Steam & Excursion > UP 3985 trip on Memorial Day 1987 - One of my favorite memories

My first excursion ride behind the UP 3985 was from Cheyenne to Laramie and return on May 24, 1987. Although the day turned rainy for the return trip the crew went the extra mile and conducted a total of 12 photo runbys. The weather actually made the photography a bit more interesting, seen here as the 3985 backs up through the steam for the final runby of the day near Sherman. From my notes that day is an observation made while the special passed a freight train on the way back to Cheyenne. I overheard Steve Lee on someone's scanner telling the other engineer to close their cab windows if they didn't want a mouthful of cinders. This was obviously prior to the conversion to oil. Another highlight on that final runby was finding myself standing next to noneother than Doyle McCormack. His comment upon seeing my surprise was "I'm just another railfan". Upon my return home I wrote a letter of thanks to Steve Lee requesting that he autograph my ticket as a souvenir. I was thrilled to receive not only my signed ticket but a set of train orders for the trip that day complete with soot from the 3985. One of my best railfan experiences ever. 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/20 19:32 by Mike4960.

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That certainly was a fun trip. Both Doyle and myself traveled to Cheyenne, and met-up for the trip (yes, we purchased tickets!). After then run to Laramie, and subsequent turning and servicing of the consist, we departed eastbound, with another runby on the west side of Sherman Hill. After the runby, we heard on the various radio scanners, that most of the fans were caring, the Steve was calling both Doyle and myself to report to the cab of 3985. The end result was, we experienced the 3985 as a coal burner, at full throttle upgrade through Hermosa Tunnel! The display of fire outside the closed-up cab windows was truly something I'll never forget.

Thanks for the memories.

nice pic,  looks like this when they were backing up

What great memories you have!
Bob

Jack I'll bet the tunnel was a pleasant experience.  I went through it on 3985 behind 844 and we looked like the road show for a Minstrel Show.

Wonderful stuff!
I heard or read somewhere that Steve Lee was very careful to choose runby locations that were meant for the Paying Passengers onboard to enjoy, and hard for the non-paying train chasers to access, whenever possible.

Jim Baker
Riverside, CA

RailRat Wrote:
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> Wonderful stuff!
> I heard or read somewhere that Steve Lee was very
> careful to choose runby locations that were meant
> for the Paying Passengers onboard to enjoy, and
> hard for the non-paying train chasers to access,
> whenever possible.

Absolutely TRUE!

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> Jack I'll bet the tunnel was a pleasant
> experience. 

Interesting to say the least!

I went through it on 3985 behind 844
> and we looked like the road show for a Minstrel
> Show.

I've been through Hermosa Tunnel, eastbound, quite a few times since as Fireman, but as an oil burner 3985 is a piece of cake, even when breathing through a water soaked cotton rag (of course the cab was always all closed up).

Here's another runby shot I took earlier on that day of fun. 
Enjoy,
Bob McGarrah
Mike4960

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Those were mighty fine days.

Bob Krieger
Cheyenne, WY

My wife to be was with me on that trip.  I made her get out and do the photo runbys, even though some of them were in quite uncomfortable weather.   The wait in Laramie was especially hard.  I guess that was a good test, she's still with me.
Bill Kepner



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/20 21:03 by drgw0579.

You guys had a Blast, nice shots and great stories! I also got to say Steve and his crew were the best, down to earth and as a fan you felt you were part of the family!

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I just got home from work and was looking over this board.
 I was called to work this morning to do switching in the yard.
The GCRY sold 539 to someone and it was being lifted onto three flats today.
Anyway, there was a blue signal up and I went to the conductor to see who it belonged to.
Guess who; Steve Lee.
We talked a bit. Nice guy. Knows his stuff.