Union Pacific 3985 in Dunsmuir CA


On Labor Day 2005, the Union Pacific Challenger No 3985 visited Dunsmuir CA. during a leg of the Steve Lee Special which ran from Cheyenne through Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, No. Cal, Oregon, Idaho and back to Cheyenne. Luckily it stopped for the night in my favorite railroad town on a day-off so I could make the 200 mile round trip to see her. It was scheduled to arrive at 1500 hrs (3:00pm) but didn't make it until 1700 hrs (5:00pm) and not a single person waiting at the yard area (about 200) complained.


Crew change
Oil tank
Mallet shed
Through train
Through train

(above) Before the 3985's arrival, we were treated to six trains passing through town including two crew changes. The last crew change was just minutes before the 3985 arrived and stopped (on the Mainline) Soon after, the 3985 arrived on the mainline and stopped for about an hour before pulling forward, then backing into it's spot for the night.

3985 arriving
3985 arriving
3985 arriving
3985 waiting at depot
3985 waiting at depot
3985 waiting at depot
3985 waiting at depot
3985 waiting at depot
3985 waiting at depot
3985 waiting at depot

(above) When the 3985 arrived it stopped with the head of the train just to the north of the Depot, and people were attempting to go to the front to see the engine but there just wasn't enough room to walk. We calmly turned around and waited until it backed up about 4 car lengths to a more reasonable viewing spot. I'm surprised these first few pictures after it stopped doesn't show the hoards of people around her.

(above) Steve Lee, Manager of the UP Steam program (2nd from right) and some of his crew / conductor shake hands with the local UP yard Manager. We also got to see the steam crew service the engine. Dome car City of Portland.

(above) Me standing by the 3985. Also on this leg of the trip we got to see one of the "Heritage" units, this one in Western Pacific livery. The 3985 has 3 tenders behind her, one in the black and two in the passenger yellow.



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