Union Pacific Challenger Steam Train Tour of Summer 2002
Union Pacific's Challenger 3985 (Class 4-6-6-4) steam locomotive toured the Midwestern United States in excursion service during the Summer 2002. Below is a photographic tribute of our encounter with this magnificent machine. The photographs below were taken around the Chicago and Milwaukee area (click on the thumbnails to enlarge).
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UP 3985 arrives at West Chicago, Illinois from Iowa under a late-afternoon hazy sky on Wednesday June 12, 2002. She is slowly advancing on a storage spur. An east bound Metra commuter train is waiting in the distance. |
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The rail on the inside radius of the curve has been slathered with grease to ease negotiation.
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Almost there!
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Adding lubrication with pnuematic grease gun. |
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3985 was secured at Union Pacific's (ex-C&NW) West Chicago Training Facility. |
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Close up of front drive cylinder on engineer's side.
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Shear elegance! |
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Speeding towards Milwaukee on the "New Line" at Illinois Route 173 on Sunday June 16, 2002. She was estimated traveling between 60 and 70 mph. |
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Swooosh! |
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Caught heading south out of Bulter Yard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And yes, it was operating true to C&NW practice...left-handed. And sadly, tomorrow she will be leaving for home. Come back soon! |
