Steam & Excursion > UP 3985

Will 3985 ever be back on the rails again? Its been, what 2-3 years? I know when 844 is out, there is little progress made, but will 844 dominate so that 3985 is put back and back and never is fixed?

Are there plans and intentions to get 3985 back on the rails--ever again? When --does anyone know?

thanks for your info\
D.

There's a rampant rumor that it's being moved to Omaha as an emergency
boiler to provide steam heat for the UP main office.

rehunn Wrote:
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> There's a rampant rumor that it's being moved to
> Omaha as an emergency
> boiler to provide steam heat for the UP main
> office.


Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

I do not believe that account it has been reported that there is already an oversupply of hot air within the building. === === = === JLH

Talked to Ed Dickens in Boone, IA this past Saturday 3985 boiler was not cracked work is progressing but slow since the steam team has not been home enough to work on her

Greydog30
KC,MO

Right! Not to mention the fact that their best/lead/and ONLY Welder/Boilermaker, Ed Smith retired August 1st, 2012!

Greydog30 Wrote:
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> Talked to Ed Dickens in Boone, IA this past
> Saturday 3985 boiler was not cracked work is
> progressing but slow since the steam team has not
> been home enough to work on her
>
> Greydog30
> KC,MO

Exactly who ever said the boiler was cracked in the first place?

Realist Wrote:
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> Exactly who ever said the boiler was cracked in
> the first place?

Idiots on TO most likely. Someone may have overheard that a "crack" needed to be welded someplace in the firebox, and the next thing you know,,,,,,"The boiler is cracked!". Happens all the time.

Back in February I was told by one of the steam shop folks that everything above the drivers (walkway) would be stripped off as it was due for it's FRA inspection this year. A hyrdo test was needed and the appliances would be looked at as well and might possibly need to be replaced. It also supposedly needs a new firebox from what I was told. All of the running gear, drivers, side rods, and side rod bearings have been fixed and are ready to go. It's now the upper parts that need the work.

Not sure if any of the above still holds true but that's what I was told in February 2012. Current estimates were 4-5 years to have it back on the road.

Being this year is UP's 150th Anniversary, 844 is out more than normal this year doing PR. Next year should be a lighter schedule giving the guys more time to work on 3985.

Lee Ryan - Rio Grande Fan
Denver, CO

When I see rails being placed down Dodge street then I will believe it!

RioGrandeFan Wrote:
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> Back in February I was told by one of the steam
> shop folks that everything above the drivers
> (walkway) would be stripped off as it was due for
> it's FRA inspection this year.
>
> Lee Ryan - Rio Grande Fan
> Denver, CO


As I recall, 3985 isn't due for her 15 year/1472 day FRA "inspection" until 2014. Why has she been sitting around, with nobody working on her?

Oh wait,,,,,,,,that's right,,,,,they don't have a Welder/Boilermaker any longer!

Jack, since you are debunking, do you think it needs a new firebox? If so then it could be plausible that they'd start the 15 year early rather than make piecemeal repairs. But with so much blather around who knows what to believe.

No! NOT a new firebox, since she already had new side sheets in 2009. Many stay bolt replacements, but NOT a new firebox.

HotWater Wrote:
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> Realist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Exactly who ever said the boiler was cracked in
> > the first place?
>
> Idiots on TO most likely. Someone may have
> overheard that a "crack" needed to be welded
> someplace in the firebox, and the next thing you
> know,,,,,,"The boiler is cracked!". Happens all
> the time.


Idiots on TO? The crack in the boiler was brought up by a lady working in the UP museum and you posted it was more than likely a crack in the fire box, if there was a crack. Jeez! Happens all the time, huh?

needles_sub Wrote:
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The crack in the boiler was brought
up by a lady working in the UP museum


What lady in WHAT "UP museum"? Do you mean the "UP Museum" in Council Bluffs Iowa? As far as I know, THAT is the only "UP Museum".

Sounds more like causal talk from the Cheyenne depot volunteers.

face it UP is getting tired of all those foamers chaseing it at 80 mph running people off the road!!!!

hope that doesnt happen to 4449 during its 15 year tear down in march!!!

Use the search, punch in "3985 boiler crack?". That well answer what museum, it wasn't mentioned by name, my error, and your answers to the original poster, as well how the rumor of a crack in the boiler came about.

since steve lee retired no foamers need to do over 55