RAILforum: UP 3985 Challenger, off topic but had to dish

This is topic UP 3985 Challenger, off topic but had to dish in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

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Posted by yummykaz (Member # 475) on :

All you who love to train travel ( not just rail fans but truly enjoy this mode of travel) I have to dish to you about just seeing the Steam Locomotive in action! I wanted you to hear about this and not sure all of us read the railfan topics.

I work next to the train track in Conroe Texas. Here is my report from 2-3-04:

10:25...Train went by, tracks were loaded with people since about 9AM

You could see the steam a mile or two up the track...Felt like I was in Peticoat Junction!

People put pennies on the tracks. Everyone waved and called out. Adults, kids, seniors, lawyers from nearby courthouse, clerks in high heels, tailgating...it was all going on!I was beyond excited to take part in this! Massive train.

Great to see such a turn out! It was also pulling old pullman or coach type passenger cars. Yellow and Red UP logos .The passengers were truly lucky to be aboard.

and for all of you who want to know was the train on time...no!
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10911939&BRD=1569&PAG=461&dept_id=180945&rfi=6

[This message has been edited by yummykaz (edited 02-04-2004).]

Posted by espeefoamer (Member # 2815) on :

If you havent seen this engine yet,do so at all costs.It is awesome!

------------------
Trust Jesus,Ride Amtrak.

Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :

I took several pictures of it while it sat on Holly Hall in Houston. The UP cars were impressive (all 25 or 30 of them). The engine was impressive, security around there was impressive.

Lots of UP dignitaries had their own hotel room a couple of blocks away from the Super Bowl! Diners, sleepers, domes, several baggage cars... what a train! I don't think all of those cars were pulled by the steam engine, but it seemed like every yellow UP car was in Houston for the Super Bowl.

[This message has been edited by mikesmith (edited 02-03-2004).]

Posted by UncleBuck44 (Member # 2049) on :

When did it get to Houston.
It was in St. Louis for an extra 3-4 days because something need fixin but it was frozen.

And there were only 5-6 cars on it as it went from Cheyenne to Texas.

You can read more about it under the Thread "Challenger Making its way to Houston"

Posted by coronado (Member # 2395) on :

Below is a link to the photos and video I shot as the train passed through Texas last week and again today.

http://groups.msn.com/VintageHamiltonWatches/railroadphotos.msnw

The nice people at UP did a great job, put out lots of smoke for the photographers and ran the train VERY FAST in some areas... much to the delight of us railfans!

[This message has been edited by coronado (edited 02-03-2004).]

Posted by Ray (Member # 10) on :

Great pictures of a beautiful engine!

quote:
Originally posted by coronado:
Below is a link to the photos and video I shot as the train passed through Texas last week and again today.
http://groups.msn.com/VintageHamiltonWatches/railroadphotos.msnw
The nice people at UP did a great job, put out lots of smoke for the photographers and ran the train VERY FAST in some areas... much to the delight of us railfans!
[This message has been edited by coronado (edited 02-03-2004).]

Posted by M190 (Member # 3009) on :

Yummy, is that engine awesome or WHAT?! I was fortunate enough to spend 4 days at Railfair 99 in Sacramento and the highlight was seeing 3985,844,3751, and 4449 all lined up together getting fueled. Once in a lifetime!

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

Coronodo, thanks for the terrific video!

Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

Coronado - I missed your original posting with the video a few days ago, but looked at it today -- pretty cool!!!!

Posted by Sheriff (Member # 2521) on :

Good pictures Coronada:
Thanks for sharing.

Posted by coronado (Member # 2395) on :

Thanks for the nice comments about the photos and video.

I'll be adding two more videos later this week that I shot on the return trip through Texas two weeks ago. I had a little easier time shooting the train on the return trip as it was not going quite as fast... more like 45 mph to 55 mph.

I'm in LA right now and am heading back home on the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle this evening.

http://groups.msn.com/VintageHamiltonWatches/railroadphotos.msnw

[This message has been edited by coronado (edited 02-15-2004).]