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The UP Challenger 3985 in San Antonio, 1992

What follows is a series of snaps taken by Peter Shavney and Don Burrer of the visit by the UP Challenegr 3985 to San Antonio in 1992. The city would not see such a spectacle again until 2006 during the visit of the UP 844. The 3985 is one of only two Challengers remaining and the only one in operation. Originally there were 105 of the 4-6-6-4 wheel configuration leviathans in service. They were heavy haulers, designed to move freight through mountainous regions but occaisionally also moved passenger trains. The visit of the UP 3985 was a momentous occaision for rail fans and many other local people who remembered the days when steam locomotives were as common a sight as buses throughout the region.

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The Union Pacific maintains a considerable amount of historic railroad equipment in its heritage fleet for promotional and goodwill purposes. The cost of maintaining all this rolling stock in operating condition is phenomenal. The collection is based in Wyoming. As often as possible, bearing in mind the demands of operating the largest rail network in the USA, the UP sends out heritage trains around the country.

For details of all their heritage equipment, click •Union Pacific Heritage Equipment• for details.

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