Challenger 3985 has left the building

[AmericanSteam]

UP has announced that it will be donating Challenger 3985 to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America facility in Silvis, Ill. Also included in the donation will be Class TTT 2-10-2 No. 5511, Centennial DDA40X No. 6936, and an E9B passenger shell. Five donated passenger cars have been moved previously. It seems as if preservation is seriously being considered in the bottom line.

[AmericanSteam]

Here are a couple of videos of the UP "Donation Special"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4xshWUZqLM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRDnICafy8o

Sad to say the neglect shows on some of these old gals. The Big Boy restoration and operation must be using almost all of the Steam Program budget.

[EngineerJohn]

It's been said (not officially through UP) that 4014 was approximately 4 million dollars just to restore. Not to mention that was also using several parts off the 3985 including its tender to save money and get it running faster. Then you need the yearly operating costs of a small army of engine crew and maintainers as well as fuel. Then restoring old tools or making new custom tools for 80 year old components unique to a steam engine.

It's also been said restoring any articulated locomotive is almost the equivalent of restoring 2 standard steam engines. They don't come cheap. the Union Pacific has deep pockets but even they too have a budget to think about.