counted 70 cars, is that alot?... im assuming?

[cchan006]

@bassboy923: That's a lot for a passenger train, although the Circus Train also has freight cars toward the back.

[fasionbug]

Is the diesel in dynamic braking at @5:03 Because the 3985 seems to be working a little and I can't help but here that notorious whine of the dynamic brakes. Any thoughts?

[cchan006]

@fasionbug: I heard that, too, and it's possible the GEVO was dynamic braking. I overheard on the radio the steam crew instructing the engineer in the diesel for braking the train at a certain speed ("30 down the hill" at Terry Ranch Rd., for example).

[TheForceOfMusic101]

@Fordguy6514 To be fair U.P. 3985 had the strength to pull the whole train by herself. But because of the distance of the trip, a Diesel was added for assistance with such a long trip. It would have been better if it there was no diesel. But Still, U.P. 3985 ROCKS!!!!!!!

[AJuarez764]

Pulling that long load like nobody's business! You gotta love it!!

[Fordguy6514]

pity they put a diseasel behind 3985

[Vorahk3985]

Whoever disliked this got challenged by #3985. XD

[cayoharksen]

alguem pode dar um tiro certeiro nesse helicoptero xarope, murrinha por favor.

[bfs1888]

Rebel, i agree,,,,,,that &%#$@&% helicopter

[RebelRail96]

!@#$%^&*!!?!! helicopter

[allegheny48]

To cchan006: Thanks for the top notch video.  Very well done and a pleasure to watch. I especially enjoyed the start up sequences. 3985 really put on a fine show. I have a question. Why is it that, whenever the whistle is blown, you never see any steam exhaust as with other steam locomotives? Where is the whistle located?

[bitethedevil]

Sounds just like a helicopter! LOL!!

[penncentral8885]

I wish whoever was flying that Helo had it stuck up there ass!!!!