Challenger No. 3985 Donated to RRHMA for Restoration

Union Pacific Steam Club Update No. 23 – April 28, 2022

We’re pleased to announce that we have donated a small portion of our heritage fleet to the non-profit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA). The donation allows Union Pacific to focus on our remaining fleet, which includes the world’s largest steam locomotive, the Big Boy UP 4014, and the fastest, the Living Legend UP 844.

The donation includes the following equipment from Union Pacific’s Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming:

  • 4-6-6-4 Challenger UP 3985
  • Class TTT 2-10-2 UP 5511
  • The Centennial UP 6936
  • E9B passenger locomotive shell
  • Four 1950s coach cars
  • Diner-Lounge car
  • Baggage car
  • Caboose
  • Two business cars: the Selma, previously Western Pacific’s Feather River, and the Stanford, originally the 1928 Southern Pacific Sunset

“Union Pacific is proud to be the only Class I railroad with steam locomotives on its roster, part of the finest heritage fleet in the world,” said Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. “We are pleased with RRHMA’s plans to restore the donated equipment for the public to enjoy. Union Pacific remains dedicated to the maintenance and operation of our remaining heritage fleet, including hosting future tours and sharing UP 4014 and UP 844 with the rail community.”

Union Pacific will move the equipment to RRHMA’s shop in Silvis, Illinois, later this year. RRHMA plans a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration of the equipment, including restoring the steam locomotives to operating condition.

“The RRHMA is a wonderful home for this historic equipment,” said Ed Dickens, steam locomotive engineer and Steam Program manager. “Railfans will look forward to seeing UP 3985 and UP 5511 return to the rails, as well as enjoy the opportunity to experience the various cars being donated.”

More information about moving these locomotives from Cheyenne to Silvis, Illinois will come later.  As always, we’ll keep Steam Club members updated.

West Coast Steam Tour

Planning continues for the Big Boy UP 4014’s “West Coast Steam Tour” continues. We don’t have updated dates yet, but when we do, Steam Club members will be the first to know!

That’s all for now.  Until next time, stay safe!

Union Pacific Steam Club