Steam & Excursion > Union Pacific 3985 June 1995

All,
June 18th, 1995, and the Union Pacific 3895 Challenger is going back home to Wyoming. From the Texas Eagle excursion. This segment is from Argyle, Texas to McAlester, Oklahoma.

This was the last time we got to chase her in Texas.

Hope she gets to return some day!

Neil

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I've really enjoyed your 3985 videos.  Great quality!

Steve

I 2ND that, awesome job Neil!

In the cab; Engineer Steve Lee, Fireman Lynn Nystrom and the pilot engineer. Star of the show; Challenger 3985.

Bob Krieger
Cheyenne, WY

Makes me sick to tnink tis engine just got thrown in the roundhouse, forgotten and disrespected.  It would have taken a minimum effort when Steve retired to have it ready for another season.
I can't imagine what it would look like if it were running now.  Whitewalls, bling out the wazoo and pizza pans.  Maybe its better off where it is.
Thanks for sharing your videos of a great engine and great crew.

What would have been the top speed..say about 2:15 into the  video?  Nice videos..
Roger Beckett

up833 Wrote:
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> What would have been the top speed..say about 2:15
> into the  video?  Nice videos..
> Roger Beckett

Roger,
I did some verification, The time table list the max speed as 55mph, my memory is that the speed limit on Hwy 377 was 55 and we were able to control the chasers, with few passing us.

I counted revolutions of drivers 45 in 10 seconds or 270 RPM. 69" drivers = 18' per revolution 270 x 18' = 4,860 feet per minute, or 291,600 feet per hour, 291,600 / 5,280 = 55.2 MPH.

Taking into account some tire wear... 55 mph seems correct.
Thanks for getting me to work the math, it was good exercise for my brain!

Thanks to all for the kind remarks and additional information.

Sincerely,
Neil Dahl